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The Location

Directions from Denver

Tuesday, January 6th, 2026

Winter has firmly taken hold of the canyon. Bear Creek is currently in its most technical state of the year, with flows hovering around 15 CFS. While the lower sections near Morrison are still offering some open water, expect significant shelf ice as you move further up toward Kittredge and Evergreen. This is a game of patience right now. The fish are stacked in the deepest, slowest pools they can find to conserve energy. If you’re looking for a quick mid-day escape from the city, it’s worth a look, but keep your expectations tempered and your eyes peeled for those small windows of open water.

Tuesday, June 24th, 2025

It appears that runoff has peaked on Bear Creek. The waterway has been coming down in flows since reaching a high on June 3rd. This makes Bear Creek an excellent option if you are looking to get out while staying closer to Denver. Expect very active fish who are willing and ready to “look up”. The trout will spread out within the system and have their feedbag on as long as water temperatures stay below 60° Fahrenheit. Take your thermometer and keep an eye on it. Fish early and later in the day. These will be the most productive time frames on the water, anyhow. Go out and get some hopper dropper action going. Fishing a large dry like a Hippy Stomper or an Amy’s Ant with a good size dropper, such as the FL CDL Bomb or Perdigon, will be sure to move fish. 

Friday, June 6th, 2025

Bear Creek’s runoff is currently moderate compared to historical averages, though conditions can shift rapidly. Expect daily fluctuations due to warm weather melting snow at higher elevations and consistent afternoon thunderstorms. Despite potentially higher water levels, Bear Creek remains a prime fishing spot near Denver this time of year. Focus on the river’s edges and slower-moving areas. Use a dry-dropper rig. A large, bushy dry fly like a Hippy Stomper or Amy’s Ant. Pair it with a heavy dropper such as the FL CDL Bomb or Copper John to catch fish. With rushing flows,  try using attractor patterns such as the Squirmy Worm or Mop Fly.

Friday, May 2nd, 2025

Bear Creek is a great small stream option this time of year. The slight increase in flows helps increase fish activity and feeding. Look for fish to be active throughout the day. There should be some cool weather ahead. Rain will push flows and add substrate to the system. Dry dropper rigs with a large Chubby Chernobyl, Amy’s Ant or large Beetle with a sizable dropper below can be a super fun way to fish out the day. If they are picky, downsize and fish Midges and Blue Wings.

Monday, March 3rd, 2025

The weather has been warm over the last week, making Bear Creek a viable option (No doubt more open water than my previous visit below). If you will hit it, get out there now; we have a round of winter weather headed our way! Fishing will depend on the water you fish. Focus on the deeper pockets and protected areas where fish will feel safe but still able to feed. Midges are the main play, but the Baetis are starting to make a stronger appearance.

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025

Bear Creek saw some real winter in the last few weeks. The cold snap we had rolled through left most of the river frozen. While the warm week we have might get things back open, expect fishing to be somewhat stunted while the river thaws back out. We currently have average snowpack levels and a good bit of winter to come! Keep your eyes on spring for this small close to home fishery.

Tuesday, November 19th, 2024

It is getting cold out there! Bear Creek is in winter condition. Expect cold weather and snow to cause this fishery to shut down throughout the winter. If there are continued stretches of mild and dry temps, gear up. Keep in mind that the fish will be stacked in the slowest, deepest water they can find.

Saturday, November 2nd, 2024

We are finally starting to see some winter conditions at higher elevations. It has mostly been dry this fall but with some slight rain and snow that has moved into the creek, fishing has been good. Expect things to continue to be low and clear through the rest of the year. The conditions will be variable based on weather going forward so get out there while you can!

Tuesday, August 27th, 2024

Summer has been consistent on Bear Creek. The flows get a little bump every time it rains and then stabilize. The water is a typical summer low. The best option right now is a dry dropper all day long. Chubby Chernobyl’s followed with a short dropper to a Copper John or an emerger of your choice. Fish the quick oxygenated water and avoid the hottest parts of the day. If you temp the water, maybe pack it in if you are pushing past 60 degrees.

Monday, July 22nd, 2024

This great little creek has been steady throughout the early summer. The flows have been consistent, and the fish, I am sure, are appreciative. Keep the dries on the line here. Dual dry flies can be a super joy. Try going smaller in the morning with an Elk Hair and Adams or Griffiths Gnat. Then switch to a big dry as things heat up, and the hoppers move. I like to fish a tan hopper with a small black ant or beetle behind while running and gunning.

Sunday, June 30th, 2024

Bear Creek was possibly the first tributary of the South Platte River to turn back into solid fishing condition. The water is currently in GREAT shape. The clarity has been about 2-3 feet, and bugs are abundant. Main play through the summer on this section would be a Hopper Dropper rig. Focus your dry to match the hoppers while they are around, but also consider a large ant, beetle, or stonefly. My favorite dropper through the summer is some sort of caddis soft hackle emerger such as the Holy Grail, Knuckle Head.