Eagle River
Colorado Fly Fishing
Eagle River
- •Dry flies along slower margins and edges when hatches of baetis, midges, or caddis drift in.
- •Nymph rigs in deeper runs, near undercut banks or structure where fish hold out of fast water.
- •Streamers in deeper holes, drop-offs or near banks when surface activity slows or light fades.
On the Eagle you'll find midges and baetis (small mayflies) dominating the drift, especially in slower water zones or under cloud cover. Caddis and terrestrials are becoming more frequent as banks warm and the afternoon progresses.
Detailed Report
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.
Dries
Elk Wing Caddis #14-16, Parachute Adams #16-18, Caddis Emerger (tan) #16-18
Nymphs
RS2 (olive) #16-18, Tungsten Bead Pheasant Tail #16-18, Flashback Zebra Midge #20-22
Streamers
Woolly Bugger (olive) #8-10, Zonker (brown) #6-8, Muddler Minnow (natural/olive) #6
Other
Ant Pattern (black) #10
- •Don't underestimate the power of bank edges and structure near current; many trout are holding just off the fast flow.
- •If the dry fly action fades, be ready to transition to nymphs or streamers rather than sticking with dries.
- •Late afternoon or early evening can be just as productive as morning, especially under soft or changing light conditions.
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