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Reporter: Ray Kyle
Report Date: September 10, 2017
Current Conditions: The flows on the Eagle are as low as I've seen them in six years. Try to avoid the mid day heat to keep the fish alive. We are seeing some small Caddis hatches still. Also, the BWOs are back on cloudy days. Golden Stones are hatching overnight in some sections of the river, they are definiantly moving around the river during the days. Very small tricos are hatching early in the morning, as well as in the evening and trout are targeting them. Nymphing with mid-size stoneflies and very small midge or baetis patterns in tandem. The lower Eagle below Wolcott into Eagle and Gypsum has had good clarity and consitant bug hatches. Keep an eye on the river after large monsoon rains, below Wolcott can be blown out if the rains are strong. On cloudy days, try throwning some streamers to big out the Big Boys. Be careful when wading, the Eagle is infamous for its greased bowling ball like rocks. Use cleats and a wading staff to help your chances of not slipping in the river. Keep the fish in mind too and use barbless hooks and "keep em wet" especially during the heat of mid day.
Guide Tip: Fish small midge flies in size 20-22
Hatches: Tricos, Caddis, BWOs and Golden Stones
Recommended Flies: NYMPHS: RS2 20-22, Magic Fly 20-22, Zebra Midge 18-22, Green Psycho Prince 14-18, Flashback Pheasant Tails 18-20, BWO Flashback Barr's Emerger 16-18, Pat's Bread Crust 14-16, Electric Caddis 16-18, Caddis Pupa 14-16, Prince Nymph 14-18, Twenty Bomb 12-14, Pats Rubber Legs Golden 8-12
DRIES: Para Adams 16-20, Mini Hot Garcia 16-18, Foam Parachute 16-18, Mahogany Parachute Ext. Body 18-22, Irresistible Adams 16-18, Renegade 16-20, Pearl and Elk Caddis 16-18, Clacka Caddis 16-18, X2 Caddis 16-18, PMX Royal 14-16, Yellow Stimulator 14-16
STREAMERS:Thin Mint, Motor Oil, Sparkle Minnow, Sculpzilla, Autumn Splendor, Baby Gongas
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.
Select the updated graph for a larger version.
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.