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: August 14, 2020
Current Conditions: The Eagle is LOW and with no rain, be sure to check the temperatures daily. Stay off the water after 1:30 - 2:00. Keep the fish wet and try to limit photos and leave the fish in the water. Caddis, Red Quills and midges throughout the day and Tricos in the early. The name of the game is small right now, 18-22. The Hopper bite has been solid as with most terrestrials. Float fishing is done. Wade fishing access is getting better by the day but limit your fishing to the morning. Dry fly fishing is on so mix it up with a double dry combo like an Elk Hair Caddis to a Spruots emerger. Para Adams as a trailer has been a good pattern lately and a small trico in the early am. Hopper dropper action is good too. Dont be afraid to throw an ant pattern too. I have had much luck with that. When the water warms a little, try a zebra midge or a Darth Baetis.
Hatches:Caddis, Red Quill, Tricos
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS:Zebra Midge olive/black 14-22, Hares Ear 16-20, Pheasant Tails 14-20, Rainbow Warrior 16-20, Pats Rubber Legs, Darth Baetis 18-22, Barr Emerger, Gold Microstone 14-16, Natural Worm 10-14
DRIES: Para Wulff 10-18, Missing Link Caddis 14-18, Para Adams 16-22, Elk Hair Caddis 12-18, Para Extended Body PMD 14-18, Yellow Stimi 12-16, Black Sprouts Midge 18-22
STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Motor Oil, Sparkle Minnow, Natural Sculpzilla, Baby Gongas