The Eagle River, like many rivers in Colorado, is seeing its Spring run off about 3 weeks early. Current water flows are 1500 CFS in Avon, CO which is about 500 CFS higher than what we are used to seeing this time of year. What does this mean? It is tough to say what the Eagle River is going to do over the next couple weeks but many forecasts are predicting that run off will peak the 3rd to 4th week of May. Many of us use Game Creek Bowl in Vail to determine when run off has peaked on the Eagle River. Yesterday the snow pack on Game Creek was nearly half gone, telling some of us crusty fishing guides that there is still more water to come before we see a consistent drop. Weather will play a large role in how fast this snow comes down the mountain. We are forecasted to cool off this weekend which will slow our run off down and drop flows.

Despite water levels being rather pushy on the Eagle River the fishing is still quite good where you can get a drift. Clarity is excellent and if you can find a soft seam you will find a willing trout. Caddis Larvae, Pats Rubber Leg, Flashback PT’s, Guides Choice, Worms and Streamers are all working. Floating the river is the best way to find fishable water and as of yesterday the clarity was great top to bottom. A lot of anglers have been floating from Edwards to Eagle and finding plenty of fish along the way. There is a lot of debris in the river so be prepared to donate some flies, especially when nymphing those soft seams close to the bank.

NOTE: The new play wave is open in Eagle which is a raft eater according to some recent pleasure boaters. Be sure to scout that rapid before dropping in. The new play wave is located behind the Eagle Fairgrounds and can easily be seen from the access road.