East River Fly Fishing Report - Fly Fishing Near Crested Butte Winter 2025

The East River, flowing from Emerald Lake through Crested Butte, offers some of the best fly fishing in Colorado. This freestone stream is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow, brown, brook trout, and Kokanee salmon, making it a top destination for dry fly fishing. The river is particularly famous for its autumn fishing, when Kokanee salmon migrate upriver, and trout eagerly feed on their eggs. The Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery section provides public access, and the nearby scenery of Crested Butte only enhances the fishing experience.

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The East River near Crested Butte is a winter wonderland for fly anglers who don’t mind cold fingers and frozen guides. With snow-draped peaks in every direction and pristine, crystal-clear water, this high-country river delivers a fly-fishing experience as scenic as it is challenging. Winter trout are hunkered down in deeper runs, sipping tiny midges and Baetis nymphs while conserving energy for the lean months ahead.

Low flows and spooky fish mean you’ll need stealth, light tippet, and pinpoint accuracy to find success here. Dry fly action is minimal, but a well-timed Griffith’s Gnat might fool a riser on a mild day. Otherwise, stick to small midges, Baetis patterns, and scuds under an indicator. If you're looking for a winter bruiser, try a tiny leech or streamer dead-drifted through the deeper pools.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 50-100 CFS
• Water Temperature: 32-38°F
• Clarity: Gin-clear
• Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 – Stunning scenery but technical winter fishing)

River Flow Chart

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East River Hatch Chart (Winter)

Top 3 Flies for the Week

• Dry Fly: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22) – Rare, but useful on warm afternoons.
• Nymph: Jujubee Midge (#20-24) – Best bet for slow pools and deep seams.
• Streamer: Mini Leech (#8-10) – Dead-drifted in deep winter holes for big browns.

Tips for Fly Fishing the East River

Seasonal Tip

Trout are in full winter survival mode, so keep your presentation slow, subtle, and natural. They won’t move far for food, so get your flies down and in front of them.

Dry Fly

Limited action, but small midges or BWOs may bring up a few fish in slow eddies on warm afternoons.

Nymphing

A two-fly rig with a midge and Baetis nymph is the most productive approach. Focus on slow-moving water and deeper pockets.

Streamer Fishing

Dead-drifted small leeches or sculpins in deeper pools can sometimes tempt a big brown or rainbow.

Access Points

Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery Access

• Description: Located near the hatchery, offering great viewing of the salmon run.
• Why Fish Here: Known for good egg pattern action and targeting pre-spawn browns.
• Location: [Google Maps link here]
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Almont

• Description: A scenic section with a mix of riffles and pools that hold both trout and Kokanee.
• Why Fish Here: Great for nymphing and egg patterns, especially in deeper pools.
• Location: [Google Maps link here]
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gothic Road Access

• Description: Offers easy walk-in access with productive riffles and runs.
• Why Fish Here: Ideal for nymphing and dry flies during midday hatches.
• Location: [Google Maps link here]
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

Most of the East River near Crested Butte has public access, particularly around the hatchery and Almont. However, please respect private property along some river stretches, and follow designated access points. During the Kokanee run, handle trout and salmon gently, especially near spawning areas.