Eagle River Fly Fishing Report with CRO Guide Matt Weldon – June 28th 2025

Date: June 28, 2025

Location: Eagle River, Colorado

Guide: Matt Weldon, Colorado River Outfitters

Overview

Summer is here, and the Eagle River is fishing great with it. Although the water is still running cold, the fish are beginning to move and feed with more predictability and aggression each day. Over the past week, we’ve noticed a steady shift—early mornings are still slow and deep, but by midday and into the afternoon, the river transforms. Dry fly eats become more consistent, and aggressive takes on the dropper are becoming the norm.

If you’re coming out to the Eagle this week, come prepared to fish every part of the water column—because the fish are.

Morning: Nymph Rig to Jumpstart the Day

Early mornings still require a bit of patience. The fish are glued to the bottom, and the cold water means they’re slow to rise until that sun has a chance to warm things up. We’re starting each day with a three-fly nymph rig, designed to reach those lethargic morning trout where they’re holding.

Rig Details:

• Indicator set about 3 ft above your point fly.

• First fly: Juan’s Tungsten UV Kryptonite Caddis, size 16 – this gets their attention with UV flash and a caddis profile.

• Second fly: Hilbert’s Day Saver Baetis in PMD, size 18 – the perfect follow-up as fish begin to transition into more active feeding.

• Third fly: Top Secret Midge, size 20-22 – subtle but deadly. Midges are available to trout year around and one of the first hatches trout see to start the day.

Focus on slow water seams, look for “walking pace” current. The trout will be in this deeper slower water to start the day and a well presented nymph has been money all week.

Midday: Hopper Dropper Season Begins

By late morning—around 10:30 to 11am—we’re seeing a shift. Fish are beginning to suspend higher in the column, and the dry-dropper game starts to shine. This is the perfect time to stash the bobber and tie on the hopper dropper rig.

Hopper-Dropper Setup:

• Dry fly: Trigger Belly Hopper, size 12

• Dropper: Orange Tag Blow Torch, 16-18 inches below

Target off-bank seams and mid-river structure. These fish are on the hunt, and the bright, flashy blow torch has been producing steady eats. You’ll pick up trout on both flies if you fish it correctly. Be deliberate with your drifts and fish the transitions between pocket water and the main current.

The Blowtorch is a great all purpose attractor for summer hopper/dropper season.

Afternoon and Evening: Dry Fly Time

Once the sun is high and the bugs really start to pop—around 1 pm and on—you’ll want to transition into a double dry fly rig. This is when the river becomes alive with surface action.

Double Dry Setup:

• Lead fly: X2 Caddis, size 16-18

• Trailer: Yellow Sally, size 16-18, tied about 16inches behind

The hatch progression has been super consistent:

• Yellow Sally stoneflies show up early in the day.

• Caddis follow in abundance from midday through evening.

The key to success with dries is targeting soft water along the banks. That’s where these fish are keying in, especially as shadows grow longer. Soft inside bends, slack water behind boulders, and slow eddies are all prime territory. If the water looks right and you hit it with a good drift, odds are high there’s a fish sitting in it willing to eat.

The X2 Caddis is the preferred caddis dry for Matt and many of the CRO guides

Final Thoughts from the River

We’re in the heart of the summer transition now, and things are heating up both literally and figuratively. Each day, the fish are becoming more aggressive earlier, and the quality of the dry fly fishing just keeps improving. It’s a rewarding time to be on the water—you’ve just got to adapt to the day’s rhythm.

Start deep, move up the column, and finish on top.

Whether you’re swinging in for a half-day wade trip or grinding out a full day float, be ready with multiple rigs and a willingness to shift tactics. The Eagle is fishing well, and it’s only going to get better.

Tight lines and see you on the water.

— Matt Weldon

Guide, Colorado River Outfitters

If you’re ready to experience the beauty and thrill of fly fishing in Colorado, there’s no better time to book your trip with Matt Weldon or any of the expert guides at Colorado River Outfitters. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, you’ll be in great hands with a team that knows these waters inside and out. Call 970-236-1937 today to plan your adventure, and don’t forget to follow along on Instagram @colorado.river.outfitters for stunning river views, trip highlights, and the latest conditions on the water. See you on the river!

For all your fly fishing needs, we recommend Golden Fly Shop!