Eagle River Fishing Report 11/18/25 — With CRO Guide Matt Fletcher
- flyfish19
- Nov 19
- 2 min read
The Eagle River is fishing excellent right now, and CRO guide Matt Fletcher reports that warmer than usual conditions are offering some of the most consistent action of the fall. Clear flows, cold mornings, and mild afternoons are creating a perfect November groove—and the trout are taking full advantage.
Current Conditions
Expect low, clear water with fish settling into slower, deeper holding lanes where they can conserve energy. With stable weather and dependable bug activity, feeding windows have been predictable and productive.
Midge Hatch: All-Day Action
Midges are hatching throughout the day, with the prime window running from 9:00am–2:00pm. During this stretch you’ll see steady emergence, sporadic surface activity, and plenty of subsurface feeding.
While nymphing is the most consistent method, Matt notes a few trout rising during the warmest parts of the day—especially in slow slicks and tailouts.
“If you see some rising trout, don’t be afraid to tie on a Griffith Gnat or Renegade, we’re seeing some decent surface activity and a well presented fly will get rewarded”
Top Flies for 11/18/25
Make sure these patterns are in your box:
Daysaver Midge — Size 22, Black
This tiny midge imitation matches the main food source trout are feeding on right now. Its slim profile and natural coloration make it perfect for clear, winter-like conditions. Trout see thousands of midges drift by each day, and the Daysaver is a dead-on match, especially during the late-morning hatch window.
Sparkle Wing RS2 — Size 22, Black
A staple on the Eagle in November, the Sparkle Wing RS2 imitates a midge or mayfly emerger transitioning toward the surface. That “flashy wing bud” look triggers eats when trout are feeding just off the bottom or suspended mid-column. It’s subtle, realistic, and absolutely deadly during the peak of the midge emergence.
Orange Egg Pattern
With browns still finishing up their spawn and eggs naturally drifting downstream, an orange egg is a high-value meal for trout looking to pack on calories for winter. It’s bright enough to grab attention in deeper runs and works extremely well as an attractor or lead fly above your small midges.
These flies cover the full range of what trout are keying on right now—from tiny drifting midges to protein-packed eggs rolling through deeper winter water.
Pro Tip From Matt Fletcher
Be at the right place at the right time. Find deeper runs that hold winter fish. They have to eat sometime, and most of their feeding will happen during the warmest part of the day when midges are plentiful.
Plan Your Trip
If you’re looking to get in on this excellent late-fall action, now is the time. Book a trip with CRO guide Matt Fletcher or any of the CRO pros for a dialed-in day on the water.
📞 970-236-1937
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