May 14, 2011
Flow: 29 CFS
Water Temp: 46 Degrees
Clarity: Gin Clear

Today was an interesting day weather-wise at Bear Creek, however, there were plenty of fish to be had.  Although we got rained on for most of the afternoon, my buddy and I managed to catch plenty of wild browns.

We started the day at The Lair of the Bear outside of Ideldale and rigged dry-dropper rigs on the 3 weights. A size #18 Parachute Adams trailed by a size #18 Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail seemed to be the combination of choice for the day. Although there were no fish visibly rising, we managed a few on top.  Most of the fish were taken subsurface with the Soft Hackle PT, however, Red Copper Johns, standard Beadhead Pheasant Tails, and Hare’s Ears all took fish.

Most fish were found in the faster runs and riffles, in no more than 2 feet of water. We also caught plenty of fish out of the pocket water but they really seemed to be all over the place. Towards the end of the day, we moved down the canyon and worked Slumpbusters in the deeper pools. A small, size #6 black Slumpbuster took a few fish when jigged through the deep water.

 

Although the fish in Bear Creek are on the smaller side, it’s a great creek with tons of public access, and a perfect place to catch a few fish before or after work. I chose to use a 7′ 3wt Scott Fiberglass rod which made some of the 8 inchers feel like monsters!