Fishing Report - 2/28/26 — Roaring Fork River, Colorado & Eagle River
- brianchilbert
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Late winter is delivering phenomenal conditions across our local waters, and with flows low, clear, and unusually warm temps, anglers willing to adapt their strategy are being rewarded with incredible action. Below is your detailed breakdown of current conditions, hatches, fly selections, and tactics for each river, plus insider tips from our guides. If you’ve been waiting for prime time, this is it. March and April might be the best fishing of the entire year.
Roaring Fork River Report
Flow: 320 CFS — low and clear
Overall: Excellent late winter fishing conditions
Fish are active and feeding consistently thanks to strong midge and blue-winged olive (BWO) hatches. Trout are holding in classic winter lanes, slower seams, tailouts, and mid-depth buckets where they can conserve energy but still intercept drifting food.
Best Techniques
Nymphing: Most productive method right now. Light rigs, long leaders, and precise drifts are key.
Dry Fly: Expect afternoon surface activity when BWOs appear.
Streamers: Fair on cloudy days when fish feel comfortable moving.
Top Flies
Mylant’s Sunny Side Egg — Size 18
Juan’s Pale Ale Midge — Size 18
Hilbert’s Sexi Top BWO — Size 20
When Fish Are Rising
Ms. Tickle Cripple Purple — Size 20 (excellent choice during BWO emergences)
Pro Tip — Matt Weldon
Subtle strikes dominate this time of year. If your indicator twitches, stalls, or even hesitates slightly, set the hook. Winter eats are rarely aggressive, and reacting instantly is the difference between a banner day and an average one.
Eagle River Report
Flow: 126 CFS — low and clear
Overall: Technical but rewarding
The Eagle is running lean and transparent, concentrating trout in deeper runs and pools. Fish are podded up in winter holding water, which means once you find them, you can experience consistent action.
Best Techniques
Nymphing: Go-to approach, slow drifts through deeper lanes are critical.
Dry Fly: Occasional but worthwhile on the right days.
Top Flies
Juan’s Pale Ale Midge — Size 18
Hilbert’s Daysaver Midge Brown — Size 18
Flash Back Barr’s Emerger — Size 22
Dry Fly Options
Griffith Gnat — Size 18
Parachute Adams — Size 20
Pro Tip — Paul Killino
On sunny, clear days, lengthen your leader and drop down a tippet size. Presentation matters far more than fly choice when fish are pressured and visibility is high.
Colorado River Report
Flow: 1170 CFS — low and clear
Overall: Stable winter fishing with big fish opportunity.
Fish are settled into winter holding water, deeper runs, troughs, and slower interior seams. They’re not roaming much, so focus on methodically covering productive water rather than being on the go constantly.
Best Techniques
Nymphing: Most consistent producer.
Streamers: Fair to good, especially during low-light periods.
Dry Fly: Minimal surface activity currently.
Top Flies
Hilbert’s Philly Cheese Cranefly — Size 6
Juan’s Pale Ale Midge — Size 18
Hilbert’s Daysaver Midge Brown — Size 18
Streamer Picks
Black Sex Dungeon
Thin Mint Wooly Bugger
Pro Tip — Matt Fletcher
Slow everything down. Cold-water trout won’t chase fast presentations. Dead drifts and slow swings keep flies in the strike zone longer and dramatically increase eats.
Why You Should Book Now
Fishing is already excellent, and historically, March and April bring peak consistency, active fish, and lighter pressure. If you’ve been thinking about getting out, this is your window. Conditions like this don’t last long.
Take advantage of it. Book a trip with CRO today.
📞 Call or text: 970-236-1937
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Tight lines,
— The CRO Team