Salomone: A tale of two rivers
Michael Salomone/Courtesy photo
The river is poised in a tricky position this time of year. Early spring weather in the Colorado Rockies can bring a taste of everything. We can experience snowstorms and sunshine all in one day.
Tricky conditions appear on the river just as easily. Right now, anglers who venture out to fly-fish on the Eagle River encounter varied conditions depending on where they wet their boots.
The upper Eagle River holds promise of pre-runoff water, with bug activity increasing each day. The lower Eagle River sits awash in colored water with a level of turbidity that can fluctuate rapidly. Fly-fishers have a choice: unmolested early spring conditions in the upper water or gambling with clarity on the lower stretches. A tale of two rivers runs through the valley with distinct differences, for now. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare lays the foundation for success wherever you roam.
The Eagle River stretches 60 miles across the county. The riverbed has a unique appearance depending on the location. The Eagle holds everything from craggy, sharp-cornered rock near the highest point where baptismal water emerges to form the headwaters to smooth, rounded stones as you approach the confluence with the Colorado River in Dotsero.
In terms of river conditions, the Eagle River is split in the middle of its course near Wolcott. Alkali Creek funnels water from the north into the river corridor. Sediment is pushed into the Eagle River at this point. Below the Climbing Rock BLM area is the next influx of turbidity coming from Milk Creek.
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The Climbing Rock access is situated between these two major culprits that influence the lower Eagle River fishing conditions. Both of these small waters push significant color into the main river causing less than desirable conditions at times.
The area around the popular Climbing Rock boat ramp and Bureau of Land Management campground holds mixed water conditions presently. This is where the sediment begins to clog vision and disrupt the pristine currents from the upper river. However, this stretch of river has just enough turbidity to mask imperfect presentations but still allows fish to feed effectively.
The upper Eagle River conditions hold great angling prospects. Favorable water clarity and increased bug presence place the upper river in prime angling condition. Bugs are still on the smaller side. The water level increases daily, loosening the secure purchase that developing insects have held.
While the water is rising slightly, the color is clear. Bugs are developing rapidly, but not showing massive amounts of adults yet. Nymphing is the primary focus with midges and Blue Wing Olive nymphs on the smaller scale around the size 18 mark. Nymphs are easily seen in the clear water so imitations with a flair toward natural tones rank high on the desirability scale.
A common Zebra midge, as well as some small mayfly nymphs in the larvae and pupa stages, have been recent producers for me in the Avon area of the river. The Frenchie, Darth Baetis and flashback Barr’s emerger all produced action. The Quill Bomb is a performance jig that sinks rapidly and holds the slender silhouette of a Blue Wing Olive nymph. This is also a good fly for achieving depth without the addition of weights placed on the line.
The lower Eagle River is holding a murky color in the river water. The color ebbs and flows in terms of turbidity. Depending on recent precipitation, warm weather, and bright sunshine, the amount of mud coloring the water can change rapidly. Fly-fishers who anticipate these conditions adjust their flies to enhance their chances for success.
A workable amount of color is present in the lower Eagle River. Workable, meaning the amount of sediment will decrease the ability for trout to feed but the fish will still eat. Sizing up your nymphs will gather the appropriate attention. Stonefly nymphs like Pat’s rubber legs look enticing when they tumble through the cloudy water and suddenly appear in a trout’s feeding window.
A slow, dead-drift presentation with a dark colored streamer will get eaten, especially on the drop. Real sculpins and other forage fish will dive to the river bottom for security and to evade predators. Trout that miss the streamer will be looking for the wounded, disoriented prey.
Always give it a second chance.
The Eagle River still possesses amazing angling. But know what to expect from a river with two different types of conditions.
Michael Salomone has lived in the Eagle River valley since 1992. He started his professional guiding career in 2002 and currently guides for Vail Valley Anglers. He lives on the bank of the Eagle River with his wife, Lori, his youngest daughter, Ella, and a yellow Labrador named Poppy. His published writing has appeared in Southwest Fly Fishing, Fly Rod & Reel, Eastern Fly Fishing, On the Fly, FlyLords, the Pointing Dog Journal, Upland Almanac, TROUT, American Fly Fishing, USA Today Hunt & Fish and Fly Fisherman magazines.
