Gore Creek, Eagle River & Roaring Fork River
Fishing conditions across the central Colorado rivers remain good heading into Memorial Day weekend, with low snowpack and an earlier-than-normal runoff keeping many rivers clearer and more fishable than typical for late May. Anglers are finding productive fishing throughout the Vail Valley and Roaring Fork Valley, especially during morning hours and on cooler, cloudy afternoons.
Gore Creek
Gore Creek is fishing well right now with good clarity in most sections through Vail. Flows have increased slightly during warm afternoons but remain manageable for walk-and-wade anglers. Early mornings have produced the best action before snowmelt picks up later in the day.
Midges, Blue Wing Olives, and small caddis are active throughout the system. Nymph rigs with stonefly patterns, pheasant tails, zebra midges, and small baetis droppers have been producing consistently. Dry fly opportunities are improving during afternoon BWO hatches, especially on overcast days.
The creek remains technical with clear water conditions, so lighter tippet and accurate presentations are important.
Eagle River
The Eagle River continues to fish well from Minturn downstream through Edwards and Wolcott. Water clarity has remained decent despite warmer daytime temperatures, and flows are still favorable for both wade and float fishing in select stretches.
The Mother’s Day Caddis hatch is beginning to taper off, but caddis activity remains strong during evenings. Trout are actively feeding on stonefly nymphs, BWOs, and emerging caddis. Productive setups have included Pat’s Rubber Legs, prince nymphs, RS2s, and small perdigons under an indicator.
Streamer fishing has also improved during low-light periods, especially along deeper banks and softer seams.
Roaring Fork River
The Roaring Fork River is currently one of the better fisheries in the region due to lower-than-average runoff conditions this spring. The upper river from Aspen to Basalt remains clear, cool, and highly productive. Anglers should focus on the morning and late-afternoon windows, as water temperatures rise quickly in the lower sections near Carbondale and Glenwood Springs.
Midges and BWOs continue to hatch daily, with caddis activity increasing during warmer afternoons. Fish are holding in riffles, seams, and transitional water where oxygen levels remain high.
Recommended flies include:
• Pat’s Rubber Legs (#8–12)
• Pheasant Tail Nymphs (#16–20)
• Zebra Midges (#18–22)
• RS2s (#18–22)
• BWO Emergers (#18–20)
• Elk Hair Caddis (#14–16)
• Small olive or black streamers
Anglers are encouraged to handle fish carefully, as low water and warming temperatures can increase stress on trout later in the day.
Overall Outlook
Fishing across the region remains ahead of schedule due to the unusually low snowpack and limited runoff conditions. Expect the best fishing in the mornings and during cooler weather windows. Afternoon flows may rise slightly with warm temperatures, but conditions are still considerably better than a typical late-May runoff season.
Tight lines and good luck on the water this weekend!
