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: January 14, 2019
Current Conditions: The milder temperatures are going to give way to some cooler weather with the possibility of snow. Winter is here and the river is frozen in many areas. The lower Eagle is staying less frozen, especially in the afternoon. Look for the open water near the water treatment plants and feeder creeks. If you are heading out to the river, be sure to dress in layers and bring your rain jacket. We have been seeing some small midges on warmer days that the trout are taking off the surface. Nymphing with stoneflies, midges, eggs, worms and baetis has been productive throughout the day and should definitely be your focus. .
Hatches:Midges
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS:Pat's Rubberlegs 10-12, Egg Patterns (cheese and chartuse), Midge Bomb 18-20, Black Rainbow Warriors 18-22, Zebra Midge (Black, Red, White) 18-22, Juju Baetis 18-20, Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18
DRIES: Griffith Gnat 16-20, Renegade 16-18, Midge Dries, Ext. Body Parachute Adams 18-22, Parachute Adams 18-22
STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Motor Oil, Sparkle Minnow, Sculpzilla, Autumn Splendor, Baby Gongas