The Eagle River begins at historic Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division began and trained for mountain warfare. Surrounded by aspens, mountains and other breathtaking landscapes, the Eagle River passes through the quaint town of Minturn where it then meets Gore Creek at the far end of Vail and Minturn. The Eagle begins to gain size and stature thanks to it’s many tributaries as the Eagle continues all the way to Dotsero where it meets the Colorado River. Along the way you’ve got fishing access through Eagle-Vail, Avon, Edwards, Wolcott, Eagle and Gypsum; each area having it’s own benefits and character. If you separate the Eagle River into three parts: the upper, middle and lower, the angler will get to experience the beauty and qualities of each stretch.
The Upper Eagle River (Camp Hale to Eagle-Vail) is known for it’s eager fish, scenery, and solitude. This area sees the least pressure and is known for quantity over quality. This area is great for your lightweight graphite or fiberglass/bamboo rods. Though the fish are not the biggest, they are more apt to take a fly on a poor drift or eat something out of curiosity. Though mostly browns, the rainbow population grows annually and the occasional cutthroat makes an appearance as well. The way upper reaches are ideal for those looking for a fix when run-off has made it’s presence in the Central Rocky Mountains.
The Middle Eagle River (Avon to Wolcott) is in the heart of town but still offers plenty of access, larger fish than you would expect and great Summer hatches of caddis and PMDs (Pale Morning Duns). This stretch has a large population of rainbows and browns thanks to it’s ample spawning grounds. Though more fishing pressure takes place in this stretch than others, fish can often throw caution to the wind when prolific bug hatches take place, especially June/July caddis. 4-5 weight rods, Solid drifts, smaller bugs and lighter tippet can sometimes save your day on the Eagle River between Avon and Wolcott. Avon and Edwards can be great dry fly or dry/dropper fishing as the water is on it’s way down while Edwards to Wolcott has some of the more marquee deep holes and runs that you can spend a full day nymphing to your heart’s content.
The Lower Eagle River (Eagle to Dotsero) has gained more and more popularity over the last few years and rightfully so; it has some real dandies living in it’s H20. Though more susceptible to nature’s wrath – higher water temps, clarity, mosquitos and high mountain desert weather, if you fish it when the conditions allow, you are normally rewarded with a fight and hopefully a netted fish that deserves to be held with two hands. Thanks to a warm water discharge in Gypsum, this area can stay open and fishable year-round. Some of the best days fishing are the worst days weatherwise, especially when the ski lifts are running. The lower stretches of the Eagle River takes on character from your fabled western trout streams and boasts deep holes and long runs that deserve ample time dedicated to them. This is the stretch to pull out the 6 weight single hand, switch rod or streamer stick, especially in the Fall. This area is also floatable with lot’s of public areas to lay anchor and nymph or throw dry flies. The lower Eagle River is known more for it’s access and larger fish than it is for it’s scenery. The fish down here can be quite finicky so make sure to bring your full arsenal.
The Eagle in it’s entirety offers many different options based on experience and expectations. You can honestly choose where you want to fish based on what technique(s) you are looking to fish that day or what you want the background of your photos to look like. Though access can be limited in certain stretches, there is plenty of public water to be fish with a little help from Onx and Google Maps or by calling your local fly supplier. If you are looking for up-to-date bug selections, which areas are fishing best or just looking for overall suggestions, give us a call at Hill’s Discount Flies for the latest local intel!
