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: April 19th, 2025
Current Conditions: The weather is all over the place. Currently, it is cold and the river is clearing. Expect that to change daily. We are seeing Winter Stones and Midges and BWO's. Nymphing has been consistent. Try a Pats Rubber Leg to a smaller fly like a Zebra Midge or a rainbow warrior behind it. For the dry fly fisherman, the bite has definitely picked up and the BWO's Are Flying!! Try throwing an Extended Body BWO with a BWO Comparadun or Barr Emerger behind it. For you streamer fisherman, the streamer game has definitley picked up and is a great option in the off color water. Try an articulated Extrovert in Tan or Olive. ATTENTION FISHERMEN: The Rainbow Trout are spawining so be sure to leave them alone and DON'T FISH TO THEM. Look For Reds and Stay away.
KEEP EM WET: Please follow the Keep Em Wet philosophy and keep the fish wet. If you must take a photo, leave the fish in the water.
Hatches: Midges, BWOs, Winter Stones
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS:Juju Baetis 18-22, Rainbow Warrior 16-22, Pheasant Tail 16-24, Barr Emerger BWO 16-20, Black Copper John 16-18,Hares Ear 14-18, Bling Midge 16-20, Zebra Midge 18-22, Chocolate Thunder 18-22, Neon Nightmare 18-22, Pats Rubber LegDRIES: Para Adams 18-24, Garcias Mini Hot May 16-22, Roy's Special Emerger 18-22, Chubby Chernobyl 8-16, Brooks BWO 18-22, Chocolate Thunder Emerger, Remote Control Emerger, Sprouts Emerger
STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Sculpzilla, Mini Dungeons, Bowlicious, Extrovert, Rusty Trumbone