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This week’s update focuses on the Eagle River near Gypsum Colorado, where subtle presentations are beating everything loud, heavy, or rushed. With flows holding steady and clarity as sharp as a tax audit, trout are feeding in deeper walking-speed seams and sliding into soft edges when the sun hits the valley floor.
Eagle River Fly Fishing Report Gypsum Colorado
Updated: December 10, 2025
Over the past week, flows have remained locked in their early-winter pattern, allowing trout to settle into deeper walking-speed water where they feed efficiently but cautiously. Expect short, productive windows when the sun warms the valley floor and midges begin to stir. Classic Eagle River winter trout fishing: technical, small flies, and a premium placed on precision.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
Flow: ~150 to 170 CFS below Gypsum, ~50 CFS near Avon, very stable
Water Temperature: Mid 30s to low 40s with a slight midday rise
Air Temperature: High 30s to mid 40s; overnight lows in the teens
Clarity: Very clear
Crowds: Light to moderate depending on proximity to town access
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with small midges and baetis
Weather
Gypsum Colorado Weather
Expect cold crisp mornings, calm midday periods, and quick cooling once shadows push across the water. Highs reach the low to mid 40s with lows in the teens, creating a narrow but meaningful feeding window. Light cloud cover or snow flurries often improve midge activity, making the most reliable fishing coincide with the warmest part of each day.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20 to 22
- Zebra Midge (red or black) 20 to 22
- RS2 (gray or black) 20 to 22
- WD-40 20 to 22
- JuJu Midge (purple) 20 to 22
- Barrs Emerger BWO 18 to 20
- Tailwater Sow Bug 16 to 18
- Mini Leech 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Gypsum Winter Sight Nymph Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or minimal air-lock for subtle takes
- Lead Fly: Tailwater Sow Bug 16 to 18 or Barrs Emerger 18
- Dropper: Black Beauty or Zebra Midge 20 to 22 on 6X
- Weight: One small split shot 8 to 10 inches above the lead
- Target Water: Deep walking-speed troughs, long glassy glides, inside bends with soft edges
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 24 | Primary winter food; trout feed almost entirely subsurface |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Active on warm cloudy afternoons |
| Scuds / sow bugs | 14 to 18 | Key in soft transitions and side channels |
| Winter stoneflies | 16 to 18 | Sporadic bonus movement |
Download the Eagle River Hatch Chart
Access Points
Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area ★★★★★
Excellent winter holding water with long glides and soft seams. Easy wading and dependable midge activity make this one of the best sections of the Eagle River near Gypsum Colorado.
Rating: Five gold stars
Town of Eagle Public Water ★★★★☆
A mix of pocket water and long runs where trout stack in deeper seams. Great for anglers who want variety and are willing to walk to locate active pods.
Rating: Four gold stars
Dotsero Public Access ★★★★☆
Lower river access near the confluence. Depth changes, shelves, and structure hold strong winter fish when clarity is stable.
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
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.
Companion Article for December
