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The Eagle River, a 60-mile freestone stream in Colorado's Vail Valley, originates near Tennessee Pass and flows northwest to join the Colorado River at Dotsero. This river offers diverse fly fishing opportunities across its upper, middle, and lower sections.
The upper stretches near Minturn are characterized by fast currents and pocket water, providing excellent habitat for brown trout. As the river progresses through Avon and Edwards, it widens and slows, supporting healthy brown and rainbow trout populations.
The lower section near Gypsum features deeper pools and runs, ideal for larger trout. Anglers can enjoy year-round fishing on the Eagle River, with prolific caddis hatches in late spring and early summer, and consistent midge and blue-winged olive activity during the colder months.
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Eagle River Fly Fishing Report – July 17, 2025
The Eagle is holding strong this week—freestone energy, full of bugs, and feeding windows that reward both dry fly nerds and nymph slingers.
Flows are steady, visibility is prime, and the midday caddis and PMD hatches are getting fish to move in the riffles. Wadeable throughout the valley and cool enough to fish sunrise to sunset, the Eagle is one of the best-balanced rivers in Colorado right now.
Bring your A-game, a dry-dropper rig, and a pocketful of caddis.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
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Conditions Summary
- Flow Rate: ~580 CFS at Avon
- Water Temp: 52°–60°F
- Air Temp: Highs in the 80s with scattered clouds
- Clarity: Clear with a freestone green tint — 4 ft visibility
- Best Times: 7–11 AM and after 6 PM
- Crowds: Moderate near town access, light west of Eagle
- Overall Rating: ★★★★☆
Classic July Eagle — big fish on dries, pocket-water nymphing, and caddis blowups if you time it right.
Eagle River Hatch Chart (July)
| Insect Hatch | Status | Guide Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Caddis | Explosive | Fish dries in the evening; skate them in riffles |
| PMDs | Peaking | Target mid-morning soft water and eddies |
| Yellow Sallies | Active | Try a soft hackle below a dry mid-day |
| Midges | Always | Use early morning or dropper flies |
| Terrestrials | Picking up | Fish tight to banks — ants and beetles in grassy zones |
| Type | Pattern | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | X-Caddis (tan or olive) | 14–16 | Fish on the swing or twitch through riffles |
| Nymph | Frenchie or Soft Hackle PT | 16–18 | Dead-drift in pocket water or swing through tailouts |
| Dry-Dropper | PMX + RS2 | 12 / 20 | Run through bank cuts and transitions |
Tactics for the Eagle
Seasonal Tip
This is a rhythm river—move fast, cover water, and don’t stand in one run too long. Fish are spread out and opportunistic.
Dry Fly
Caddis dries work best in the last light. PMDs earlier in the day—especially in side channels and slow seams.
Nymphing
Tight-line or dry-dropper rigs dominate. Use a small attractor or jig nymph above and an RS2 or midge dropper.
Streamer Fishing
Early mornings with clouds or post-thunderstorm color shifts. Try black or olive Slump Busters.
Access Points
| Access Spot | Why Fish Here | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Avon Whitewater Park | Pocket water and classic summer flows | ★★★★☆ |
| Edwards Riverwalk Trail | Easy access, varied water types | ★★★☆☆ |
| Gypsum Ponds BLM | Underrated, long riffle runs and slow corners | ★★★★☆ |
| Wolcott to Eagle stretch | Drift or wade — hopper water begins here | ★★★★☆ |
Regulations + Notes
- Artificial flies and lures only in special regulation stretches
- Keep fish wet and move quickly—temps spike mid-afternoon
- Be alert for thunderstorms—monsoon moisture increasing
FAQ – Eagle River Edition
1. Can I fish dries all day right now?
Not quite. PMDs mid-morning, caddis and terrestrials in the evening. Midday is best with dry-dropper.
2. Are flows too high to wade?
Nope. Freestone flows are perfect. Just watch for soft-bottomed banks in Gypsum.
3. What’s the best stretch for beginners?
Edwards or Avon whitewater park — good access and visible holding water.
4. What bugs are hatching this week?
Caddis, PMDs, and Sallies mid-day. Terrestrials starting strong post-lunch.
5. What tippet should I use?
4X for dries, 5X for nymphs and droppers. Don’t over-taper your leader.
