Weekly Report
At this point, Bear Creek is largely frozen over. While you can still find a few open runs/pools in sections that receive ample sunlight, productivity is minimal. Ice buildup may fluctuate a little over the coming weeks depending on overnight and afternoon air temps, but for the most part, you’re better off fishing a nearby tailwater. If you’re dead set on fishing Bear Creek, fish the warmest hours of the day (12 pm – 3 pm) and locate a section with minimal ice buildup that receives direct sunlight. Trout are sluggish and favoring the deepest part of the water column in soft water to conserve energy. Euro nymph rigs and dry double droppers are the best tactics for reaching these trout. Use a tungsten bead nymph or split shot to get your flies down quickly. You’ll need to hit trout on the nose for them to eat, so cover every inch of a pool/run before moving on. Red/Black/Purple Zebra Midges, Black Beauties, Mercury Midges, red Copper Johns, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, Rainbow Warriors, Frenchies, Perdigons and Flashback Pheasant Tails will get the most attention. Until conditions improve, we will postpone further report updates and temporarily decommission daily forecasts for this creek.
Recommended Flies
Subsurface
- Zebra Midge (red/black #18-20)
- Mercury Midge (#18-20)
- Mercury Black Beauty (#18-20)
- Sparkle Wing RS2 (#18-20)
- JuJu Baetis (#18-20)
- San Juan Worm
- Prince Nymph (#16-18)
- Psycho Prince (#16-18)
- Flashback Pheasant Tail (#16-18)
- Rainbow Warrior (#18)
- Guide's Choice Hare's Ear (#14-18)
- Frenchie (#16-18)
- Perdigon (#16-18)
Surface
- Griffiths Gnat (#18-22)
- Parachute Adams (#18-22)
- Amy's Ant (#12-14)
- Chubby Chernobyl (#12-14)
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River Flow
Detailed River Info
Background:
Bear Creek is a small creek that starts in the Mount Evans Wilderness area and eventually feeds into the South Platte in Englewood. Bear Creek flows through the town of Evergreen, Kittredge and Morrison before it dumps into Bear Creek Lake. Only 30 minutes from Denver, Bear Creek is a solid option for anglers looking for a quick trip to scratch the fly fishing itch. While there are many access points, Lair O’ the Bear Park is one of the most popular access points. With that said, there are numerous parks between Lair O’ the Bear and Evergreen that provide easy access and great fishing. Anglers can expect to catch Brown and Rainbow Trout in the 6” – 12” range. If you’re looking for Brook Trout, the Mount Evans Wilderness area will be your best bet. Bear Creek is a freestone creek and therefore is best fished during the summer and fall.
Angling:
If you’re looking for a true mountain creek fishing experience, Bear Creek is a great option for anglers of all experience levels. 3 weight – 5 weight rods will be all that you need and our go-to rig is leading with an Amy’s Ant followed by a size #18 - #22 Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail or SJ Worm. These trout are eager but can be easy to miss so be ready to set the hook with each cast. Fish the obvious pools and runs but don’t rule out the pocket water. Some of our most productive days come from quickly moving upstream and making 1 – 2 casts to small pockets.
River Access
Bear Creek runs alongside Highway 74 providing for easy access throughout. From Denver, Take Highway 6 or I-70 to C-470. Take the Morrison Exit near Bandimere Speedway. Take Highway 74 west towards Evergreen and stay on this road for roughly 6 miles until you see Lair O’ the Bear Park on your left. Once you park, it’s a short walk to the creek.