RIVER REPORT
EAGLE RIVER
The Eagle River is a magnificent fishery, that while not well known, is a consistent producer of hard fighting rainbow, brown, and cut-bow trout. The Eagle River begins outside of Camp Hale and terminates in the Colorado River near Dotsero.
RECOMMENDED FLIES
- #18 BWO Parachute
- #18-20 Black Mayhem Midge
- #18 Purple Juju Baetis
- #10 Squirmy Worm
- #10 Black Pats Rubber Leg
- #14 Cold War Caddis Jig
Report Date: April 8th 2021
Fishing on the Eagle has definitely been picking up with the arrival of spring. The warmer weather has plenty of bugs hatching, and the fish are feeding heavily. Flows have started to come up, and the water has definitely been getting a bit off color, especially below Wolcott. The fishing remains good, just be ready to change your tactics if you encounter some dirty water. Rainbows and Cutthroats have started spawning, so be mindful of Redds, avoid posted spawning areas, and don’t fish to spawning fish.
Midges and BWO’s are still the predominant food source right now. Sizes 18-20 Midge and BWO patterns (nymph and dry) have been most productive, but larger attractor nymphs like worms, eggs, stoneflies, and caddis have been starting to have increased success as well. While nymphing is still going to be most consistent, warmer days have been producing good hatches that have been bringing lots of fish to the surface, and dry fly fishing can be great at these times. Fish are definitely starting to spread out from their winter holes to faster and shallower water, especially on warm days. With good clarity, focus on smaller bugs and dries/emergers, and if the water is off color, focus on nymphing deeper with some larger, flashier flies.
The rising flows and added color in the water mean that streamers are also a good option. The dirtier the water is, the darker the streamer I go with.
Please be ethical out there and minimize your fish handling. Stop by the shop or give us a call for more information!
Water Levels