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: September 18, 2018
Current Conditions: Even with the cooler temperatures Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Eagle Watershed Council, and the local Trout Unlimited chapter still is asking for the voluntary closures of the Eagle River from 2:00 pm to midnight due to the historic low waters. These current water conditions are causing the water temperatures to rise too high to fish in the afternoon. Any temperature above 68 degrees can kill trout, especially if they are stressed (ie, hooked and fought) On a lighter note, fishing has been great in those early hours of the day. We have been seeing Midge, Trico, BWOs and October caddis hatches that the trout are taking off the surface. If you’re not seeing fish rising, a dry dropper rig is a great approach. Also, streamer fishing is picking up some of the browns staging for their annual spawn. .
Hatches:Midges, Tricos, BWOs, and October Caddis
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS:Guides Choice Hare’s Ear 14-16, Nitro Pupa 14-16, Z Wing Caddis 14-16, Iron Sally 16-18, Tungsten Yellow Sally 14-16, Silvermans BH Epoxy Sally 14-16, Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18
DRIES: Elk Hair Caddis 14-16, Front End Loader 14-16, Foam Caddis Tan/Black 14-16, Clacka Caddis 14-16, PMX 12-16, Stimulator 12-16, Chubby Chernobyl 10-12, Patriot 14-16, Parachute Adams 18-22
STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Motor Oil, Sparkle Minnow, Sculpzilla, Autumn Splendor, Baby Gongas