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The Eagle River remains one of the most underrated winter fisheries in central Colorado. While flows are low and water temperatures cold, the river continues to produce steady trout action for anglers willing to fish methodically. Compared to tailwaters, the Eagle offers more forgiving drifts and opportunistic fish, especially through slower winter runs and inside seams.
Updated: January 7, 2026
The Eagle River is running clear under stable winter flows. Trout are holding in deeper runs, soft inside seams, and slower tailouts where current speed drops. Feeding windows remain short but predictable, with the best activity occurring during midday when water temperatures stabilize.
This week’s Eagle River fly fishing report favors simple, clean rigs. Small midge patterns fished near the bottom are producing most consistently, with short streamer windows opening during low-light periods or brief warming spells.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: Low, stable winter flows
Water Temperature: Cold, mid-winter baseline
Air Temperature: Teens to low 30s
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low to medium depending on access
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with selective midge patterns
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Weather
Gypsum Colorado Weather
Cold mornings dominate, with brief afternoon warming on sunny days. Calm conditions fish best. Wind or heavy cloud cover quickly reduces feeding activity.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Zebra Midge (black) 20 to 22
- Black Beauty 22
- Top Secret Midge 22 to 24
- RS2 (gray or black) 20 to 22
- Mini Leech (black or olive) 10 to 12
- Slumpbuster (black) 8 to 10
Pro Rig of the Week: Gypsum Winter Sight Nymph Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or light pinch-on
- Lead Fly: Zebra Midge or RS2 20 to 22
- Dropper: Top Secret Midge 22 to 24
- Weight: One small BB 10 to 14 inches above the lead fly
- Target Water: Inside seams, walking-speed runs, and soft tailouts
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Blue Winged Olive Nymphs | 20 to 22 | Minor movement during mild spells |
| Stonefly Nymphs | 10 to 14 | Present but inactive in winter |
Download the Eagle River Hatch Chart
Access Points
Avon Town Stretch ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Easy access with long glides and consistent winter holding water.
Rating: Four gold stars
Eagle Valley Trail Pullouts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent winter seams and quieter water away from town traffic.
Rating: Five gold stars
Gypsum Area Access ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Broader runs and softer edges that fish well during winter afternoons.
Rating: Four gold stars
Stop Here After the River
After fishing the lower Eagle, head to Eagle River Brewing in Gypsum. It has a relaxed local crowd, warm lighting, and the kind of small town energy that fits a winter session on the river. Order the Red Lane Amber and the smoked brisket sandwich. It is simple, hearty, and exactly right after a day spent working slow water and tiny flies.
Local Regulations and Notes
- Respect all posted private property along the Eagle River
- Barbless hooks strongly recommended for winter trout
- Watch for early forming shelf ice in shaded banks
- Step lightly and wade minimally in low clear flows
FAQ
Is the Eagle River Good for Fly Fishing in Winter?
Yes. The Eagle River offers consistent winter trout fishing with lighter pressure than nearby tailwaters. Trout hold predictably in classic freestone winter structure.
How Does the Eagle Compare to Tailwaters in Winter?
The Eagle fishes more naturally. Trout feed less often but are less pressured, making water choice and timing more important than fly changes.
Technical Is the Eagle River Right Now?
Moderately technical. Clean drifts matter, but the Eagle is more forgiving than highly pressured tailwaters like the Blue or South Platte.
Q: Is the Eagle River worth fishing in winter near Gypsum Colorado?
A: Absolutely. With stable flows and reliable midge activity, this is one of Colorado’s most consistent winter freestones.
Q: What rod and tippet setup works best?
A: A 9 foot 4 or 5 weight with 5X to your lead fly and 6X to your midge dropper gives you the control and finesse winter conditions demand.
Q: Can you find dry fly action right now?
A: Occasionally. Calm sunny afternoons may produce short midge clusters in soft edges.
Q: Do streamers work in these low flows?
A: Smaller leeches and neutral-color streamers can move fish on overcast days, but nymphing is the primary program.
Q: When is the bite strongest?
A: Typically 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when water temps rise slightly and midges get active.
Q: How do I avoid spooking fish?
A: Approach from downstream, keep wading minimal, and make your first drift precise. Low winter water does not forgive rushed movements.
Q: Is the Eagle River good in winter?
A: Yes. It offers consistent winter trout fishing with less pressure than many tailwaters.
Q: How technical is winter fishing here?
A: Moderately technical. Good structure helps, but depth control is still critical.
Q: Are dry flies an option right now?
A: Rarely. Subsurface midge patterns dominate winter success.
Q: What rod setup works best?
A: A 4 or 5 weight with a balanced leader for freestone nymphing.
Q: Does snow affect fishing much?
A: Short-term snow can reduce clarity, but fishing often improves once flows stabilize.
Q: When does the bite shut down?
A: Typically mid-afternoon once temperatures drop and shadows stretch across the river.
Companion Article for December
