EAGLE RIVER FISHING REPORT 7/3/25

EAGLE RIVER FISHING REPORT 7/3/25

fishing outlook: week ahead 7/3/25

Happy Fourth of July to all of our fishing family! As summer takes hold, we are thrilled to announce that now is the prime time for fishing on the Eagle and Upper Colorado Rivers. With the biggest week of the year upon us, we’re seeing excellent conditions that promise fantastic fishing opportunities. The rivers are teeming with life, and all sections of the Eagle River are proving fruitful for both wade and float fishermen. Especially enticing are the recent bug hatches, including the peak of the Yellow Sallies, Pale morning duns, Blue wing olives, and the mesmerizing evening caddis dance.

Morning Fishing Tricks

For those heading out early, consider utilizing a nymph rig along the deeper seams for fish that are still sluggish in the cooler water temperatures. The low, early sun provides an ideal time for catching fish seeking easy meals. Transitioning as the day warms up around 10 AM, a dry dropper rig becomes particularly effective. A recommended setup is a size 10 chubby with 30 inches or so of 4x flouro to a tungsten jig head, and then a foot of 4x flouro leading to a size 18 soft hackle- (uv caddis or SH BH pheasant tail has been really good). Focus on targeting that 3 ft and less water with this rig in the fast riffles; it has been really producing well.
 

Midday and Evening Action

The peak of the Yellow Sallie hatch around 11 AM to 12 PM, offers fly fishers another window of opportunity. Targeting slower seams and runs off the banks with dry flies has proved to be quite effective. As the sun starts to settle and the temps start dropping around 6 pm you can tell the sudden shift in the fish’s attitude. The caddis start to show up in big numbers, and the eagerness of fish starting to look up outweighs their eagerness to eat a well placed nymph. As they are anticipating the evening bugs, anglers need to transition their strategy from fast to slow water approaches and start watching for those subtle noses breaking the surface. 
 

Seasonal Concerns

However, as good as it is right now, we must be aware of the developing seasonal challenges. With peak runoff already behind us, we’re about two weeks ahead of schedule. This brings concerns of low water and hot temperatures, highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship and cautious fishing practices. We are reaching 60 degrees in the mid river and low to mid 60’s in gypsum. Please be aware and mindful of this as you are out on the water. Predicted summer monsoons could alleviate these issues, but with current predictions indicating less than a week left of prime conditions on the Upper Eagle without significant rain, now is the moment to take advantage of these opportunities. We are currently sitting at high and low flow of 500 cfs and mid 400s in Avon with just a few short days of floating it left.

Upper Colorado River Insights

On the Upper Colorado River, decreased flows and rising temperatures are a concern already and we should all be doing our part and giving these fish a break during the heat of the day. Kremmling is reaching the mid 60’s daily now. Morning and evening trips, when temperatures are cooler, offer the best opportunities right now. With PMDs, sallies, caddis, and Red Quills making daily appearances, fishing conditions mirror those on the Eagle River. Fly selections remain consistent and successful, with both dry flies and nymphs proving effective.

Fly Patterns

Dry Flies:

Nymphs:

Streamers:

It’s time to nail down your 2026 fly fishing trip with Minturn Anglers.

About the Author

Mandy Hertzfeld

More Articles

EAGLE RIVER FISHING REPORT 7/3/25