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.
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: Emily Dmohowski
Report Date: May 9, 2020
Current Conditions: From the Governor's Stay at Home Order: "Do not take a “Colorado vacation” or go to your second home. Limit activities to your immediate community. Do not travel to mountain areas or the Western Slope. This is to prevent disease spread." For locals: Avoid float fishing and travelling in the same car with your buddies. The Lower Eagle has been off color for the last few days and fishing has been trying. The Upper Eagle has visability in the water and you should think about using your traditional high water rigs, bigger with a bit of flash.
Hatches:Midges and BWOs!
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS:Zebra Midge red/black 18-22, Barr's BWO emerger 18-20, Hares Ear 16-20, Lint Bug 20-22, Formerly Known as Prince 14-18, Egg Patterns (cheese and chartuse), Black Rainbow Warriors 18-22, Juju Baetis 18-20, Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-20, Pink and red worms
DRIES: Hackle Stacker BWO 18-22, Small Black Trico Dries 20-24, Ext. Body Parachute BWO 18-20, Sprout BWO 18-20, Parachute Adams 18-22, Roy's Special Emerger 18-20, Patriot 14-18
STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Motor Oil, Sparkle Minnow, Natural Sculpzilla, Baby Gongas