Eagle River Fly Fishing - Hill's Discount Fly Fishing Flies

About the Beautiful Eagle River in Colorado

The Eagle River is a freestone stream located in the central Rocky Mountains. Though once a ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ secret, the Eagle has become a pinpoint on a lot of Colorado residents’ radars and for good reason; it’s an incredible fishery!

Of the many creeks, streams, and rivers located around Vail, the Eagle is consistent, year-round, and often very kind to the beginner/intermediate angler as well as the experienced.

The Eagle River spans 60 miles and fishes from top to bottom, offering a variety of species and sizes ranging from 2″ to 26″.

Following I-70 for most of its length, the Eagle River is accessible and convenient.

The Eagle River is the gem of the Vail Valley.

scenic Eagle River luring anglers to Fly Fishing

The Eagle River begins at historic Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division began and trained for mountain warfare. Surrounded by aspens, mountains, and other breathtaking landscapes, the Eagle River passes through the quaint town of Minturn, where it then meets Gore Creek at the far end of Vail and Minturn. The Eagle gains size and stature as it flows through many tributaries, reaching Dotsero, where it meets the Colorado River. Along the way, you’ve got fishing access through Eagle-Vail, Avon, Edwards, Wolcott, Eagle, and Gypsum; each area has its own benefits and character. If you separate the Eagle River into three parts: the upper, middle, and lower, the angler will get to experience the beauty and qualities of each stretch.

The Upper Eagle River (Camp Hale to Eagle-Vail) is known for its eager fish, scenery, and solitude. This area sees the least pressure and is known for quantity over quality. This area is great for your lightweight graphite or fiberglass/bamboo rods. Though the fish are not the biggest, they are more apt to take a fly on a poor drift or eat something out of curiosity. Though mostly browns, the rainbow population grows annually, and the occasional cutthroat makes an appearance as well. The upper reaches are ideal for those seeking a fix when run-off is present in the Central Rocky Mountains.

The Middle Eagle River (Avon to Wolcott) is in the heart of town but still offers plenty of access, larger fish than you would expect, and great Summer hatches of caddis and PMDs (Pale Morning Duns). This stretch has a large population of rainbows and browns thanks to its ample spawning grounds. Though more fishing pressure takes place in this stretch than in others, fish can often throw caution to the wind when prolific bug hatches take place, especially June/July caddis. 4-5-weight rods, Solid drifts, smaller bugs, and lighter tippet can sometimes save the day on the Eagle River between Avon and Wolcott. Avon and Edwards can be great dry fly or dry/dropper fishing as the water is on its way down, while Edwards to Wolcott has some of the more marquee deep holes and runs that you can spend a full day nymphing to your heart’s content.

The Lower Eagle River (Eagle to Dotsero) has gained increasing popularity over the last few years, and rightfully so; it has some real dandies living in its H2O. Though more susceptible to nature’s wrath – higher water temps, clarity, mosquitos and high mountain desert weather, if you fish it when the conditions allow, you are normally rewarded with a fight and hopefully a netted fish that deserves to be held with two hands. Thanks to warm-water discharge in Gypsum, this area can remain open and fishable year-round. Some of the best days for fishing are the worst days weatherwise, especially when the ski lifts are running. The lower stretches of the Eagle River take on the character of your fabled western trout streams and boast deep holes and long runs that deserve ample time dedicated to them. This is the stretch to pull out the 6-weight single-hand switch rod or streamer stick, especially in the Fall. This area is also floatable, with many public areas to anchor and nymph or to throw dry flies. The lower Eagle River is known more for its accessibility and larger fish than for its scenery. The fish down here can be quite finicky, so make sure to bring your full arsenal.

The Eagle, in its entirety, offers a range of options based on experience and expectations. You can honestly choose where you want to fish based on what technique(s) you are looking to fish that day or what you want the background of your photos to look like. Though access can be limited in certain stretches, there is plenty of public water to fish with a little help from Onx and Google Maps or by calling your local fly supplier. If you are looking for up-to-date bug selections, which areas are fishing best, or just looking for overall suggestions, give us a call at Hill’s Discount Flies for the latest local intel!

To read more about specific fishing during Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer (CLICK HERE). If you are interested in the current fishing status, check out the Eagle River fishing reports.