Eagle River
Colorado Fly Fishing
Eagle River
- •Double nymph rigs: egg + black/olive midge
- •Small emergers (#20–24) with a touch of split shot
- •Subtle dry-fly action on midges in slow water
- •Streamers in low light with slow, deep retrieves
- •5X and 6X tippet for pressured trout
Midges dominate the Eagle this time of year, with surprisingly consistent surface activity in slow water and back-eddies during the warmest part of the day. BWOs still appear under cloud cover and can produce a short but fun afternoon window. Eggs, small nymphs, and emergers are major players this time of year. Expect fish to feed subsurface most of the day.
Detailed Report
The Eagle has been one of the more consistent options lately, thanks to stable low flows and excellent clarity. Midges are the driving force behind daily feeding, with trout keying in on small larvae and emergers in softer water. Nymphing with a small amount of split shot and light tippet is extremely effective. Dry-fly fishing isn't gone — the Eagle will still give you brief midge eats in the slow stuff, especially mid-day when temps rise. Overcast days offer a chance at BWOs, though these windows are shorter now. Streamers work best in low light, especially with slow retrieves near structure or deeper cut banks. Don't be afraid to throw some stoneflies in the mix too. Expect the best fishing from late morning through afternoon. Browns are finishing up their spawn, so eggs remain highly productive. As winter settles in, focusing on slower holding water, clean drifts, and minimal presentation disturbance will keep you on fish.
Dries
CDC Midge #22–26, BWO Parachute #20–22, Griffith's Gnat #22–24
Nymphs
Zebra Midge #20–24, RS2 #20–22, WD-40 #20–22, Juju Baetis #20, Eggs #16–20, BMW Foam Top Emerger #16–22, Perdigons #18–22, Pat's Rubber Legs #16–20, UV Midge #18–20
Streamers
Slumpbuster #8–10, Thin Mint #10–12, Mini Sculpin/Leech #8–10
- •Light tippet helps tremendously with pressured fish
- •Egg + midges are the most productive combo right now
- •Slow retrieves win over aggressive strips
- •Look for soft, deep holding zones — don't waste time in heavy water
- •Expect mini dry-fly windows in back-eddies around midday
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