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: Ray Kyle
Report Date: November 11, 2019
Current Conditions: Winter is here in the Vail Valley. We have been seeing colder temperatures with weekly snow showers. The flows on the Eagle have dropped to perfect wading conditions and the boats have stopped going down the river. The fish are still holding in the riffle water and we are seeing more fish in the deep pools. Midge patterns below stonefly nymphs have been working well. We have been seeing some small BWOs hatching in the afternoon with fish rising to them. Pulling a small to mid size streamers through pocket water has moved and picked up some nice fish. Please practice safe fish handling. Keep 'em wet!
Hatches:Midges
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS:Zebra Midge red/black 18-22, Demon Midge 18-20 Juju Midge 20-22, Lint Bug 20-22, Pat's Rubberlegs 10-12, Egg Patterns (cheese and chartuse), Black Rainbow Warriors 18-22, Juju Baetis 18-20, Flashback Pheasant Tail 18-20, Two Bit Hookers 18-20
DRIES: Hackle Stacker 18-22, Comparadun 18-22, Ext. Body Parachute Adams 18-20, Parachute Adams 18-22, Lost Link 16-18, Patriot 14-18
STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Motor Oil, Sparkle Minnow, Sculpzilla, Autumn Splendor, Baby Gongas