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Archived Report

Eagle River near Avon - 04/08/07

Guides Rating: Guides Rating of 2 Stars
Streamflow at time of report: 233cfs

This river is very susceptible to early season run-off because it flows through red canyons. A cold night should result in clear water the next day, but you only need 12" to 18" of visibility. The higher you go in the river (towards Vail) you will find cleaner water. Fish the Eagle now because once runoff arrives it will be basically unfishable for a few weeks.

The flow is steadily on the rise and can be a good spot for an early season float in a raft. You need at least 400CFS, but it is a technical float at low water so only seasoned boaters should attempt the Eagle.

Midges are the primary hatch, but BWOs are showing increased activity and should pop soon. Bigger nymphs are a good choice for a lead fly. Follow it with a tiny emerger or BWO nymph. Egg patterns are another staple pattern, but be sure to try different patterns if the eggs aren't working well.

As the Bows start to settle into their beds, the Browns will start to key in on egg patterns more and more. While fishing can be easy during the spawn, it is your responsibility to be careful and avoid disturbing spawning fish.

Egg patterns are a daily experiment to find the hot color. Be sure have plenty of BWO nymphs, including Ice Breakers, Gidgets, JuJu Baetis, Barr's BWO Emerger and Zebra Midges all in #18-20. Tungsten 20-Inchers, TungTeasers and small stonefly nymphs are a good choice for lead flies. You can always tie on a San Juan Worm when the water is muddy. If you see rising fish, 9 times out of 10, they're probably rising to tiny Midge or BWO imitations. Tie on a Gulper Special or SnowShoe Dun. If the river starts to blowout, try to toss a streamer or two before leaving.

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