Bear Creek (Evergreen to Morrison)
Bear Creek (Evergreen to Morrison) — Fishing Report for April 26, 2026
Quick Stats
Flow: 8 CFS | Trend: Stable | Fishability: Fair | Weather: Showers and thunderstorms, high 55°F
The Bite
The weather is the headline today. Afternoon thunderstorms are in the forecast, which means your fishable window is compressed — plan to be on the water by mid-morning and off by early afternoon. The silver lining: overcast skies ahead of the storm front are prime conditions for BWO activity, and Bear Creek's browns can be surprisingly willing risers when the light goes flat and the barometer drops.
Flow is the other story. At 8 CFS, the creek is running well below the expected April range of 15–40 CFS — a direct consequence of one of the lightest snow years on record in the South Platte basin. Snowpack is sitting at just 16% of normal, and water-year precipitation is at 65%. That's a significant deficit, and it shows in the gauge. The upside: low, clear water concentrates fish in predictable structure — deeper pools, undercut banks, and the slower water behind mid-channel boulders. You don't need to cover a lot of water today. Find the right seam and work it thoroughly.
Fish are likely holding tight to the bottom in those deeper slots, but the overcast conditions and mild temps should encourage some upward movement, especially between 11 AM and 1 PM before the storms build. Keep an eye on the surface — if you see noses, the fish are telling you something.
What to Fish
- Jigged CDC Pheasant Tail #16 — anchor nymph, natural drift through the deepest slots and pool tailouts
- Copper John #16–18 — trail 10–14" behind the Pheasant Tail as a second nymph; the flash gets attention in clear water
- Parachute Adams #16–18 — searching dry if you see any surface activity; fish it drag-free through the slower current edges
- Blue Winged Olive Parachute #18 — switch to this if you spot a genuine BWO hatch between 11 AM and 1 PM
- Griffith's Gnat #18–20 — midge cluster imitation for any midging fish in the flatter water
- Sowbug (gray) #16–18 — worth a try in the slower, deeper runs where fish are holding low
Tactics & Rigging
With flows this low and the water gin-clear, presentation matters more than pattern selection. Start with a double-nymph rig: Jigged Pheasant Tail on point with a Copper John trailing 12" above it on a 6X fluorocarbon tippet. Keep your indicator small — or ditch it entirely and high-stick through the runs if you can get close enough. Stealth is your edge today; slow your approach and stay low.
If surface activity develops ahead of the storm, switch to a dry-dropper: Parachute Adams on top with a size 18 RS2 or midge pupa dropped 14–18" below. Let it ride the seam untouched — any drag in this clear, slow water will put fish down fast.
Access & Logistics
Bear Creek Trail provides easy access along most of the corridor between Evergreen and Morrison. Parking at Lair o' the Bear Park fills quickly on weekends — arrive early. With thunderstorms forecast for the afternoon, be off the water and away from exposed areas well before 2 PM. Lightning risk in this corridor is real.
Stop by Trouts Fly Fishing or a local Front Range shop for flies and current intel before heading out.
Looking Ahead
Snow is in the forecast tonight and again Monday, which could temporarily bump flows slightly — worth checking the gauge before your next trip. With such a lean snowpack, don't expect a dramatic spring runoff pulse; the creek may stay fishable and low through May, which is unusual but not unwelcome.