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: January 12, 2021
Current Conditions: Warmer Temps are on the menu so expect portions of the river to losen up. Be careful of the ice flow. Look for areas that have good waterflow. The dry fly fishing is sporadic with early afternoons being the target zone. Best to let it warm up in the am but look for the Midge hatch and throw small 20-24 Midge dries and emergers. Be persistent and they will eat on top. Nymphing is still your best option right now. Get it down and be stealthy. When nymphing use a smaller indicator or yarn indicator. A perdigon to a small midge pattern like a Zebra Midge or a Demon Midge. Think small 18-22 for the bottom fly and 5x tippet at minimum. Midge patterns are producing best but dont be afraid to mix it up with eggs and worms. The streamer Bite is good too. TIP: Dont be afraid to throw a mixed bag out there until you find whats working.
SPAWNING ALERT: The Brown Trout spawn is all but done but be sure to leave them alone if you see some late spawn activity.
ACCESS CLOSURES: none reported
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, BWO's
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS:Zebra Midge olive/black 14-16, Pheasant Tails 12-16, 2 Bit Hooker 16-20, Juju Baetis 16-22, RS2 18-24, Rainbow Warrior 16-22, WD40 Grey and Rust 18-22, Squirmy Worms, Eggs, Demon Midge 18-24, Pure Midge Red 18-22DRIES: Para Adams 18-24, Garcias May 16-22, Sprouts Midge 18-22, Roy's Special Emerger 18-22, Griffiths Gnat 18-22
STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Sculpzilla, Mini Dungeons, Peanut Envy, Bowlicious Olv - Blk