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.
If you like fast paced fishing and covering lots of water, then the Gore in the Winter is for you. Because of where it lies elevation wise (8150 ft and up) it is best fished in the afternoon. Site casting and patience are needed but don’t spend too much time on one fish or one hole. Cover some ground. Fish will be pooled up and the holes and along the seams. Small patterns are the key. Try fishing a 2 fly combo.
Hot Flies:
DRIES: BWO’s 18-20, Para Adams 18-22, Midges 18-20.
NYMPHS: Jujubees Baetis 18-22, Midge Biots 18-20, Zebra Midges Red/Black 18-20, Barr Emergers 18-20, Eggs, PT’s 18-20, Sparkle Wing RS2’s 18-22, Rojo Midge Red 18-20, Blood Worms 14-18, San Juan Worms Burgandy and Red 16-18, Small Streamers
Tips:
Eagle River
Water Flows:
80 c.f.s.
Water Temperature:
Upper 40's° F
Fishing Quality:
good
Water Clarity:
Fishing on the Eagle has been red hot! Speaking of hot, as the weather warms up, the fishing gets better. Best fishing is mid day between 10 and dusk. The water temps should begin to rise as the ice recedes. We are definitely starting to see some action on the bigger flies. Be careful of spawning beds as your wading, these will be cleared circles on the river bed that are smoothed out. We have good open water on the Eagle especially west of Wolcott. The action should really turn on any day. On cloudy days expect to see some Blue Winged Olive hatches. Midges are still active and expect to see some Hatches.
Well you are going to hear the phrase weather dependant and it will apply to the Colorado River as well. As the weather warms up, so does the fishing. Let the morning chill come off the river, have some breakfast and start fishing midday until dusk. Don’t be afraid to cover some water and move from hole to hole which may require a few trips to your car. The best recipe is slow and deep. COVER WATER! Start out nymphing the deep pools and then as the day progresses, switch to dries towards the banks. Keep an eye out for the midge hatch although it shouldn’t be too hard as it’s been going off. Sight cast to rising fish. Float fishing has been amazing and is best from Glenwood down river.
Hot Flies:
DRY FLIES: BDE BWO's 18-20, Para Quill BWO's 18-20, Para Adams 16-20, Royal Wulffs 18-20, Shuck Midges18-22, Hi VIZ Griffiths Gnat 18-22
NYMPHS: Princes14-18, 20 Inchers 12-18, Bat Wing BWO's 18-20, Sparkle Wing RS-2's 18-20, Tungsten Zebra Midges Red/Black 18-20, Flashtail Hot Eggs, Barr Emergers 18-20, Midge Biot BWO 18-20, Red San Juan Worms 8, Midge Pupa 20-24 in Grey/Black
