Eagle River Report
Fishing Report
UPDATED: 5/26/23
River Flow: 2300 cfs near Wolcott River Graph
The Eagle River is a freestone tributary to the Colorado River, containing similar aquatic life. Its headwaters lie high in the White River National Forest, along Highway 24. These upper stretches are best for pocket water fishing with dry flies, and small nymphs. The majority of the public access for the Eagle is found along I-70 between the towns of Minturn, and Gypsum. A river map showing public access areas can be useful when fishing the Eagle due to a high number of short public stretches divided by private land. Despite its close proximity to I-70, the Eagle remains a top notch fishery, boasting beautiful views, and trophy sized rainbows.
Current Conditions:
RIVER FLOW(Cubic Feet Per Second):
2300 near Wolcott
WATER TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F):
30's - 40's
WATER CLARITY:
Below walcott 0’-1’. Above Walctott 1’-3’
CURRENT FOOD SOURCES:
| Baetis | Midge larva/ emergers/adults | small fish, leeches, etc. | Stoneflies
Flies to Try
Guides Choice Dozen $24.99
Nymphs:
Squirmy Worm | Radiation Baetis 16-20 | TDJ Golden Stone size 12-16 | Pat's Rubber Legs olive/brown, or coffee size 10-12 | RS2 Dun 20-22 | olive Hare's Ear size 10-14 | Darth Baetis size 18-22 grey | JuJu Sallie size 18-20 | Sparkle Wing RS2 olive or grey size 20-22 | UV Midge Black or brown 18-22 | Two Bit Hooker Black #16 |
Dries:
Parachute Adams size 16-22 | Matthew's Sparkle Dun BWO size 18-22 | size 20-22 CDC Morgan's Midge | Solitude Midge olive or black size 18-24
Streamers:
Galloup’s Dungeon white or black | Articulated Yummy | Silk Kitty white | Baby Gonga (olive, black, rainbow trout, and brown trout colors) | Thin Mint size 4-8 | Articulated Goldie | Wooly Buggers (olive, black, white) | Pine Squirrel Leeches (black, purple, red) | slump busters in white
Guide Tip of the Week:
Runoff is definitely getting rolling on the Eagle. Big changes have come in the past weeks. The river is high, dirty and in many cases down right unfishable. Expect high, fast and off color water. If you do find fishable water, don’t let poor river conditions fool you, it may still fish great. If color becomes an issue and fishing becomes poor, head upstream. Most of the stain is entering the system near Wolcot. This is a great time to try out streamers on sink tip line. Big streamers like the Sex Dungeon, Articulated Sparkle Yummy, or Silk Kitty are great options. “High value” food items like worms, eggs and stones are great lead flies followed by a hot head nymph and a big spring midge should do the trick. Think heavy and look for any kind of slack water.