Bear Creek, a hidden gem near Denver, Colorado, is perfect for anglers looking for a quick day trip or a few hours of quality fishing. The creek is known for its lively brown trout population, along with a mix of rainbow trout and rainbow-cutthroat hybrids. The creek offers a variety of fishing opportunities, from pocket water to deep pools and runs, making it an exciting destination for fly fishing enthusiasts of all levels.
The flows on Bear Creek are currently low, around 13.7 cubic feet per second (cfs), typical for the summer season. Recent rain has slightly muddied the water in some sections, but overall clarity remains good with about 2-3 feet of visibility. Water temperatures are in the mid-60s, which is a bit high for trout but requires caution as temperatures rise later in the day. If the water is above 50 degrees, stop fishing. As a part of conservation efforts, we avoid fishing at these temperatures to avoid stress and killing fish. Getting there early morning is key. Fall in Colorado brings air temps in the 40s and even 30s which helps trout waters stay cold and fish happy.
Trout are showing a strong preference for both surface and subsurface flies, with a variety of hatches keeping things interesting:
Nymphs: Subsurface action is also productive, especially in deeper runs and pockets. Good nymph patterns include the Tung Wonder Nymph in PMD, Panty Dropper in PMD, Bead Head Prince, Aero Baetis, Peacock Nymph, BH Electric Rock Worm, Frenchie, Juju Baetis, Zebra Midge, Crust Nymph, and RS-2. These flies are particularly effective when fished under a dry fly or with a light indicator in the clearer sections of the creek
Dry Flies: The summer months on Bear Creek are ideal for dry fly fishing. Effective patterns include the Micro Chubby, AR's BWO, Superman Caddis, Tickle Cripple in PMD, Parachute Adams, Foam Run Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Butt Head, Rosenbauer's Para Beetle, and Hippy Stomper. These patterns work well in the early mornings and late afternoons when trout are more likely to rise for surface bugs
Hopper Dropper Rigs: With summer in full swing, a hopper-dropper rig is an excellent choice throughout the day. Using a Chubby Chernobyl or tan hopper as your top fly with a smaller nymph or emerger pattern below can cover multiple feeding zones and entice trout to strike at both the surface and subsurface offerings
source: Colorado Divison of Resources Station Flow Report
For real-time data on river conditions, visit the Colorado Division of Water Resources.
Zebra Midge
Sizes: #18-22
When to Use: A reliable pattern year-round, especially effective in clear water and slower runs where trout are feeding near the bottom. Use it as a dropper beneath a dry fly or in a tandem nymph rig.
Tungsten Wonder Nymph (PMD)
Sizes: #16-18
When to Use: Effective during PMD hatches or as a general attractor pattern. The added weight helps get this fly down quickly in Bear Creek’s swift currents.
Bead Head Prince Nymph
Sizes: #14-18
When to Use: A versatile nymph that works well in various conditions. This fly is particularly effective in riffles and deeper runs where trout are holding near the bottom.
RS2
Sizes: #18-22
When to Use: This emerger pattern is effective during mayfly hatches and can be fished just below the surface or deeper in the water column. It is a great choice for targeting trout that are feeding on emerging insects.
JuJu Baetis
Sizes: #18-20
When to Use: Best used during Baetis hatches or when trout selectively feed on smaller nymphs. This fly works well in Bear Creek’s clearer sections, especially in the late morning to early afternoon.
Micro Chubby
Sizes: #14-16
When to Use: This fly is great for summer fishing when terrestrial insects are active. It is also effective in faster water and pocket water, where trout are likely to be looking for larger food items on the surface.
Parachute Adams
Sizes: #16-20
When to Use: A versatile dry fly that imitates a variety of mayflies. It's particularly effective during hatches and can be used throughout the day in Bear Creek’s calmer sections.
Foam Run Caddis
Sizes: #14-16
When to Use: Ideal for caddis hatches in the early morning and late afternoon. This fly works well when skated or drifting through riffles and along the banks where trout are feeding.
Griffith's Gnat
Sizes: #18-22
When to Use: Effective during midge hatches, which are common in the early morning or late evening. This fly can be used on the surface when you see trout sipping at small insects.
Chubby Chernobyl
Sizes: #10-14
When to Use: A perfect hopper pattern for the summer months. Trout often strike these flies aggressively when fished near overhanging vegetation or in faster water.
Dry fly fishing and dry-dropper rigs are among the most effective techniques on Bear Creek, especially during the summer months when terrestrial insects and hatches are abundant.
Dry-Dropper Rigs: This setup involves a buoyant dry fly (like a Chubby Chernobyl or Elk Hair Caddis) as the indicator fly, with a small nymph or emerger (such as a Zebra Midge or RS2) suspended below. The dry-dropper rig is ideal for covering both surface and subsurface feeding zones, particularly in Bear Creek's pocket water and riffles. This approach allows you to fish different water columns effectively and increases your chances of enticing both surface and bottom-feeding trout
Target Specific Areas: Focus on fishing along the banks, seams, and eddies where trout are more likely to rise for surface insects. Present your dry flies with a drag-free drift to imitate the natural behavior of the insects. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for dry fly action, especially during hatch periods or when terrestrials are most active
Nymphing can be highly productive, particularly in deeper runs, pools, and pocket water. Bear Creek’s clear water means you’ll often need to get your flies down quickly and keep them in the feeding lanes for longer.
Short-Line Nymphing: Given the tighter quarters and clear water, short-line nymphing (or high-sticking) is effective for targeting trout in Bear Creek’s faster runs and pocket water. This technique involves keeping a tight line to your nymphs with minimal slack, allowing for better control and sensitivity to subtle strikes. It’s particularly effective when targeting fish holding close to the bottom in faster water
Two-Fly Nymph Rig: Use a two-fly nymph rig with a heavier fly like a Bead Head Prince Nymph or Pat’s Rubber Legs as the point fly, followed by a smaller, more natural nymph like a Zebra Midge, JuJu Baetis, or RS2 as a dropper. This setup allows you to cover multiple depths and food sources, which is ideal for the varying conditions in Bear Creek
Light Indicators: If using an indicator, opt for a smaller, lighter indicator that will be less likely to spook trout in the clear water. Keep your presentation natural by ensuring your flies drift at the right depth with the current.
While Bear Creek is relatively small, streamer fishing can still be effective, particularly when targeting larger, more aggressive trout in deeper pools or near structure.
Swinging and Stripping Streamers: Streamers like Woolly Buggers or Baby Gonga are excellent choices for imitating small baitfish or crayfish. Swing or strip these flies through deeper pools and along undercut banks where bigger trout may be hiding. Vary your retrieve speed and direction to mimic wounded or fleeing prey, provoking more aggressive strikes
Focus on Low-Light Conditions: Streamer fishing is most productive during low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening. It can also be effective when the water is slightly off-color due to recent rain, making trout less cautious and more likely to chase larger prey.
Bear Creek’s small size and clear water require a stealthy approach, especially when sight fishing for trout holding in shallow runs or near the banks.
Polarized Sunglasses: Use polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot fish holding in deeper pools or along the edges of the creek. Being able to see the fish allows you to target specific individuals with precise casts.
Long Leaders and Light Tippet: Use longer leaders (9-12 feet) and light tippets (5x-6x) to reduce visibility and avoid spooking fish. Approach the water carefully, keep a low profile, and minimize unnecessary movements that could alert the trout to your presence.
Read the Water: Look for subtle signs of fish activity, such as bubbles, surface disturbances, or slight changes in water color that indicate seams or feeding lanes. Focus on fishing these areas thoroughly before moving on.
Bear Creek can experience rapid changes in conditions due to weather or water releases. Adapting your tactics based on current conditions is key to success.
Stay Flexible: Be prepared to switch tactics throughout the day based on fish behavior and water conditions. If dry flies aren’t working, switch to nymphing or streamers. Keep a variety of flies and adjust your presentation as needed.
Fish Early or Late: Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to fish Bear Creek, as trout are more active and feeding. During the middle of the day, especially on hot, sunny days, focus on deeper pools or shaded areas where fish might be holding.