.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
.png)
Bug Type Size Notes Midges 18 to 26 Primary winter food source Baetis nymphs 18 to 22 Short activity on mild afternoons Leeches 10 to 14 Effective in deeper winter runs
The Eagle River remains one of the most reliable freestone options on Colorado’s Western Slope in winter. Cold, clear water pushes trout into predictable winter lanes, and lighter pressure than nearby tailwaters allows fish to behave naturally. This is classic Eagle River winter fly fishing: thoughtful water selection, steady drifts, and patience rewarded.
Updated: December 18, 2025
The Eagle River from Avon downstream toward Gypsum is settled into a stable winter freestone pattern. Flows are low to moderate for the season, clarity is good, and trout are holding deep in walking-speed runs, inside bends, and winter troughs where current softens. Feeding windows are short but dependable, especially on calm sunny days.
This week’s Eagle River fly fishing report focuses on depth and timing. Midges dominate the food supply, with baetis nymphs showing briefly during mild, cloudy afternoons. Unlike tailwaters, the Eagle rewards anglers who read structure carefully and adjust depth frequently rather than cycling through flies.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
%20(4).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(4).png)
Flow: Low to moderate winter freestone flow
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
Air Temperature: High 30s to low 40s during the day
Clarity: Clear to lightly tinted
Crowds: Light in winter
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter freestone nymphing with controlled depth and clean drifts
Weather
Gypsum Colorado Weather
Cold mornings give way to modest midday warming, especially in open valley sections. Calm conditions extend feeding windows. Snow events can briefly reduce clarity but often improve fishing once flows stabilize.
.png?width=800&height=447&name=unnamed%20(2).png)
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 18 to 22
- Zebra Midge (black or red) 18 to 22
- Mercury Midge 18 to 22
- RS2 (black or gray) 18 to 22
- Juju Baetis 18 to 20
- Small Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
- Mini Leech (black or olive) 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Gypsum Winter Sight Nymph Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or minimal air-lock
- Lead Fly: Small Pheasant Tail 16 to 18 or Juju Baetis 18
- Dropper: Black Beauty or Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- Weight: Light to moderate split shot adjusted to depth
- Target Water: Long glides, inside bends, and slow winter seams
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Short activity on mild afternoons |
| Leeches | 10 to 14 | Effective in deeper winter runs |
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.
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
