Reservoir · Denver Metro
Bear Creek Lake
Real chop. Fish stack hard on the bank taking the wind, so cast with it at your back into the shore break.
Gusting to 20 mph.
A float tube will drift — anchor or plan to kick back upwind.
Wind reading Sep 15, 5:35 AM MDT. Source: National Weather Service.
Seasonal notes
Bear Creek Lake is a Jefferson County Open Space reservoir in Lakewood, positioned roughly halfway between downtown Denver and the South Platte canyon mouth at Waterton — making it a convenient warm-up stillwater before or after a Waterton Canyon trip. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout in spring and fall and supports a resident population of smallmouth bass and channel catfish in warmer months. The surrounding 2,600-acre park has several fishing piers and significant bank access, making this one of the more family-friendly trout lakes on the metro's west side. Trolling small spinners and roostertails accounts for stocked rainbows; bank anglers use PowerBait near the marina and inlet. The lake level can fluctuate significantly depending on South Platte flood-control operations — a high-water year can dramatically change the shoreline.
What’s hatching
CallibaetisFairMay–SepIn season — nothing pushing it either way
Best: calm mornings
Chironomid (Midge)In seasonSpring & fallIn season — this one isn't tied to the day's conditions
Best: under an indicator
Leeches & BaitfishIn seasonYear-roundIn season — this one isn't tied to the day's conditions
Best: near the marina & inlet
Confidence is graded from live National Weather Service conditions and gage flow as of Sep 15, 5:35 AM MDT. Time of day is left to you — check the “Best” line above.
What changed this week
No new stocking, closures, or condition changes in the past week.
Weather
Air temp
57°F
Wind
13mph
Precip
14%
Gusting to 20 mph.
1026 mb ↑ · Mostly Sunny
Latest Stocking
Last stocked Mar 13
Special regulations
Bear Creek Lake is a Jefferson County Open Space State Park — a Colorado State Parks pass or daily fee is required in addition to a Colorado state fishing license. Standard Colorado fishing regulations apply; all legal gear and methods are permitted for trout. The lake also supports warm-water species under their respective regulations. Bear Creek above Evergreen Lake is a separate fishery with different rules.
Quick ref: City of Lakewood (recreation operator; dam owned by USACE); stocked trout; state park
Location
Nearby waters
Nearby fly shops
Get Bear Creek Lake conditions every Thursday
Flow, the go/no-go call, CPW stocking and closure notices for Bear Creek Lake — one email, Thursday morning. Sign up and we'll send this week's report right now.