Vail Colorado Fly Fishing Guide: Eagle River, Gore Creek & Beyond

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
Eagle River	Year-round (caddis late June, fall best)	400-800 CFS wade; 700-2,000 CFS float; Gold Medal
Gore Creek	Year-round (winter sight-fishing excellent)	50-100 CFS ideal; 16" min size; Gold Medal
Summer temps	Fish before noon in July-Aug	Stop at 67°F water temp
Guided float	Book for private water access	$500-850/day for 1-2 anglers
Fly shop	Vail Valley Anglers	(970) 926-0900, Edwards

Overview

The Vail Valley sits at the heart of some of Colorado's finest trout water. Within 30 minutes of the ski resort, anglers have access to Gold Medal streams, productive freestone rivers, and technical creek fishing that rivals anywhere in the state.

The Eagle River runs right through the valley, offering 70+ miles of water from its headwaters near Camp Hale down to the Colorado River at Dotsero. Gore Creek flows through the town of Vail itself, providing walk-and-wade fishing steps from the village. Beyond these home waters, the Roaring Fork and upper Colorado River are within easy striking distance.

What makes the Eagle special: it's one of Colorado's remaining undammed freestone rivers. No reservoirs control its flow. This creates natural seasonal patterns, outstanding caddis hatches, and wild trout that haven't been conditioned by artificial flow regimes.

Primary Waters

Eagle River

The Eagle River is the Vail Valley's signature fishery. Gold Medal water runs from Gore Creek's confluence in Vail downstream to the Colorado River - one of the most productive trout stretches in the state.

River Character:

• 70+ miles from headwaters to Colorado River
• Freestone (no dams) - natural flow patterns
• Mix of browns and rainbows with occasional cutthroat
• Fish average 10-14 inches; 18-22 inch fish are caught regularly on float trips
• Upper river (Camp Hale to Avon): smaller fish, lower pressure
• Lower river (Wolcott to Dotsero): larger fish, more accessible

Flow Windows:

CFS	Conditions
Under 100	Winter flows - technical, fish midday when water warms
100-400	Good wade fishing
400-800	Ideal wading - optimal for most anglers
500-700	Minimum floatable in a 14' raft (experienced rowers)
700-2,000	Ideal float fishing - drift boats and rafts
2,000-3,000+	Peak runoff - float only, fishing tough

Sections:

Upper Eagle (Camp Hale to Minturn):

• Predominantly brown trout, smaller fish (8-12 inches typical)
• Higher gradient, pocket water
• Much less pressure than lower sections - good choice for solitude
• Access along Highway 24
• Be careful near Minturn and Gilman - some sections posted as private

Middle Eagle (Gore Creek to Edwards):

• Good mix of browns and rainbows
• Lake Creek joins at Edwards, increasing river size for float fishing
• Edwards to Wolcott is the "sweet spot" - some of Colorado's best private water accessed by guided floats
• Fish in the 18-22 inch class, copious bug life

Lower Eagle (Wolcott to Dotsero):

• Mostly rainbows with large browns mixed in
• More accessible public water via BLM lands
• Can get crowded during peak season (June-October)
• Fall is prime - tourists leave, fishing improves

Eagle River Access Points (Detailed)

Location	Directions	Parking	Notes
Eagle River Preserve	Hwy 6 west of Edwards	Pulloff on Hwy 6	Over 1 mile of pocket water; March-April, July-Nov best
Edwards Sanitation Plant	West Edwards off Hwy 6	Small lot	Boat ramp for float trips
Horn Ranch	Past BLM Climbing Rock Campground, west of Wolcott	Multiple spots off Hwy 6	1+ mile of wade fishing; large rainbows; summer/fall best
BLM Climbing Rock	West of Wolcott on Hwy 6	Campground lot	Good put-in/take-out; wade access
Wolcott Campground	Hwy 6 at Wolcott	Campground	BLM/DOW lease access
Red Canyon Canyonwoods	Hwy 6 between Wolcott and Eagle	Pulloffs	BLM access
Brush Creek Confluence	West of Eagle town, Hwy 6	Hwy 6 pulloff	Restored area; access to both Eagle River and Brush Creek; large trout
Eagle County Fairgrounds	Town of Eagle	Lot at fairgrounds	Easy wade access
Duck Pond Open Space	West of Gypsum, Hwy 6	Hwy 6 access	Lower Eagle; large browns; future boat ramp planned
Gypsum BLM Community Site	West of Gypsum	BLM lot	Take-out option

Pro Tip: Take Highway 6 instead of I-70 between Wolcott and Dotsero for access. The interstate parallels the river but provides no direct access - Hwy 6 has all the pulloffs.

Private Water Warning: Lots of private property above Wolcott. If you're floating, fish from the boat and don't anchor - landowners patrol and enforce. Below Wolcott, BLM and DOW leases provide ample public access.

Check Eagle River flows at Avon for current conditions.

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Gore Creek

Gore Creek is Vail's backyard fishery - an 18.5-mile stream flowing from the Gore Range through the heart of town to meet the Eagle River at Dowd Junction.

Why Fish It:

• Gold Medal designation from Red Sandstone Creek confluence to Eagle River
• Opportunity for a "Grand Slam" - brook, cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout all present
• Surprisingly large fish for such a small stream
• Fish are notoriously smart - rewarding technical fishing for skilled anglers
• Winter provides some of the best fishing of the year with excellent sight-fishing conditions

Flow Windows:

CFS	Conditions
30-50	Low winter flows - excellent sight fishing, fish midday
50-100	Good year-round fishing
100-200	Higher but fishable
200+	Runoff conditions - murky, dangerous wading

Regulations (Confirmed):

• Artificial flies and lures only
• Bag limit: 2 trout
• Minimum size: 16 inches
• Stop fishing when water temps reach 67°F (see Summer Temps below)

Gore Creek Access Points (Detailed)

Location	Directions	Parking	Notes
Stephens Park	I-70 Exit 173 (West Vail), follow frontage road	Street parking	Good wade access to Gold Medal water
Red Sandstone Park	725 N. Frontage Road	15 spaces, 7 days/week	Gold Medal section begins here
West Vail Mall area	I-70 Exit 173, North Frontage Road	50 free spaces across from mall	Walk to creek
West of roundabout	North Frontage Road west of West Vail roundabout	80 free spaces	Less crowded
Exit 176 (Vail Village)	Take west frontage roads	Limited, pay lots nearby	Pressured but productive
Exit 171 (Dowd Junction)	Near Gore-Eagle confluence	Pulloffs	Lower Gold Medal water
Gore Creek Campground	I-70 Exit 180 (East Vail), south frontage road 2 miles	Campground lot	Upper creek; brook and cutthroat trout

Best Sections:

East Vail (above town):

• Brook and cutthroat trout in upper reaches
• Less pressure than town sections
• Access via Gore Creek Campground or trailhead parking (3-hour limit at some spots)

West Vail (Below Lionshead) - PRIME WATER:

• Gold Medal water begins at Red Sandstone Creek confluence
• Best spot according to local guides
• Larger fish concentrations
• Access via Stephens Park or Red Sandstone Park

Stream Character:

• True mountain creek - rocky, narrow, lined with trees
• Waders essential due to narrow channel
• Casting can be challenging with overhanging brush
• A bike/walking trail parallels parts of the creek
• Despite proximity to I-70, traffic noise fades once you're on the water

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Colorado River

The upper Colorado River from Kremmling through Gore Canyon offers both excellent fishing and iconic float trips within reach of Vail (about 45 minutes).

Pumphouse to State Bridge (14 miles):

• Class I-II, forgiving for intermediate floaters
• Good fishing for browns and rainbows
• Prime July-August after runoff clears

For detailed flow windows and access, see our Upper Colorado summer guide.

Key Hazard: Yarmony (Hoyt) Rapid becomes legitimate Class III at 2,500+ CFS with a hole that can flip rafts.

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Roaring Fork River

Gold Medal water for 22 miles from Basalt to Glenwood Springs. About 45 minutes from Vail.

Why Make the Drive:

• World-famous Green Drake hatch (late June-July)
• 13 miles of Gold Medal water in the middle section
• Mix of float and wade opportunities
• Healthy trout populations

Flow Windows:

CFS	Conditions
200-350	Excellent wading
700-2,500	Ideal drift boat range
2,500-5,000	High but floatable for experienced rowers

See our Colorado river guide for complete Roaring Fork information.

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Seasonal Patterns

Winter (December-March)

Best Bet: Gore Creek and lower Eagle River

• Gore Creek offers exceptional sight-fishing after snow clears
• Lower Eagle stays fishable due to lower elevation and milder weather
• This is NOT a dawn fishery - fish midday when water temps rise into the 40s
• Focus on midges - they're the primary food source
• Fewer anglers, peaceful conditions

Key Flies: Zebra Midges (18-22), RS2s, small pheasant tails, midge clusters

Spring (April-May)

Transition Period:

• Early April can offer good midge fishing before runoff
• Late April through May: runoff begins, freestones go off-color
• Fish tailwaters like the Fryingpan or float the Eagle if flows allow
• Check conditions daily - spring is unpredictable

Summer (June-August)

Prime Season - But Watch Water Temps:

• Late June: Caddis hatches explode on the Eagle once water temps hit 50s
• July: PMDs join the party, Green Drakes on the Roaring Fork
• August: Terrestrials (hoppers, ants, beetles) become productive
• Evening dry fly fishing on Gore Creek can be exceptional

Summer Water Temperature Warning:

Trout thrive in 45-66°F water. Above 68°F, dissolved oxygen drops and fish become stressed. Above 70°F, trout stop feeding and become vulnerable to disease and mortality - even if released carefully.

What this means for you:

• Carry a stream thermometer
• Fish early morning - water is coolest before 10am
• Stop fishing when temps approach 67°F (usually mid-afternoon in summer)
• CPW has maintained voluntary fishing closures on the lower Eagle (Fairgrounds to Dotsero) during heat waves
• If released fish are lethargic or struggling to recover, call it a day

Summer Caddis (Eagle River):

• Begins when water temps climb into the 50s (usually late June)
• Hatches in big numbers for at least two weeks
• Peak activity: late morning and late evening
• Sizes 12-14 early season, tapering to 16 later

Recommended Caddis Patterns:

• Nymphs: Hare's Ears, Guide's Choice, Sparkle Pupae
• Dries: Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16), Tan Stimulator, Foam Caddis

Fall (September-October) - BEST FISHING

Why Fall is Prime:

• Stable flows, comfortable water temps (50s-low 60s)
• Tourists leave after Labor Day - locals have the river
• Browns become aggressive pre-spawn
• BWO hatches run strong through October
• Streamers produce big fish
• No rush to hit the water at dawn - extra coffee, let it warm up

Timing: Tricos hatch late morning into early afternoon. BWOs in afternoon.

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Hatch Chart

Hatch	Timing	Size	Best Patterns
Midges	Year-round, peak winter	18-24	Zebra Midge, Sprout Midge, Griffith's Gnat
BWOs	Mar-May, Sep-Nov	18-22	Parachute Adams, RS2, Juju Baetis
Caddis	Late May-Oct	12-18	Elk Hair Caddis, Tan Stimulator, Guide's Choice
PMDs	Early Jul-Aug	14-18	Pink Foam Parachute, Quasimodo Pheasant Tail, Melon Quill
Golden Stones	Jul-Aug	4-10	Pat's Rubberleg, Twenty Incher, VVA Rubberleg
Yellow Sallies	Jul-Aug	14-16	Yellow Foam Stone, Yellow Elk Hair Caddis, Corn Fed Sally
Tricos	Aug-Sep, late morning	20-24	Trico Spinners, small Parachute Adams
Green Drakes	Late Jun-Jul (Roaring Fork)	10-14	Parawulff, Sparkledun Green Drake, CDC Thorax
Terrestrials	Jul-Sep	8-14	Hoppers, ants, beetles

Local Pattern Notes:

• PMDs on the Eagle are pinkish-orange, typically #16-18
• Yellow Sallies have increased in recent years - don't overlook them
• For PMD risers: Pink Foam Parachute or PMD Parawulff
• Caddis patterns with red butts can be effective for Yellow Sallies

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Float Fishing

Float fishing lets you cover water efficiently and access the private stretches between Edwards and Wolcott that bank anglers can't reach.

Float Sections & Put-ins

Section	Distance	Put-in	Take-out	Character
Edwards to Wolcott	7-14 miles	Edwards Sanitation Plant (boat ramp)	BLM Climbing Rock	Best private water, 18-22" fish
Wolcott to Eagle	~10 miles	BLM Climbing Rock	Eagle County Fairgrounds	Continuous Class II+ with 3 notable rapids
Eagle to Gypsum	Variable	Fairgrounds or below	Duck Pond/BLM sites	Lower canyon, more public access

Rapids to Know

Trestle Rapid (Class III to III+):

• Location: 0.5 mile downstream of Wolcott
• Scout first from the railroad trestle - look for danger signs, eddy right
• "Pinnacle Rock" in the center is a boat flipper
• Enter with correct ferry angle; water pulls you away from the rock
• Exit left - going right will flip you; hug the left rock, ship your oar forward

Dead Cow Rapid (Class III to III+):

• Few miles below Trestle
• Usually just a wave train, but can flip boats at higher flows

Rodeo Rapid (Class IV):

• Significant step up from the rest of the section
• "Good carnage" here because paddlers get complacent after easier water above
• Scout if unfamiliar

Important: This is really raft water in most opinions. Drift boats are less common due to the rapids. If you're new at the oars, Trestle alone could ruin your day.

Shuttle Service

Eagle River Shuttles: (970) 376-8520

Guided Float Pricing (Typical)

• Half-day (4 hours): $500-600 for 1-2 anglers
• 3/4 day: $695 for 1-2 anglers
• Full-day with lunch: $750-850 for 1-2 anglers
• Includes rods, flies, waders, terminal tackle
• License NOT included

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Local Fly Shops & Guides

The Vail Valley has deep fly fishing expertise. These shops provide current conditions, local knowledge, and guide services:

Vail Valley Anglers (Edwards)

• Located on the banks of the Eagle River, minutes from the Edwards boat ramp
• Comprehensive fishing reports updated regularly
• Float and wade trips
• (970) 926-0900

Gore Creek Fly Fisherman (Avon)

• 42+ years in the valley, 200+ years combined guide experience
• Most extensive Forest Service permits in the valley
• Access to Colorado, Eagle, Gore Creek, and Roaring Fork
• (970) 476-3296

Minturn Anglers (Minturn)

• Over 20,000 guided trips since 2008
• 25 full-time guides
• Wade, float, and horseback trips
• Right on the Eagle River at 106 Main Street
• (970) 827-9500

Colorado Angling Company

• Private water access on Eagle River with cabin basecamp
• Float and wade trips
• Decades of local expertise

Eagle River Outfitter (Avon/Vail)

• Float trips on Eagle, Roaring Fork, Colorado
• Half-day to full-day options
• All gear included
• (970) 235-0655

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Fishing Pressure & When to Go

Avoiding Crowds

Section	Pressure Level	Best Strategy
Upper Eagle (Camp Hale to Avon)	Low	Go here for solitude, smaller fish
Middle Eagle (Edwards to Wolcott)	Medium-High	Book a guided float to access private water
Lower Eagle (Wolcott to Dotsero)	Medium-High (peak season)	Fish fall when tourists leave
Gore Creek (Vail Village)	High	Fish early morning or West Vail/Red Sandstone area
Gore Creek (East Vail)	Low-Medium	Better for solitude

Seasonal Pressure:

• June-October: Peak season, especially lower Eagle. Can be crowded on banks.
• Fall (Sep-Oct): Tourists gone, locals still fish hard but "medium" pressure
• Winter: Light pressure, locals only

Time of Day:

• Summer: Fish early morning (coolest water) or evening (caddis hatches)
• Fall/Winter: No rush at dawn - fish late morning into afternoon when water warms
• Weekdays always better than weekends

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Whitewater & Rafting

The Eagle River offers whitewater ranging from mellow family floats to serious Class IV.

Upper Eagle (Dowd Chute area):

• Class III-IV continuous whitewater
• 4.5 miles of excitement
• Good option for first-timers wanting adventure
• Ages 16+ on guided trips

Lower Eagle:

• Class II-III through a 2,000-foot canyon
• More relaxed, suitable for ages 7+
• 17 miles of scenic floating

Gore Creek (Vail Village):

• Class III-IV early season only
• Runs right through town
• Waves and play holes
• Ages 10+

Guide Services:

• Sage Outdoor Adventures: (970) 476-3700
• Multiple put-ins from Vail to Gypsum

Best Season: Late May through early July when snowmelt provides adequate flows.

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Regulations Summary

Eagle River (Gore Creek confluence to Colorado River):

• Bag limit: 2 trout
• Gold Medal water entire length

Gore Creek (Gold Medal Section):

• Bag limit: 2 trout
• Minimum size: 16 inches
• Artificial flies and lures only
• Voluntary closure when water temps exceed 67°F

License Required:

• Colorado fishing license (resident or non-resident)
• Available at local fly shops or online at CPW website
• NOT included with guided trips

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Safety Considerations

Cold Water: Even in summer, these rivers run cold - typically 45-55°F in the Eagle. Hypothermia is possible with extended immersion. Bring layers and be prepared.

Spring Runoff (May-mid June): Dangerous high water. The Eagle can run at several times normal volume - cold, fast, and debris-laden. Freestones are unfishable and hazardous during peak runoff.

Summer Water Temperatures (Critical):

• Trout stress begins at 65°F; above 68°F is dangerous
• Gore Creek and parts of the Eagle can exceed safe temps in summer heat waves
• CPW has maintained voluntary closures on lower Eagle during extreme heat
• Carry a thermometer. Fish early. Stop when temps rise.

Afternoon Thunderstorms: Summer brings predictable afternoon lightning. Plan to be off exposed water by 1-2pm.

Altitude: Vail sits at 8,150 feet. Most fishing happens above 7,000 feet. Acclimate before wading swift water or hiking. Stay hydrated, pace yourself.

Float Hazards:

• Trestle, Dead Cow, and Rodeo rapids can flip boats
• Private water above Wolcott - fish from the boat only
• Cold water makes swims dangerous even in summer

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Planning Your Trip

Best Overall Timing:

• Late June-July: Prime dry fly fishing, caddis and PMD hatches (watch water temps)
• September-October: Best overall fishing, fewer crowds, fall colors, comfortable temps
• Winter: Excellent sight fishing on Gore Creek for experienced anglers (midday fishing)

When to Avoid:

• Mid-May through mid-June: Runoff makes freestones unfishable
• Mid-July through August afternoons: Water temps can exceed safe limits

Where to Stay: Vail, Avon, Edwards, and Minturn all provide easy access to the Eagle River corridor. Minturn offers a quieter, more authentic mountain town feel and puts you right on the river.

What to Bring:

• 4-5 weight rod for most situations
• 3 weight for Gore Creek
• 6 weight for streamers or windy days
• Waders year-round (water stays cold)
• Stream thermometer (essential for summer)
• Rain gear for afternoon storms
• Sunscreen and hat (high altitude sun is intense)

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Using RiverReports

RiverReports helps you pick the right day and right water:

• Check current flows against the windows above
• Compare rivers: If the Eagle is blown out, check the Roaring Fork or Fryingpan
• Track trends: Rising or falling matters for trip planning
• Historical data: See what's typical for your travel dates

Key gauges for Vail area:

• Eagle River at Avon
• Eagle River below Gypsum
• Gore Creek near Minturn
• Colorado River near Kremmling

Download the RiverReports app for mobile access while on the water.

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