Vail and Beaver Creek river conditions Vail Valley's clear waterways, born of snow, offer gold-medal angling year-round. Here is the latest advice to locate the best stretches of river, along with the hottest flies.
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.
Winter is here, therefore winter tactics are the name of the game from now until things warm up again come spring. With water levels in the 18 to 28 c.f.s range and water temperatures in the high 30's to low 40's and only getting colder, these fish that reside within the Gore are beginning to pod up along the bottoms of deeper pools and tailouts. With these low, slow and cold conditions you will need to present your micro sized bwo and midge pupas right in front of their noses. As these fish continue to become more and more lethargic, proper fly placement will be critical in your success at moving fish. This time of year we are fishing longer leaders in the 9' to 12' range, tapered down to 6x fluorocarbon tippet materials. Don't forget the split shot, remember that the difference between someone that moves a few fish and someone that moves a ton of fish can sometimes be just one split shot. These fish are well educated and demand the best out of those that pursue them. Considered a Gold Medal trout fishery by Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Gore is home to numerous rainbows, brookies, browns, cutthroats and cuttbows that average between 13 to 15 inches with some in the 20 inch range.
Hot Flies:
As mentioned blue winged olives (baetis) and midges are the meal of choice for the trout that reside within the waters of Gore Creek. BWO's to try are: Barr's Flashback BWO Emerger, JujuBaetis, BLM's, Mach PT's in olive, RS2's in dun, olive or grey, Perfect Baetis, CDC Biot Comparaduns and Parawulff BWO's. BWO's should vary in size from #18 to #22. Midge patterns to try are: Juju Midge in olive, WD40's grey, WD50's grey, Black Beauty, Roy Palm's Special Emergers, Morgan's Midge, Barr's Micro Midge Emerger black and Peterson's Midge emerger. Midges should vary in size #20 to #22. Because water levels are so low, slow and gin clear, now is the time to fish 5x and 6x fluorocarbon tippet materials and use stealthy/neutral colored indicators. Try small Thingamambobbers or Palsa Pinch Ons in White.
Tips:
Be extremely stealthy when fishing the Gore, act as if you were a predatory bird in search of your next meal. Walk slowly and fish methodically, constantly scanning your horizon looking for the tell tale signs of feeding fish. Once you've found your "target" make your first cast/presentation count...it may just be your last! Have fun...remember to take it all in stride.
Eagle River
Water Flows:
64 c.f.s.
Water Temperature:
Mid 30's° F
Fishing Quality:
poor
Water Clarity:
Winter is here, therefore winter tactics are the name of the game from now until things warm up again come spring. With water levels in the 18 to 28 c.f.s range and water temperatures in the high 30's to low 40's and only getting colder, these fish that reside within the Gore are beginning to pod up along the bottoms of deeper pools and tailouts. With these low, slow and cold conditions you will need to present your flies right in front of their noses. As these fish continue to become more and more lethargic, proper fly placement will be critical in your success at moving fish. This time of year we are fishing longer leaders in the 9' to 12' range, tapered down to 5x fluorocarbon tippet materials. Don't forget the split shot, remember that the difference between someone that moves a few fish and someone that moves a ton of fish can sometimes be just one split shot.
Hot Flies:
Check out the Gore Creek Hot Fly Selection for good blue winged olive and midge patterns. Also try swinging some streamers: black articulated leeches, near nuff sculpins, happy meals, etc. in size 6 to 8. Try stone fly nymphs: Tung. 20", Dixon's Daddy-Long-Legged-Stoned, Cat Turds and Knotty Girls. Eggs and San Juans are also effective.
Tips:
If fishing is tough up valley, try going down valley towards Wolcott and Gypsum. Sometimes a slight difference in water temperature is all that it takes to begin seeing active trout. Browns are spawning, please be mindful of their redds. Redds appear as areas of light colored gravel where moss and other substrate have been fanned away. Do not fish to browns on these redds and try not to disturb them when they are doing their "dance".
Colorado River
Water Flows:
424 c.f.s.
Water Temperature:
Mid 30's° F
Fishing Quality:
poor
Water Clarity:
The Colorado River continues to have exceptional water clarity from Pumphouse down to its confluence with the Eagle River near Dotsero. With water temperatures in the mid 40's, it is best to let the sun get high in the sky before venturing out for the day. Nymph and streamer fishing have been the most productive means at moving fish. Concentrate the majority of your presentations along the steep shoulders and drop offs found along the rivers edge. In addition to this "green" water, trout too have been moving into the tailouts and deeper pools looking to conserve energy for the long winter months ahead.
Hot Flies:
See Hot Flies for the Eagle River for a detailed list of what is working.
Tips:
Water levels are now down low enough to allow those that enjoy wade fishing an opportunity to wet a line. Though best from a boat, wade fishing the riffles and seams is certainly worth your time and effort.
