FISHING REPORT: EAGLE RIVER
OVERVIEW
The Eagle River is our home river and flows right behind our shop in Edwards. It is an excellent freestone river with prolific hatches. It flows from high above Camp Hale south of Redcliff to its confluence with the Colorado River in Dotsero. It is most famous for the prolific Caddis hatches that come off in the spring and early summer. The Eagle is noted for its excellent dry fly fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout. The float fishing season is fantastic but short and runs from April-July in most years. The Eagle can wade fished year round and there is excellent public access to the river below Wolcott and above Edwards.
Temperature
Discharge
Other Information
Vail Valley Anglers fishes the Eagle River near Vail, Avon, Edwards, Eagle, and Gypsum Colorado. The fishing on the Eagle is good every month of the year. We provide Guided Fishing Trips Daily throughout the winter. Let us show you some tips for catching fish by hiring a guide for the day. During late spring and through July float fishing is the best way to access the Eagle River. The rest of the year the Eagle is at ideal levels for wade fishing. Take a guided trip and see what an amazing fishery we have in our back yard.
Reporter: Brett Elkman
Report Date: May 7, 2021
Current Conditions: Spring has sprung and with that the flows will vary. Right now the river is up and off color but witht the cooler weather on the way it should clear a little toward the middle of next week. Wade Fisherman be careful. Floaters, it is low but will fluctuate. CLIMBING ROCK IS OPEN. Midge hatch produced fish on top the other day but with the fluctuating water levels, a worm and a perdigon are a safe bet. With the bump in water level those fish are going to be seeking refuge along the banks and softer pockets going forward. The rainbows are still spawning so please stay away from these areas. Specifically, the I-70 hole, this is the largest spawning area in the valley. Be weary as you fish and keep an eye out for redds. Refrain from fishing these areas that have posted spawning alert signs as we try to protect this fishery we love so much!
SPAWNING ALERT: Be on the lookout for Redds and spawning rainbow trout and DO NOT TREAD OR FISH in the area. Sensitive areas are I70 hole and Gypsum.
ACCESS CLOSURES: NONE
KEEP EM WET: We tend to associate keeping fish wet with warm temps and that is good, however, the same goes for Keeping Em Wet in the freezing winter temps too. Trout are susceptible frostbite and their gills can freeze. With winter here, remember to try to keep the fish wet, continue to limit photos and leave the fish in the water.
Hatches: Midges & Baetis
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS:Zebra Midge olive/black 14-16, Pheasant Tails 12-16, Barr's Emerger 14-18, Worms 12-18, Eggs 12-16DRIES: Para Adams 14-16, Hopper patterns 6-12, Elk Hair Caddis 14-16
STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Natural Sculpzilla, Mini Dungeons, Peanut Envy, Wedgehead