Weekly Fly Fishing Report on the Eagle River with CRO Guide Matt Weldon 5/5
- flyfish19
- Apr 25
- 4 min read
As spring kicks into full swing here in the Colorado Rockies, we had the pleasure of sitting down with CRO guide Matt Weldon to get his read on the current conditions and what’s working best on the Eagle River. With the days growing longer and the water warming up, the Eagle is showing why it’s considered one of the finest fisheries in the region. Here’s Matt’s full report from a recent guide trip, packed with insider tips, fly selection advice, and a gentle but important reminder about ethical fishing practices during the spawn.
Matt’s Top 3 Flies for Spring Success
When it comes to fly choice right now, Matt isn’t messing around. Here are the three flies he’s relying on to consistently put fish in the net:
1. Tungsten Zebra Midge (2.7mm, Size 16)
This fly is absolutely essential for early spring nymphing. The added tungsten gets it down fast in the deeper tailouts where the fish are currently holding. Matt recommends fishing this pattern under an indicator with a light tippet to detect subtle takes. “It’s especially deadly mid-morning when the midges start to move,” he notes.
2. Chartreuse Egg (Size 16)
With rainbows spawning, egg patterns are naturally a strong bet. “This fly is doing a ton of work right now, especially when paired as a point fly ahead of a midge or emerger,” Matt says. Chartreuse seems to be the magic color lately, standing out just enough in the water to draw attention.
3. Barr’s Emerger (Size 20)
Later in the day, as the blue-winged olives begin to hatch, Barr’s Emerger is a go-to. “Fish are really keying in on this during the afternoon hatch windows,” Matt advises. He likes to dead-drift this fly below an egg, and says it’s been getting consistent grabs from some of the river’s pickier eaters.
Timing is Everything
If you’re not a fan of early alarms, you’re in luck—Matt reports that fishing really starts to heat up around 10 a.m. and only improves as the day goes on.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., strong midge hatches have fish actively feeding just below the surface, and as the day continues, blue-winged olives (BWOs) come off in force. By late afternoon, fish are starting to look up—making dry fly presentations a real possibility for the topwater-focused angler.
And if you’re lucky, the Mother’s Day caddis hatch is beginning to show in a big way. “It’s only going to get better from here,” Matt says with a grin.
Subsurface Game: Where the Magic Happens
While dry flies are turning on, don’t overlook the subsurface action. Matt emphasizes fishing the deep tailouts of runs—especially spots where you can’t see the bottom. “If you can’t see bottom, there’s a good chance your indicator is about to go down,” he says.
He recommends pairing a tungsten midge with an emerger and egg pattern and letting the rig do the work. Look for slower-moving water below riffles, and don’t be afraid to adjust your depth until you find the sweet spot.
Streamer Junkies Rejoice
If you’re someone who prefers a more active, visual style of fishing, streamers are still very much in play. Matt recommends fishing a Thin Mint for that added flash and movement in the water. But his personal favorite?
“The Zirdle Bug. Hands down,” Matt says. “I usually fish it under an indicator like a nymph, but don’t be afraid to strip it like a streamer. I’ve had some savage takes doing that.”
It’s this versatility that makes the Zirdle Bug a staple in Matt’s spring box—especially for anglers who like a more engaged, hands-on approach.
The Eagle River is On Fire (Figuratively, of Course)
“The Eagle is a 5 out of 5 right now,” Matt tells us. Coming out of winter, fish are hungry and hunting for protein, making this one of the most productive windows of the year. Cloudy skies, far from being a deterrent, can actually improve the hatch activity—so don’t let a little weather stop you from hitting the water.
A Word on Spawning Etiquette
With all the action happening, Matt reminds us that now is also the time to be especially mindful of rainbow trout spawning areas. Trout Unlimited has marked many of the more sensitive zones, but even if you don’t see a sign, it’s important to recognize the indicators.
“Spawning beds—also called redds—are usually in shallow, gravelly areas with a noticeable circular, cleaned-off look,” Matt explains. “If you see fish sitting in water like that, leave them alone.”
While it’s not illegal to fish these spots, it’s highly unethical, and doing so can jeopardize future populations. “If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and find deeper water,” Matt adds. “There’s plenty of great fishing without disturbing the next generation of rainbows.”
Matt’s Pro Tips
We asked Matt for a few rapid-fire tips and tricks to help anglers get the most out of their day on the water. Here’s what he had to say:
Use Fluorocarbon for Nymphing: It sinks faster and is less visible—key when fish are picky.
Double Rigs Are Your Friend: Pair a heavy tungsten point fly with a lighter dropper to cover more of the water column.
Be Willing to Adjust: Change depth and fly selection often, especially as the day progresses and hatch activity changes.
Stay Mobile: Don’t sit in one spot too long. “If it’s not happening, move,” Matt says.
Watch the Birds: Swallows feeding over the water are a good indicator that a hatch is happening.
Meet Your Guide: Matt Weldon
Matt Weldon has been guiding with Colorado River Outfitters for over a decade and is known for his deep knowledge of local waters, easygoing nature, and uncanny ability to get even first-time anglers into fish. Whether you’re looking to master a nymph rig or take your streamer game to the next level, Matt has the expertise and patience to help you learn—and have a blast doing it.
Ready to hit the water with Matt? Book a trip today by calling (970) 236-1937. Spring conditions like these don’t last forever, so make the most of it while you can!
Follow us on Instagram!
Comments