Eagle River Reports

The Eagle at 145 CFS is officially in early-winter mode. Low and clear conditions are pushing fish into deeper, slower pools, drop-offs, and soft seams. Fishing can be steady but very technical, requiring subtle presentations and small flies. Egg patterns are highly effective right now, with fish feeding behind redds and in deeper pockets where egg drift collects. Pairing a peg egg with a midge or RS2 trailer is a consistently productive rig. Nymphing is the primary approach — think RS2s, Zebra Midges, Juju Baetis, and small baetis emergers. Depth control is everything at these flows. Streamer fishing is limited but can still move fish when fished slowly through deep holding water. Expect the best activity from midday through the warmest part of the afternoon. With clarity high, tippet size and stealth matter.

The Eagle River is in solid fall form. With flow near 186 cfs and clarity described as clear, fishing is accessible and productive. The trout are holding in structure-rich zones such as runs just downstream of riffles, bank edges, and undercut banks rather than only the swift main current. With water temperatures in the low-to-mid-50s, the fish are actively feeding and will respond to well-presented offerings. In the upper valley stretches, pocket water, boulder fields and transitional runs are producing well—especially for dry or dropper setups. In the middle to lower sections, slower margins adjacent to current, deeper runs and undercut banks are effective—making nymphs and streamers productive when the surface quiets. During mid-morning through afternoon, keep an eye on the surface for rises. Dry-fly fishing is viable when bugs drift and conditions soften. If you aren't seeing rises, shift to nymphs or streamers and target deeper structure. Presentation and subtlety remain key—especially in clear water. Cast upstream, mend early, and keep your drift natural.

The Eagle River is settling comfortably into fall. The water is cool and clear, and trout feel the shift in light and insect activity. In the morning, fish remain deep in runs and seams; a micro-nymph rig fished cleanly will often get the first bites. As the day warms, trout expand into softer currents and edges, sipping emergers and BWOs. This is your prime dry-dropper window—but drift quality is essential. If surface activity dies, shift to emergers or soft-hackles just under the film. Toward evening, trout move back toward structure—under cuts, seams near boulders, and bank edges. Use slim streamers fished with subtle motion to entice strikes. Browns often key on these transitional prey opportunities. Trout now act more opportunistically. They rotate among depth zones, seams, and edges based on drift, light, and hatch activity. Don't linger too long on one approach. Probe regularly and stay adaptive.

The Eagle is clear, cool, and ideal for walk-wade days. Trout are holding in deeper runs early, feeding on small nymphs and emergers. By mid-morning, they slide into softer currents to feed near the surface. BWOs and midges remain the main game. Afternoons offer brief windows for terrestrials or bank sippers. Evenings see fish moving back to cover—perfect for small streamers and soft hackles.

Mid-September on the Eagle offers crisp air and comfortable flows. Morning hours find trout deep in runs and buckets—classic nymphing water. By mid-day, they slide into seams and riffles to feed on emergers. Dry-dropper setups with small BWOs and RS2s work consistently in clear conditions. Evenings bring an opportunity to throw small streamers near structure and cutbanks for aggressive browns.