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.
Stop by the shop, mention you saw our fishing report and pick up your FREE Umpqua 2018 sample fly pack. (Limit one per customer)
Reporter: Ray Kyle
Report Date: March 21, 2019
Current Conditions: The Eagle River has opened up and fishable throughout, however there has been some color to the water below Wolcott. Be careful walking on the remaining ice shelves, as they are unstable. The Upper Colorado River Basin is currently at 138% for average snow fall, which could mean a great summer ahead. Look for longer stretches of open water below the water treatment plants and feeder creeks. We have been seeing some giant adult midge hatches and the trout have been taking them off the surface. Nymphing with stoneflies, midges, eggs, worms and baetis have been productive throughout the day and should definitely be your focus. Large Red or white midges are the main meal for the hungry trout in the river.
Hatches:Midges
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS:Pat's Rubberlegs 10-12, Egg Patterns (cheese and chartuse), Midge Bomb 18-20, Black Rainbow Warriors 18-22, Zebra Midge (Black, Red, White) 18-22, Juju Baetis 18-20, Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18
DRIES: Griffith Gnat 16-20, Renegade 16-18, Midge Dries, Ext. Body Parachute Adams 18-22, Parachute Adams 18-22
STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Motor Oil, Sparkle Minnow, Sculpzilla, Autumn Splendor, Baby Gongas