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: October 9, 2021
Current Conditions: The fishing overall has slowed a bit but it is still good. Some days are better than others. The dry fly fishing is sporadic with the evenings a little better. Best to let it warm up a hair in the am but look for the BWO hatch and throw small 20-24 BWO dries and emergers. Be persistent and they will eat on top. Nymphing is still your best option right now. A great way to nymph is with a Dry Dropper Rig. Try A Chubby Chernobyl to a perdigon to a small baetis pattern like a Darth Baetis, RS2 or a Black Zebra Midge. When nymphing, use a smaller indicator and think small 18-22 for the bottom fly and 5x tippet at minimum. When the water is off color WORM WORM WORM TIP: The fish are starting to move out from the edges and into the faster currents. Dont be afraid to throw dries!
SPAWNING ALERT: The Brown Trout will be building redds this time of year so be on the lookout and leave them alone.
ACCESS CLOSURES: none reported
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: Midges, BWO's, Tricos
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS:Zebra Midge olive/black 14-16, Pheasant Tails 12-16, Barr's Emerger 14-18, Splitback BWO 16-20, Electric Caddis 14-18, Zwing Caddis 14-18, Rainbow Warrior 16-22, Hare's Ears 12-18, WD40 Grey and Rust 18-22DRIES: Para Adams 14-16, Chubby Chernobly 6-16, Obi Wan Chernobyl 8-16, Trico 18-24, Elk Hair Caddis 14-16, Renegades 12-20
STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Natural Sculpzilla, Mini Dungeons, Peanut Envy, Wedgehead