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Fishing Fishing

Colorado Fishing
Eagle River & Vail Area Fishing Map

 

Click areas on Map for More Fishing Information Fishing map for the Eagle River and Vail area including Gore Creek, Cross Creek, Homestake Creek, Minturn, Piney Creek, Avon, Avon, Wolcott, Eagle, Brush Creek, Harry A Nottingham Park, Freedom Park, Old Gravel Pit Ponds, Sweetwater Lake, Colorado River, Gypsum, Gypsum Creek, Sylvan Lake, in Colorado Map Legend

Fishing in Eagle & Vail Area, Colorado

Fishing in the Vail Area offers year around opportunities for anglers to reel in some of Colorado's finest fish. The White River National Forest provides ample opportunities for river, creek, and lake fishing. Don't forget; during the winter season, visitors can also partake in excellent ice fishing. The Greater Eagle area is also known for excellent wildlife viewing and has extensive mountain biking and hiking trails for you to explore. Plan your trip early and pack up your fishing gear, because the Vail Area is calling anglers of all types to explore the beauty of the White River National Forest.

Eagle Area Public Fishing Lakes and Parks

Freedom Park - Located near Wolcott in the town of Edwards. Freedom Park has a small pond that has shallow edges making it safe for kids learning to fish; the more experienced anglers may want to avoid this area due to the higher population of dogs and kids. There is also a irrigation ditch that is fed from the Eagle River that has been known to deliver Brown and Rainbow Trout. Additional features of the park are an off-leash dog area, a playground, a sheltered picnic area, a skate park, and fields for baseball and lacrosse. Freedom Park is a great spot for families planning a day of fishing with a picnic.

Harry A Nottingham Park - Located in Avon, Colorado on Lake Street. There are some big Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout stocked in this 15-acre lake. Crayfish are also a popular target. Paddle boats are allowed, providing unobstructed access on the lake. Nottingham Park is a local favorite and is a great place to sit back and relax as you cast your rod or teach your kids to catch the 'fishing bug'. Come back in the winter months to do a little ice fishing, providing the ice is thick enough.

Old Gravel Pit Ponds - Known only by the locals, you can gain access to these multiple fishing ponds by taking the Gypsum Exit off I-70. These former gravel pits have been turned into a dozen fishing ponds that are stocked with Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout, Yellow Perch, and Crappie. These ponds have the extra bonus of being next to the Eagle River, you can alternate between pond and river fishing. Ice fishing is also popular in the winter months.

Sweetwater Lake - Travel 7 miles north of Dotsero off of I-70 on Colorado River Road to Sweetwater Creek Road. Take a left, westbound, on this state maintained dirt road for 10 miles, then turn left onto Sweetwater Road. Canoes and rowboats are allowed, there is no public boat ramp. As for the fishing... Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Kokanee Salmon have all been caught here. Sweetwater Lake is a fisherman's dream.

Sylvan Lake State Park - Head South of Eagle along Brush Creek Road for 9 miles until you reach the Sylvan Lake State Park Visitors Center, from there, stay right and travel 5 miles to Sylvan Lake. This 42-acre lake is in the heart of White River National Forest and is surrounded by mountain scenery to hike and explore. Wildlife is abundant and the fishing is unprecedented. This is a fishing destination! Anglers hope to lure in Rainbow, Cutthroat, Brook and Brown Trout in the lake and creek. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and electric boats are allowed to traverse this peaceful mountain lake. Those who can't get enough fishing in the summer months should come back in winter to ice fish. PLEASE NOTE that fishing is not allowed from September 1st - November 30th between lake inlet and 1/2 mile upstream due to spawning.

Eagle Area Public River and Creek Fishing

Brush Creek - Southeast of Eagle, Colorado is Brush Creek and it's tributaries. South of the Sylvan State Park Visitors Center, the river splits, East Brush Creek continues upward southeast to Fools Peak (off of map), while West Brush Creek flows north from Sylvan Lake toward the town of Eagle as it empties into the Eagle River. Both creeks are easily accessed by Brush Creek Road. Anglers will reel in some of Colorado's finest Brown and Rainbow Trout along East and West Brush Creeks.

Colorado River - The Colorado River travels west and is known for being one of Colorado's finest fishing rivers. On this map we follow the Colorado River west from the junction of Highway 131 and Colorado River Road, which contains many access points for unlimited fishing opportunities. Fishing from the banks and venturing out into the waters will both yield results. Large Rainbow and Brown Trout are common along this stretch of the Colorado River, this river will put a smile on every anglers face. The scenery alone makes it a destination, but the fish will keep you hooked and coming back. The Colorado River is where legends are born.

Cross Creek - Cross Creek is a tributary to the Eagle River, and is reached by traveling south on Highway 24 from I-70. Access Cross Creek by hiking a trail from Minturn, park at the Half Moon Trailhead. The trail follows a ridge then drops down to follow the creek. Anglers along this remote mountain river can catch Brook, Cutthroat and Brown Trout. This creek also offers beautiful mountain scenery.

Eagle River - Starting near the Continental Divide, the Eagle River heads west from Red Cliff through Avon and Eagle and ends as it connect with the Colorado River at Dotsero just west of Gypsum. There are numerous pull-off locations along Highway 24 and I-70 for public fishing holes. There are also great access points in Wolcott, and just above Edwards. Fishing from the banks yields Brown and Rainbow Trout. Wade fishing is excellent year around.

Gore Creek - This is GOLD MEDAL WATER! Gore Creek mirrors I-70 and stretches from the top of Vail Pass down past Vail as it connects to the Eagle River. There are large numbers of Brook, Cutthroat, Brown and Rainbow Trout that call Gore Creek their home. It is said that these fish are smarter than average and can be very challenging to catch. Be sneaky, this creek is for the experienced anglers who want to be challenged.

Gypsum Creek - South of Gypsum Colorado, Gypsum Creek has a few overlooked fishing spots one is near the golf course, you'll be sure to find a quite spot. Be respectful of private property. The beautiful countryside will fill your eyes as you try your luck at reeling in Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Homestake Creek - Just off Highway 24 and south of Minturn, continue south on Homestake Creek Road. The creek follows the road for about 10 miles, providing fishermen plenty of access. Homestake Creek is a gorgeous scenic tributary for the Eagle River and contains plenty of small to medium sized Rainbow and Brown Trout waiting to be caught. This river is easy to wade and ideal for younger and inexperienced anglers looking to improve their fishing skills. Be on the lookout for wildlife, as this is a popular area for fox, deer, beaver and elk. This scenic mountain river is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular fishing areas.

Piney Creek - The Piney Creek flows west from Piney Lake. It can be accessed by taking Red Sandstone Road north for 10 miles out of Vail, Colorado. Keep right to reach the Forest Service parking lot just before the entrance to Piney River Ranch (Private Property). Piney River Trailhead is on the north side of the parking lot. Piney Creek is home to Rainbow and Brook Trout. Countless fishing opportunities will present themselves as you work your way west along this remote mountain creek.

SPECIAL NOTE: For anglers who enjoy the hike, Upper Piney Lake is a remote uphill fishing spot with spectacular views of the Gore Range. Breathtaking scenery and Colorado wildlife make it an angler's 'extreme destination.'

Fishing the Vail Area is in a word... Epic! There are countless opportunities, whether you prefer creek, river or lake fishing, memories will be had. The area offers plenty of lodging, fuel and tourist attractions. This is where your fishing dreams and bucket lists become reality.

Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do

Minturn Anglers: Fly-Shop in Minturn Web page link icon Photos on page icon
Anglers are our Guides! You will catch FISH! FLY SHOP in Minturn near Vail Village. We Know Our Water Intimately. Experience Colorado Fly-Fishing. Horseback/Fishing Trip. HOOK YOUR KIDS ON FISHING.
Sage Outdoor Adventures: Rafting, ATVing, Snowmobiling, Horseback Ride, Fishing Web page link icon Photos on page icon
Summer and winter fun 20 minutes west of Beaver Creek and Vail resort in Dotsero. Sage Outdoor Adventures: snowmobiling, ATVing, horseback rides, whitewater rafting, fishing, tubing, and kayaking.

More Activities & Information

Gypsum, Colorado

Sweetwater, Colorado

Vail Area, Colorado includes: Avon, Beaver Creek, Dotsero, Eagle, Edwards, Minturn, Red Cliff, Wolcott


Fishing in Colorado


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