Posts by Justin Carr
The 2026 Midgezilla Hatch Is Here On The Eagle River
The “Midgezilla” hatch is one of the most anticipated events on the Eagle River, marking the true transition from winter to spring. While winter midges are typically tiny (sizes 22–26), Midgezilla refers to the emergence of much larger midges, usually in sizes 16–20. As of late March 2026, here is the current status of this…
Read MoreIs There Fly Fishing In Vail?
It’s a beautiful day in Vail, Colorado, and you’re wondering if you can trade your hiking boots for waders. The short answer is a resounding “yes!” Fly fishing in Vail is not only possible but it’s also a world-class experience, offering a range of opportunities for every kind of angler. Fly Fishing for Everyone: From…
Read MoreRoaring Fork River Fishing Report: March 2026
This March, the “Fork” has fully awakened from its winter slumber ahead of schedule. While the Upper Roaring Fork (Aspen to Basalt) remains clear and technical, the Middle and Lower sections (Basalt to Glenwood Springs) are the current stars of the valley. With water temperatures now consistently reaching the mid-to-high 40s, the river’s metabolic engine…
Read MoreGore Creek Fishing Report: March 2026
Following the trend across the valley, the “Gore” is currently experiencing an unseasonably early spring. While the upper reaches near East Vail are still shedding the last of their shelf ice, the Gold Medal water from Vail Village to the Eagle River confluence is wide open and fishing with high-summer clarity. With flows holding at…
Read MoreEagle River Fishing Report: March 2026
The river has fully shed its winter lethargy, with flows holding steady between 110–140 CFS—roughly 75% of the historical median. This lower, stable water has created exceptional clarity, allowing for world-class sight-fishing in the pocket water near Minturn and the long runs of Edwards. The general rule has shifted to “transitional activity”: trout are moving…
Read MoreColorado River Fishing Report: March 2026
This year, the river has transitioned out of its “winter personality” ahead of schedule. An unseasonably warm winter and a low snowpack (currently 60-70% of normal) have led to stable, clear, and emerald-tinted flows that are fishing exceptionally well. While the Upper Colorado still offers a secluded mountain experience, the Middle Colorado from Glenwood Springs…
Read MoreThe Top Three Rivers For Fly Fishing In Vail, Colorado
Ah, Vail. Home of champagne powder and, for the discerning angler, some of the best high-country trout fishing you’ve got. You’ve come to the right place. Forget the crowds and the ski lifts for a minute and let’s talk about the real reason we’re here: the water. This isn’t your grandfather’s fishing guide. This is…
Read MoreEagle River Fishing Report: February 2026
As a classic freestone river, the Eagle is currently in its “winter workhorse” mode—low, crystal-clear, and stable. With flows holding steady between 80–120 CFS, the fish are heavily concentrated in their winter sanctuaries. While the upper reaches near Minturn can still experience significant shelf ice, the middle river from Edwards to Wolcott remains remarkably consistent.…
Read MoreRoaring Fork Fishing Report: February 2026
As the closest major “big water” alternative to Vail, the Fork has benefitted from an unseasonably warm winter cycle, keeping much of the middle and lower river open and active. While the headwaters near Aspen remain technical and occasionally slushy, the sections from Basalt to Glenwood Springs are fishing exceptionally well. The river maintains its…
Read MoreGore Creek Fishing Report: February 2026
Following a high-pressure weather cycle that brought some unseasonably warm afternoons to the Vail Valley, the creek has remained in its “winter personality”—exceptionally low, crystal-clear, and stable. With flows hovering in the technical 15–25 CFS range, the fish are extremely wary and have settled into the deepest, slowest winter troughs. While sections of East Vail…
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