Fishing Report

UPDATED: 4/22/24

River Flow: Flows at Gypsum are around 200 CFS 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): 

480 cfs at Gypsum 

WATER TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F): 

40’s

WATER CLARITY:

Clarity below Milk Creek in Walcott is worsening. 1 foot of clarity near gypsum. 

CURRENT FOOD SOURCES:

  | Baetis | Egg Patterns | 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:  

Small baetis and midge patterns have consistantly been bringing fish to the net. The dry fly fishing above Milk Creek at Walcott is a great option. I will start my rig with a stonefly nymph and follow that by natural midge and BWO patterns. Some of my eagle favorites for this time of year are small olive pats rubber legs, dearth baetis, redneck midge and the poison tongue. If water clarity poor use runoff patterns like worms, stoneflies, and big flashy midge and baetis patterns. Hot headed nymphs can also be very productive. This is a great time to try out streamers. Big streamers like the Sex Dungeon, Articulated Sparkle Yummy, or Silk Kitty are great options. Think heavy and look for fish in both deep riffles and tailouts. 

RIVER ACCESS

OTHER LOCATIONS

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