River Conditions Report - Fishing for information? You're the type that finds peace in still waters, with your favorite spin or fly rod. We offer the latest advice to help you locate the best stretches of river, along with the hottest flies - our clear waterways, born of snow, offer gold-medal angling year-round.
Fishing in the Vail Valley is wonderful with Gore Creek running through the town into the Eagle River which empties into the Colorado River farther down valley. Fly fishing and spin fishing is great nearly all year around. Before you go fishing, bookmark this page and check here first to check current river flows and conditions for fishing in the Vail Valley.
Water is still off color all the way from Pumphouse down through to its confluence with the Roaring Fork. The Fork is blown out as well.
Hot Flies:
Fish large attractor nymphs such as Copper Johns, red, chartruese and black sizes 12 to 16; Tungsten 20 Inchers size 12 to 14, Halfback Nymphs size 12 to 14. Streamer patterns might move some fish, however water temps are a bit cold for consistent chases or action. Try Slumpbusters in all colors size 8 to 4, Near Nuff Sculpins in olive size 8 to 4, Crystal Buggers in motor oil or black size 6 to 4.
Tips:
Try to fish the Colorado River right after a cold spell, that way you are catching it when temperatures are on the upswing and water clarity will be at its best. Sheep Horn Creek at Radium is causing much of the off color water problems.
Gore Creek
Water Flows:
112 c.f.s.
Water Temperature:
40's° F
Fishing Quality:
good
Water Clarity:
The snow has ceased yet again, giving way to beautiful warm spring days. The water has come down significantly, improving fishing conditions. I would anticipate that the water may come up a bit tomorrow or the next. There is talk of winter like conditions towards the latter portion of this week, water should recede and clarity should be good through the weekend.
Hot Flies:
Midge and blue winged olives will be the standard food source for trout for sometime. However, fishing streamer patterns, eggs and San Juan worms have also proved very productive. Good midge patterns to try are: WD40's, Black Beauty, Zebra Midge in black or rust, Barr's Micro Midge Emerger and Lint Bugs to name a few. All midges should vary in size from 18 to 22. Good blue winged olive patterns to try are: Sparkle Wing RS2's, CDC Loop Wing Emergers, Barr's Flash Back Emerger, Micro Mayfly brown or olive and Flashback Pheasant Tails. Your BWO's should vary in size from 18 to 20. Hot Streamers include, Near Nuff Sculpin size 6 in olive or tan, Stinger Things size 6 in black or purple, Flashbugger in motoroil or black size 6 and Bow River Buggers size 6 in rust. Eggs in size 16 and worms in size 16 work too.
Tips:
When possible cover as much water as possible, acting as if you were a predatory bird on the hunt. Fish methodically, always scanning the horizon for your next fish. If water is off color, fish the streamers, eggs and worms. If water is more clear, fish the b.w.o's and midge patterns. Most importantly have fun!
Eagle River
Water Flows:
373 c.f.s.
Water Temperature:
Mid 40 's° F
Fishing Quality:
poor
Water Clarity:
The snow has subsided, giving way to beautiful spring days. Due to the recent cold spell, the water has come down significantly over these past few days. With these lower water levels comes improved water clarity, which I anticipate will continue.
Hot Flies:
Streamers.............and eggs! Refer to Gore Creek "Hot Flies" for great choices on patterns.
Tips:
When water is off color it is best to "up size" your fly selection. Bigger and flashier flies are a lot easier for the fish to spot. As we progress into runoff, the fish will begin to hug the banks very closely, conserving energy from the stronger main currents found in the middle of the river. Concentrate on any and all "soft water" found behind and in front of boulders and rock outcroppings. Have fun!
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