Vail Valley Fishing Report 5/23/26
- brianchilbert
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
Spring fishing in Colorado is absolutely rolling right now, and despite everyone bracing for runoff, this recent stretch of cool weather has been a major gift to anglers across the state. Flows have stabilized, clarity has improved dramatically, and trout are feeding aggressively in nearly every river system we guide on. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect window to get on the water before peak runoff arrives, this is it.
With water temperatures staying favorable and flows remaining manageable, anglers are seeing some of the best fishing of the season so far. From heavy stonefly eats to technical dry fly opportunities during afternoon hatches, there’s a little bit of everything happening right now.
CRO guide Brian Hilbert breaks down what anglers can expect on the Eagle River, Roaring Fork River, and Colorado River this week, along with a few of his go-to tips for finding success during this unique spring window.
Eagle River Fishing Report
Flow: 358cfs (Gypsum)
Clarity: 3’
Fishing: 8/10
The Eagle River is fishing very well right now and has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the recent cool weather. Runoff had started to creep in, but colder overnight temperatures pressed pause on snowmelt and flows have dropped significantly over the last several days.
The result? Excellent clarity, eager trout, and strong bug activity throughout the day.
Stoneflies, BWO’s, caddis, PMD’s and midges are all in play right now. Early mornings have still been favoring nymph rigs, especially before water temperatures climb, but on overcast afternoons and warmer stretches, anglers are finding some excellent dry fly opportunities as fish begin looking up consistently.
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Recommended Eagle River Flies
Pats Rubber Legs — Size 10-8
Hilbert’s Sexi Top May BWO — Size 20
Pheasant Tail — Size 18
Brian Hilbert’s Pro Tip
“One of the biggest mistakes anglers make this time of year is fishing too fast. Fish are holding in softer seams and transition water, especially with fluctuating spring flows. Slow your drift down, add enough weight to consistently tick bottom, and really focus on the softer buckets behind structure.”
Brian also recommends paying close attention to afternoon cloud cover. BWO hatches have been strongest during cooler periods and overcast conditions, often producing surprisingly technical dry fly fishing for late May.
Roaring Fork River Fishing Report
Flow: 795 (at Glenwood Springs)
Clarity: 2’
Fishing: 9/10
The Roaring Fork River is in excellent shape and continues to fish extremely well. Clarity has improved noticeably with the cooler weather, and trout are feeding aggressively throughout the system.
Stoneflies remain a major food source, but caddis, BWO’s, and PMD’s are becoming increasingly active as water temperatures continue to stabilize. Some fish are beginning to consistently look toward the surface, especially during the warmest part of the afternoon.
Dry-dropper setups have been particularly effective lately, allowing anglers to cover both active surface feeders and fish holding just below the film.
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Recommended Roaring Fork River Flies
Pats Rubber Legs — Size 10-8
Sexi Top May PMD — Size 18-16
Royal PMX — Size 12
Brian Hilbert’s Pro Tip
“This time of year, don’t overlook the banks. Fish are sliding into softer edge water to avoid heavier current, and a lot of anglers are still fishing the middle of the river too hard. Some of the best fish we’re seeing are sitting in shallow soft shelves right along the edges.”
Brian also emphasizes changing depth frequently throughout the day. As flows fluctuate and water temperatures rise, trout reposition constantly. Small adjustments to indicator depth can make a huge difference.
Colorado River Fishing Report
Flow: 1890 (Glenwood Springs)
Clarity: 2’
Fishing: 9/10
The Colorado River continues to fish very well and currently has excellent clarity for this time of year. Trout are heavily focused on stoneflies right now, and larger nymph patterns are producing some of the most consistent action of the season.
Fish are primarily holding in softer water, slower seams, and along current edges where they can feed efficiently without burning energy in heavier flows. While sporadic PMD hatches are beginning to show up, stoneflies remain the dominant food source across most sections of the river.
Anglers fishing big bugs with confidence are finding quality fish throughout the day.
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Recommended Colorado River Flies
Pats Rubber Legs — Size 10-8
Twenty Incher Stone — Size 10-8
Hilbert’s Sexi Top May PMD — Size 18-16
Rainbow Warrior — Size 20
Brian Hilbert’s Pro Tip
“When runoff starts building, fish don’t disappear, they relocate. Focus on slower walking-speed water, inside bends, side channels, and softer drop-offs. If you’re still trying to fish the heaviest current in the river, you’re usually fishing where trout used to be.”
Brian also recommends running a larger stonefly up front with a smaller attractor or PMD trailing behind it. The larger fly helps get attention while the smaller trailing fly often seals the deal.
Overall Conditions
Overall fishing across Colorado is absolutely incredible right now. This recent week of cool weather has dramatically slowed runoff progression, which is the best-case scenario after a below-average snow year. Rivers have stayed fishable longer, clarity has remained excellent, and trout are feeding aggressively throughout the state.
This extended cooler stretch is giving anglers an outstanding opportunity to experience some of the best spring fishing we’ve seen in a while.
If you’ve been thinking about booking a trip, now is the time.
Whether you’re looking to target aggressive trout on big stonefly rigs, technical dry fly eaters during afternoon hatches, or simply want to experience Colorado fly fishing at its best, the guides at Colorado River Outfitters are on the water daily and dialed into current conditions.
Book your guided trip today and come see why spring is one of our favorite times of year to fish in Colorado. Call or text 970-236-1937 or click the link below!
Be sure to follow CRO on social media for weekly fishing reports, river updates, educational content, and behind-the-scenes action from the water:
Good luck out there!
- The CRO Team