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:  September 27, 2023

Current Conditions:   Its beginning to feel like fall out there and the fish know it too. Small has been the ticket. When Nymphing try some kind of soft hackle PT or Hares Ear down to a smaller bug like a Zebra Midge or Micro May Fly or Baetis/BWO pattern. Also consider throwing dry dropper rigs with some sort of Hopper on top down to a weighted nymph down to a baetis or midge. Dry fly fishing is good especially towards the evening. We are seeing Caddis, some BWO' and midges. Nymphing is still the most consistent, but what better than throwing dries. With the flows dropping and the water clear, downsize if you are not catching fish.

SPAWNING ALERT:

ACCESS CLOSURES: WARNING:

KEEP EM WET: Please follow the Keep Em Wet philosophy and keep the fish wet. If you must take a photo, leave the fish in the water.

Hatches: Caddis, BWO's, Tricos,

Recommended Flies:

NYMPHS:Juju Baetis 18-22, Rainbow Warrior 16-22, Pheasant Tail 14-20, Barr Emerger BWO 16-20, Foamback Emerger 16-20, Two Bit Hooker Red 16-18,Hares ear 14-18, Buckskin 18-20, Magic BWO 16-20

DRIES: Para Adams 18-24, Garcias Mini Hot May 16-22, Stimis 12-18, Black Elk Hair Caddis 16-20, Yellow PMX 12-18, Mimic Sedge 14-18, Griffiths Gnat 16-22, Stimi 8-16, Patriot 14-20, Brooks Sprout 18-22, Roys Special Emerger 18-22

STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Sculpzilla, Mini Dungeons, Peanut Envy, Bowlicious Olv - Blk, Baby Gonga-Blk, Goldie