Colorado Fly Fishing Report: Eagle River, Roaring Fork River & Colorado River Update

brianchilbert
30 minutes ago
6 min read

This week’s fishing report comes directly from observations made by longtime Colorado River Outfitters guide Matt Fletcher. Matt has spent more than 20 years guiding full-time throughout the Vail Valley and has logged thousands of days on the Eagle River, Colorado River, and Roaring Fork River. His ability to recognize subtle seasonal changes, hatch timing, and fish behavior has helped countless anglers become more successful on the water.

As we move deeper into summer, Matt reports that adaptability is becoming increasingly important. Multiple hatches are occurring throughout the day, water temperatures are rising, and trout are constantly shifting their feeding preferences. Anglers who stay observant and adjust throughout the day are finding the most consistent success.

As river flows continue to drop across Colorado, water temperatures are beginning to climb. Warm water can place significant stress on trout, especially during the heat of the afternoon. We encourage all anglers to carry a stream thermometer and monitor water temperatures throughout the day. If temperatures reach 68°F, it’s time to call it a day and give the fish a break. Responsible angling helps protect our fisheries and ensures quality fishing for future generations.

🌡️ Water Temperature Guidelines

🟢 63°F and Below

Fish normally
Handle fish quickly
Keep fish wet during releases

🟡 65°F

Minimize fight times
Land fish quickly / use heavier tippet
Avoid photo sessions
Consider fishing earlier morning hours

🔴 68°F and Above

Stop fishing for trout
Move to cooler water or call it a day
Give fish the opportunity to recover from heat stress

Eagle River Fishing Report

Flow: 340cfs (Gypsum)

Clarity: 4’+

Fishing Rating: 9/10

The Eagle River continues to fish very well and is providing some of the most diverse hatch activity we’ve seen all season.

According to CRO guide Matt Fletcher, the biggest key to success right now is avoiding “autopilot mode.” Multiple hatches are occurring daily, and the fish are constantly changing what they’re looking for.

A variety of hatches throughout the day will keep anglers guessing which fly should be tied on next. Blue Winged Olives (BWOs), Pale Morning Duns (PMDs), Caddis, Yellow Sallies, and Tricos are all appearing daily.

Matt Fletcher’s Pro Tip

“When in doubt, get smaller. Most anglers are fishing flies that are too large this time of year. If the fish seem picky, downsizing your fly is often the quickest way to start getting eats again.”

Matt typically starts his mornings with small BWO patterns before transitioning to Trico Spinner patterns once the morning hatch begins. He often fishes these patterns beneath the surface or unweighted in the film when targeting trout feeding in foam lines.

Matt Fletcher’s Pro Tip

“Don’t get stuck fishing yesterday’s hatch. What worked at 8 a.m. may not be what fish want at noon. Keep watching the water and adjust throughout the day.”

As the day progresses, PMDs and Yellow Sallies become increasingly important. If fish stop responding to larger offerings, Matt often returns to a small BWO pattern to reestablish confidence.

Another trend Matt has observed recently is fish moving into faster water during the hottest portions of the day.

Matt Fletcher’s Pro Tip

“A lot of anglers automatically fish slower water when temperatures rise. I’m finding many of the better fish holding in faster riffles and pocket water where oxygen levels remain higher.”

Eagle River Top Flies

Royal PMX size 12
Hilbert’s Sexi Top May PMD size 18
Hilbert’s Daysaver May BWO size 20-22
180 Trico size 20-22

Roaring Fork River Fishing Report

Flow: 1110cfs (at Glenwood Springs)

Clarity: 1.5’-2’

Fishing Rating: 7/10

The Roaring Fork River continues to offer some of the most consistent fishing in the valley.

Matt Fletcher reports that Green Drake activity remains present in select sections of the river, while PMDs, Caddis, and BWOs continue to provide dependable fishing opportunities throughout the day.

Dry-dropper rigs and indicator nymphing remain highly productive, but anglers should be prepared to switch gears quickly.

Matt Fletcher’s Pro Tip

“Always have a dry fly rod ready. Green Drake opportunities can appear quickly and disappear just as fast. The anglers who are ready when it happens are usually the ones who have the most memorable days. Early morning and late evening are best”

Focus efforts on inside corners, seams, riffles, and transition water. Fish are spread throughout the system and are utilizing a variety of holding water depending on current conditions.

Matt Fletcher’s Pro Tip

“If you’re not finding fish in one riffle, keep moving. The Roaring Fork rewards anglers who cover water efficiently.”

Roaring Fork River Top Flies

Duracell Jig size 16
Royal PMX size 12
Hilbert’s Sexi Top May PMD size 18
Hilbert’s Daysaver May PMD size 18-20
Hare’s Ear - Dark Olive size 12

Upper Colorado River Fishing Report

Flow: 705cfs (Kremmling)

Clarity: <1’

Fishing Rating: 5/10

Recent flow increases and heavy moss conditions have made portions of the Upper Colorado River more challenging.

Matt Fletcher reports that Pump House is currently not fishable effectively due to higher water and increased moss. Better conditions can currently be found downstream near State Bridge & Catamount.

Matt Fletcher’s Pro Tip

“The moss isn’t going away anytime soon. Check your flies constantly. A perfectly presented drift can quickly become ineffective if your flies have even a small piece of moss.”

Nymphing remains the most productive approach. Focus efforts on deeper runs, transition zones, and softer current edges in the morning and focus more on the faster water and riffles as water temps rise.

Matt Fletcher’s Pro Tip

“The anglers catching fish right now are the ones willing to fish methodically and clean their rigs often.”

Upper Colorado River Top Flies

* Duracell Jig size 16

* Pocket Picker size 16

* Pat’s Rubber Legs size 10

* Hilbert’s Sexi Top May PMD size 18

Lower Colorado River Fishing Report

Flow: 2430cfs (Glenwood Springs)

Clarity: 2’-3’

Fishing Rating: 7/10

The Lower Colorado River below Two Rivers Park continues to fish well and is producing quality trout.

According to Matt Fletcher, stoneflies, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and Caddis remain the primary food sources and should account for most of your fly selection.

Matt Fletcher’s Pro Tip

“Don’t overlook the stonefly bite. Everyone gets focused on the PMD’s this time of year, but some of the biggest fish we’re seeing are still eating larger stonefly patterns.”

Dry-dropper rigs continue to be highly effective, while traditional indicator rigs are producing steady action throughout the day.

Matt Fletcher’s Pro Tip

“If your PMD patterns stop producing, try switching to a Yellow Sally, trout will key in on a specific hatch this time of year. Be prepared to make changes if a certain insect imitation slows.”

Lower Colorado River Top Flies

* Pat’s Rubber Legs size 8

* Iron Sally size 18

* Formally Known As Prince size 16

* Hilbert’s Sexi Top May PMD size 18

* Hilbert’s Daysaver May PMD size 18

Book a Guided Trip with Colorado River Outfitters

There is no substitute for spending a day on the water with a professional guide, especially during a time of year when river conditions and hatches are changing daily.

Whether you’re looking to improve your casting, learn how to identify hatches, understand trout behavior, or simply experience some of Colorado’s best fly fishing, our experienced guide staff is ready to help.

With more than two decades of full-time guiding experience in the Vail Valley, guides like Matt Fletcher bring invaluable local knowledge that can dramatically shorten the learning curve and increase your success on the water.

Current fishing conditions remain excellent across much of our fishable water, and prime summer dates are filling quickly.

Call or text Colorado River Outfitters today to reserve your guided float trip or walk-and-wade adventure on the Eagle River, Roaring Fork River, or Colorado River.

📞 970-236-1937

BOOK NOW

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Good luck out there!

-The CRO Team