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.
Reporter: Brett Elkman
Report Date: January 17, 2020
Current Conditions: The Eagle River is producing daily with some days better than others. We will have a bit of snow today however warm weather is in the forecast through the weekend and into next week so plan on doing some fishing. Wading can be a little tricky with variable conditions and ice so be careful. There are a few spots that are open but be prepared to move around a bit. The wade fishing has stayed pretty consistent for anglers who are nymphing and on the warmer sunny days, you can still find the occasional pod of risers. The rising fish seem to prefer the single midges and emergers.Small BWO's and Midges sizes 20-24 have been the ticket underneath. Its always a good idea to have some egg and worm flies ready for the days with low bug activity! Please practice safe fish handling and keep the fish in the water. Keep 'em wet!!
Hatches:Midges!
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS:Zebra Midge red/black 18-22, Demon Midge 18-20, Purple Juju Midge 20-22, Lint Bug 20-22, Formerly Known as Prince 14-18, Egg Patterns (cheese and chartuse), Black Rainbow Warriors 18-22, Juju Baetis 18-20, Flashback Pheasant Tail 18-20, Pink and red worms
DRIES: Hackle Stacker 18-22, Small Black Trico Dries 20-24, Ext. Body Parachute Adams 18-20, Parachute Adams 18-22, Roy's Special Emerger 18-20, Patriot 14-18
STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Motor Oil, Sparkle Minnow, Natural Sculpzilla, Baby Gongas