Eagle River Fishing Report | 7/31/13

 Where to go and what to use on the Eagle River

Some much needed rain has cooled our favorite freestone down and made the trouts very happy, wade fishing has been nothing short of fantastic from the headwaters to the confluence . Flows have dropped below 200 cfs making for easy wading and the ability to cross to less pressured places. The public hot spots this week have been the Wolcott area and the headwaters above Minturn. While nymphing continues to produce most fish, be on the lookout for risers in low light conditions. Trico’s, Pmd’s, Yellow Sallies, Blue Quills, Terrestrials and of course Mr  Caddis have been on the menu in abundance. Anyone who knows the Eagle understands she begins to fish on the technical side during mid-summer conditions. Falling back on your favorite midge patterns will help during the heat of the day when the larger insects stop moving until low light. Don’t forget Mr Ant.

The lower River below Eagle – the Confluence is also fishing very well with some of the same food sources. This stretch can be water temperature sensitive so try and stay away from the heat of the day. This is one of the best places on the Eagle to find some space to yourself and have the opportunity at some of her big resident browns.

The upper reaches above Minturn- Red Cliff have been the place to be for you dry fly nuts. The Attractor Dry hatch is in full swing from Kirby Cosmos upstream.

Watch rising water temps in the afternoons, protect the resource.