ACCESS
Despite the volume of highway traffic alongside the river, the Eagle is seldom severely crowded. Perhaps the nearby Blue and Colorado rivers are more attractive than this recently restored fishery. Regardless, crowded fishing conditions are unusual on the Eagle.

The Eagle is a quality year-round fishery, but July, August and September are the prime dry-fly fishing months. Like most Western rivers, the Eagle River flows through both public and private property. Fortunately, many public sections provide quality fishing. Be very careful to avoid trespassing on private property.

Strong currents and slippery rocks make wading this 45- to 50-foot-wide river a treacherous task. Studded waders and a wading staff are highly recommended for safety’s sake.

The best way to find good access is to check with local fly shops. Folks there can also help you stay current on regulations and fishing conditions. A local guide will also accelerate the learning curve for fishing the river and learning the “secret spots.”

The headwaters, from Tennessee Pass down to the junction with Gore Creek, flow mainly through private and White River National Forest property. Public access is available near Redcliff on down to Minturn. Below the Gore Creek junction, the river generally parallels Interstate 70 and Colorado U.S. 6, where numerous access points are interspersed among private properties.

Some key access points include the following: From Eagle to Gypsum, several access points offer excellent fishing. Below Gypsum, much of the Eagle flows through Bureau of Land Management property, which is open to fishing.

The Avon Bridge, known as “Bob the Bridge” offers access to some great water below the bridge. Several parcels of public access exist between Minturn and Eagle. Approximately one mile of public water is located above the confluence with Gore Creek, and a large section within Minturn is open to the public. Excellent fishing actually can be found in the center of most of the small towns along the Eagle River.

EQUIPMENT
Especially during high water, the Eagle is a treacherous river to wade. Large, extremely slick rocks and heavy currents demand great care from the wade-fisherman, even during normal summer flows. At a minimum, felt-soled chest waders should be worn, and studded waders are better. I always use a wading staff, and the Eagle is a prime candidate for such use.

Deep holes and wonderful runs are interspersed with rapids demanding a wide variety of tackle. I prefer a 9-foot, 5-weight rod for subsurface fishing and a 4-weight for surface fishing. A floating line is adequate for virtually all fishing along the Eagle. I use a 7.5-foot leader with a tan, combed-out indicator, or a large dry fly for nymphing and a 10- to 12-foot leader for dry-fly fishing.

Match your tippet to the size fly you are using. Deeper holes along the Eagle will require weighted flies or some weight to get deep enough.

High-country weather can fluctuate rapidly. Layered clothing is highly recommended, even in summer. Early-morning chills can quickly turn into midday scorching heat from the brilliant high-altitude sun. Be prepared for afternoon thundershowers, which can quickly chill an unprepared angler. Sunscreen and appropriate headgear is important, too.

FLIES
A quick look at the Eagle River Hatch Chart shows the river’s biomass is typical of most Colorado streams. During the winter months, midges dominate the trout diet.

Warming spring waters excite the Baetis into action. Major caddis hatches soon command the hungry trout’s attention, as do the spring stonefly hatches.

While caddis and stoneflies remain a staple for the trout, by July and the end of runoff, mayflies spring to life. As with most trout habitat, terrestrials make up a significant part of the trout diet from August through September. Many experts on the Eagle recommend fly selections that contain green, such as peacock herl.

Eagle River trout are seldom as selective as fish in other waters, unless a hatch focuses them on a specific insect. Most summer hatches are not heavy, but rather sporadic.