Latest update: 8/3/22 - -
Flows at Gypsum are at 250 cfs. This section is open to fishing until noon from Wolcott to Eagle County Fairgrounds, but there is still a full-day closure from the fairgrounds down to Dotsero.
Nymphing rigs will be your best tactic in this section. Standard nymphing rigs with an attractor such as an egg/Stonefly/Leech #10-14 or larger Caddis/Mayfly nymphs size #14-16, followed by small emerger, baetis, and midge patterns size #18-22 have been the most effective. Streamers can be a good alternative or prospecting strategy below riffles in the slower-moving water. Thin mints #4-6 or larger articulated streamers in natural colors are good choices for this section.
River InformationThis section of the Eagle offers anglers a variety of water to fish. From long riffle runs and deep pools to undercut banks and log jams, this is a fly fisherman's paradise. If your looking to stay away from the hustle and bustle of I-70 this is not the place for you. Fishing with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers are all productive options on this river. Obviously there is a time and place for everything but don't rule any technique out. The majority of fish you catch will be anywhere from 12-16 inches but 20 inch fish are not uncommon.
Seasonal ConditionsThe Eagle is most often fished on foot, which can be done 12 months a year. For anyone lucky enough to own a raft (or know someone who does), it also offers a short float fishing window from April-July in most years. Float fishing this river can be extremely productive.
Home to prolific caddis, stonefly, mayfly, trico and midge hatches, many people flock to this river in hopes of fishing dry flies. Summertime almost always means dry/dropper or hopper/dropper rigs from start to finish and can provide some phenomenal action.
Matching your flies, whether on the surface or subsurface, to the corresponding hatch will almost always result in a fish-filled net. Streamer fishing can also be quite effective from late spring through the fall.
Winter/Early Spring: Midges, Baetis
Late Spring/Summer: Caddis, Mayflies, Stoneflies, Tricos, Terrestrials
Fall: Midges, Tricos, Caddis, Mayflies
The Eagle River has extensive public access and offers angler a variety of different locations to spend the day. One of the best ways access the river is along Hwy 6, which parallels I-70 and passes through the towns of Gypsum, Edwards, Eagle and Avon.
