Vail Valley Fishing Report – Weekend Outlook
- brianchilbert
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
Spring fishing in the Vail Valley is firing on all cylinders right now, and heading into the weekend, conditions could not be lining up much better. Stable flows, excellent clarity, and consistent midge and blue wing olive hatches have trout feeding aggressively throughout the day. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get out, this is it.
Our team at Colorado River Outfitters has these fisheries completely dialed right now, and we’re seeing some of the most consistent action of the year across all three major rivers.
Eagle River
Fishing Quality: 9/10
Flow: 165 cfs (Gypsum)
Clarity: 4’
The Eagle River is in prime shape. Low, clear flows are creating ideal conditions for technical nymphing and dry fly opportunities, especially during peak hatch windows.
Hatches
Spring Midges (size 16–18)
Blue Wing Olives (size 18–20)
Top Producing Flies
Zebra Midge (black, size 16–18)
Daysaver Midge (brown, size 18)
RS2 (black, size 18)
Barr’s Emerger (size 20)
Daysaver Baetis (size 18–20)
Sexi Top May (size 18–20)
Dry Fly Action
Parachute Adams (size 18–20)
Ms. Tickle Cripple BWO (size 18)
Pro Tips from Matt Fletcher
Matt has been putting on a clinic out here and emphasizes rig versatility throughout the day:
Morning: Lean heavily on a double midge rig. A size 16 Zebra Midge paired with a Daysaver Midge has been producing consistent numbers early.
Late Morning (around 11am): As midge hatches intensify, fish begin to key on emergers, this is where the RS2 really begins to shine.
Afternoon (1–3pm): Transition into BWO patterns. Matt recommends swapping in a Daysaver Baetis and trailing it with a Sexi Top May.
Don’t overlook dry fly opportunities, heads are up more often than you think, especially in slower seams and tailouts.
Roaring Fork River
Fishing Quality: 9/10
Flow: 415 cfs (Glenwood Springs)
Clarity: 2’ off color slightly
PLEASE OBSERVE SPAWNING CLOSURES AT FOR MILE CREEK AND THREE MILE CREEK
The Roaring Fork is fishing excellent right now. This river is offering a little bit of everything, big numbers, quality fish, and some excellent dry fly windows.
Hatches
Spring Midges (size 16–18)
Blue Wing Olives (size 18–20)
Top Flies
Jig Zebra Midge (black, size 16)
Daysaver Midge (black, size 18)
Barr’s Emerger (size 18–20)
Two Bit Hooker (purple, size 18–20)
Daysaver Baetis (size 18–20)
Sexi Top May (size 18–20)
Dry Fly Action
Renegade (size 18)
Ms. Tickle Cripple BWO (size 18–20)
Parachute Adams (size 18–20)
Pro Tips from Matt Weldon
Matt Weldon has been capitalizing on the Fork’s consistent flows and emphasizes reading water and adjusting depth:
Fish are holding in classic spring lies—deeper runs, buckets, and softer edges.
Start your rig slightly heavier in the morning, then lighten up as the day progresses and fish move shallower during hatches.
The Two Bit Hooker has been a sleeper fly, especially when you need to get down in the pockets during the BWO emergence.
Keep a dry fly rod ready, the Fork has been popping with afternoon risers, and those windows can turn electric fast.
Colorado River (Below Glenwood Springs)
Fishing Quality: 8/10
Flow: 1230 cfs
Clarity: 4’
Beware of free floating moss
PLEASE BE AWARE OF CLOSED SPAWNING AREAS
The Colorado is in classic early spring form, excellent clarity and strong bug activity. This is a great option for anglers looking to target bigger fish in bigger water.
Hatches
Midges (size 18–20)
Blue Wing Olives (size 18–20)
Top Flies
Philly Cheese Cranefly Larvae (size 6)
Zebra Midge (black, size 18–20)
Red Squirmy Worm
Daysaver Baetis (size 18–20)
Sexi Top May (size 18–20)
Pat’s Rubber Legs (coffee/black, size 8)
Pro Tips from Brian Hilbert
Brian has been dialed on the Colorado and stresses small-fly confidence with clean rigging:
Don’t be afraid to lead with a larger attractor like a Pat’s Rubber Legs or Cranefly, these fish are opportunistically eating bigger meals right now.
Run a 3-fly rig: big lead fly → midge → Baetis pattern. This covers all columns and food sources.
Fish are primarily in deeper runs and slower seams, focus on getting your flies down quickly and maintaining a natural drift.
As BWOs start popping mid-day, shorten up your rig and go lighter with smaller patterns like the Daysaver Baetis and Sexi Top May.
Final Thoughts – Don’t Miss This Window
Spring fishing in the Vail Valley is about as good as it gets right now. We’re seeing:
Consistent double-digit days
Frequent doubles
Strong, healthy fish
Reliable hatch windows
If you’ve been thinking about getting out, this is your moment.
Book a Trip with Colorado River Outfitters
Our guides are on the water every single day and have these rivers completely dialed. Whether you’re looking for a float trip on the Colorado or Roaring Fork, or a technical wade on the Eagle, we’ll put you on fish and show you exactly how to replicate the success.
Spring dates are filling fast—don’t wait.
📞 Call or text: 970-236-1937
🌐 Visit: www.coloradoriveroutfitters.net
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We’ll see you on the water this weekend 👊
—The CRO Team