Winter is in full swing in the Eagle Valley, and the Eagle is fishing pretty solid for January! Flows are hovering around 150 cfs, with water temperatures staying cold. The Eagle is mostly frozen upstream of Avon, with ice conditions improving the further downstream you go. Gypsum is open right now, but a bit slushy during cold spells and in the early mornings. Midges and occasional BWO’s are the primary food sources right now, though Leeches, Eggs, and Worm patterns are still taking plenty of fish right now. 

Nymphing remains the best method of fishing this time of the year, with Chocolate Thunders, Zebra Midges, Black Beautys, RS-2s, WD-40s, and Top Secret Midges in a #18-24 fishing well. Junk flies have also been productive as a lead, especially when paired with a smaller midge or BWO nymph. Consider trying a Squirmy Worm, Egg, Pine Squirrel Leech, or Pat’s Rubber Legs in a #10-16 if smaller, more natural patterns fail to produce. We’ve seen the few remaining fish that were still spread out  move into those main slow, winter runs, with deeper water being the most productive right now. You can still find the occasional midge hatch with sippers on those warmer, sunnier days, so be sure to have some Griffith’s Gnats, Mole Flies, and Parachute Adams in a #18-24 if you see risers.

Streamer fishing continues to be pretty good throughout the day, with double articulated or single hook streamers producing fish. Rusty Trombones, Goldies, Dungeons, Slumpbusters, and Poachers are all solid choices right now. Try fishing low and slow, and target deep pools and runs for best results.