EAGLE RIVER

A winter storm moved through the valley a few weeks bringing us our first snow of the season.  The cooler weather is much needed, and will provide the fish a reprieve from the high temperatures they have been experiencing.  The precipitation from the storm has also bumped the flows a little bit, which should make the fishing pick up.  The weather may warm again before we fully get into fall, so still be conscious of water temps going forward, but as the weather starts changing, look for the fish to start trying to pack on the pounds before winter arrives.

Flows are still ideal for wading, and it doesn’t look like we will get enough precipitation to make floating a possibility.  The main hatches to focus on right now are still Caddis and Tricos, but we are already starting to see good numbers of BWOs and Midges, and they will become progressively more important as we move into fall.  Smaller Midge, Baetis and Trico patterns subsurface have definitely started to be the ticket, whether under an indicator or below a dry fly.  The Trico action will happen early, with other bugs coming off sporadically throughout the day.  Hopper fishing has been great as well, with green being my most productive color right now.  Nymphing some of the deeper holes will start to be more productive on cooler mornings, but dry and dry/dropper setups are still working great in riffles, pocket water, and along the banks.   

The streamer action has definitely picked up a bit with the cold weather we have experienced, and look for it to keep getting better as we move into fall.   

Still be conscious of the water temps and minimize your fish handling as much as possible. Stop by the shop or give us a call for more information!