November and 60-degree temperatures do not fare well for the ski runs. However, rivers flowing through Colorado ski country around Vail, Beaver Creek, and Aspen are in great shape. Cool evenings, bright moonlit nights and Indian summer daytime temperatures have therefore combined to create some stellar fly fishing opportunities for anglers.
“NoSnowForYou” special:
Normal November temperatures in Colorado ski country have not settled in and visitors and locals alike await ski season. Consequently, fly rods have remained in rooftop rod racks and broken down in back seats to take advantage of afternoon hatches in the warm November sun. Committed visitors and unoccupied locals are almost all searching for activities to fill the ski-less days. Vail Valley Anglers has the answer for you. Book a guided fly fishing trip using the code “NoSnowForYou” and get a discount on your trip.
With the uncharacteristically warm days, fly anglers have been enjoying an extended opportunity at free flowing waters. The Eagle River flows through the Vail valley uninhibited by ice anywhere along its course. Lately on any given afternoon anglers can find active fish feeding on or near the surface somewhere along the Eagle.
Midges have been extremely active along the Eagle River. Prime dry fly times around mid-day and continuing into the afternoon have produced some great surface opportunities. These are not normally experienced during this time of year. A dry dropper rig is about all you need to properly tempt the actively feeding trout. With a little exploration or the help of a seasoned guide, the tell-tale rings of trout sipping emerging insects can easily be found.
Line, Leader and Tippet:
Leaders in the 9-foot length tapering to 6-X are the norm for the fly fishing conditions found throughout Colorado ski country and the Vail valley. Take a moment to enter Vail Valley Angler’s November giveaway, a prize package containing RIO fly line, leaders, and tippet.
Slow, crystal clear water shows just how invasive the shadow from your fly line can be. The spaghetti string fly line casts a shadow onto the river bottom that even the observant angler can notice let alone a fish-eyed trout. Give yourself a little extra leeway by not casting directly over feeding fish.
Flies:
Red midge larva has been the go-to nymph for the Eagle River now. Griffith’s Gnats have been a personal favorite for the dry fly conditions. Remarkably small Blue Wing Olives have been popping off and give anglers a chance at early winter mayfly action too. A parachute Adams in size 18 has been a proven producer for surface action. Your favorite BWO patterns in the size 18 should fool trout keyed into the surface. A drag free presentation is key when targeting narrow feeding lanes or bubble lines in the autumn.
Dry fly fishing around Vail, Beaver Creek, and Aspen in November. There is no shelf ice to contend with along the riverbanks and the annoying ice accumulation in your rod tip. Colorado ski country in November and dry flies – you don’t get opportunities like that every year. A sunshine drenched afternoon seems like a great time to try out a fly rod you’ve been wanting to place on your VVA wish list. Filling the lazy afternoons of your Thanksgiving Break on the river fly fishing helps ease the doldrums from a slow ski vacation. Book a guided trip now with Vail Valley Anglers “NoSnowForYou” special and save a few dollars as well.
As a result of weather, it looks like we will all have to wait for the snow to fill our mountains. Consequently, the chance to continue flexing our fly rods on the rivers around Vail, Beaver Creek, and Aspen is a welcomed treat. Targeting the primetime hours around mid-day and early into the afternoon presents the ideal opportunity to encounter feeding trout on the surface in the Vail valley. The guides at VVA are so ready to extend the fly fishing season with some favorable November angling conditions.
