Winter has returned for February Vacation bringing new snow and cold temperature to the Vail Valley. We are welcoming the snow and are gaining on our statewide snowpack. The river traffic has been light due to all the new powder but the fly fishing has remained excellent on the Eagle River. There is no need to rush out the door in the morning, take your time and let the sun shine on the water before rigging up your fly rod. Midges are abundant in the river right now and we are seeing some late afternoon hatches here and there. Bobber fishing is still our go to technique but we are anticipating more dry fly activity as we move closer to March. Good fly patterns to be fishing are the following. RS2 (black, olive, grey), Zebra midge #20, 22 (olive, black, red), Mercury Midge (cream, black, olive), Rainbow Warrior (black). Adjust your weight accordingly as the day progresses and find deeper pockets and pools. Lead flies such as flashback PT’s, Barrs BWO Emerger, Squirmy Worm and Micro Mays are getting some attention but expect to the majority of your fish to be keyed in on midges. The water is extremely clear so lighter tippet is mandatory. 5x should do the trick but if you are finding fish are getting pick try dropping down to 6x.

The majority of the river is open and there is plenty of river to fish. Horn Ranch and Red Canyon is now ice free all the way to Gypsum. We will be offering full day float trips at half day rates for the month of March. This is a great way to experience early Spring Fly Fishing in Colorado. Be sure to give us a call for last minute reports and bookings. 970-368-5959. See you on the Eagle River.