Fishing
There are many fine trout streams just minutes from Vail, with healthy trout populations and wonderful access to wade or float.
Seek trophy trout in the Vail and Beaver Creek area of Colorado. Fly fishing is truly world class, with plenty of access to terrific spots to spend the day or evening. Early summer and fall are best for finding record catches but you’ll find lots of fish year round.
Colorado River
Spots along the Colorado River are accessible by car or four-wheel drive vehicles, and provide some incredible fishing for any of the many species of fish that populate the river. This river joins the Eagle River at Dotsero and continues through the Glenwood Canyon to the Gulf of Mexico. But you can fish with streamers and 20 inchers in the Vail area to hook your trophy catch.
Eagle River
Locals and visitors alike enjoy the opportunity to catch some large trout in the Eagle River. A catch could be as long as 18 to 21 inches. Early summer is the best time to try your luck in this river but fall can be quite profitable too. You can fish all year on the Eagle and plan on finding plenty of brookies, browns and rainbows. Stay above Wolcott for the best fishing.
Gore Creek
This creek runs right through Vail and flows into the Eagle River, finally emptying into the Colorado River further along. Even though a small stream, you’ll find large trout here, such as 14 to 18 inch rainbow, brown and cutthroat. Gore Creek is a Gold Medal stream, with a high percentage of angling success. Move downstream to get away from any traffic noises and enjoy nature at its best.