Located in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, Beaver Creek is a ski resort community that happens to be surrounded by excellent fishing. From small streams to larger rivers and lakes, anglers can stay busy chasing Trout throughout the seasons.
While there are some winter opportunities in the area, spring through fall are the prime months to really go wild in this area. If you enjoy hitting the slopes in winter and chasing fish all summer, Beaver Creek is the perfect destination.
Best Fish to Catch in Beaver Creek
Before we get started, there’s one thing you need to know. This is a Trout town! With multiple varieties of Trout, anglers can enjoy diversity while testing their abilities to match the hatch and target wild fish. Expect to catch multiple types of Colorado Trout in any given water, but you should learn to identify each if you plan on keeping a limit!
Here’s what you could come across:
Brown Trout
Most of the rivers and streams in the area have Brown Trout, and these fish can reach large sizes in the Eagle and Colorado River systems. In many cases, Browns will dominate your catch rates, which is great news, as they’re especially fun to chase with streamer flies and lures.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbows favor well-oxygenated waters and, just like Brown Trout, are prolific in local river systems. Known for their strong fighting abilities, Rainbow Trout will challenge your knots. They eat streamers and lures, but also focus heavily on eating insects. Pay close attention to hatches and match them to catch more fish.
Brook Trout
There are liberal catch and keep limits for Brook Trout in many streams near here. These creatures are prolific throughout Colorado, and the Beaver Creek area is no exception. Look for mountain streams and beaver ponds to find the strongest populations, but Brookies also pop up in mainstem rivers.
Cutthroat Trout
While populations of Cutthroats are present in the larger river systems, they’re far more common in high mountain streams and lakes. These beautiful fish are native to the Rocky Mountain State, even earning the badge of State Fish! Cutthroats love eating dry flies and are a favorite species for this reason.
Ways to Go Fishing in Beaver Creek
There are plenty of methods that will catch fish, but the basic three are fly fishing, lure fishing, and bait fishing. Know the regulations and adjust your approach to match the restrictions on special designation waters.
- Fly Fishing. The most popular approach involves fly rods in this area. Dry flies and nymphs are very effective for Trout in small streams and big rivers alike. However, you should look to streamers for bigger fish in the Eagle and Colorado Rivers.
- Lure Fishing. In big waters, using a Rapala can move the largest of fish, but I love casting and retrieving small spinners as well. When the bite is on, it’s non-stop catching. Just beware that when the fish focus on a hatch, lure fishing success can slow.
- Bait Options. Many of the local rivers and streams have artificial lure and fly restrictions. Some also require fishing only with single, barbless hooks. You can fish with baits in a number of lakes and ponds in the area, though. A classic worm or salmon egg is a great way to catch Trout in legal bait waters.
Beaver Creek Fishing Spots
Take one look at the map and you’ll quickly realize the potential in the area. Small streams abound, and the bigger rivers have plenty of access. Pay attention to public access signs to ensure you don’t trespass, but here’s a quick intro to some of the most prolific waters:
Beaver Creek
The creek runs right through the village and it offers great small stream fishing for Brown, Brook, and Rainbow Trout. It’s very friendly for beginners with plenty of water to explore. Plan on using a dry fly and, if necessary, a dropper nymph as well. The fish aren’t large, but they sure are fun!
Eagle River
Just down the road is this great wade and float fishing river where the Trout grow a bit larger. It’s a fast-moving river with plenty of oxygen and great hatches. The Brown and Rainbow Trout are vibrant with strong wild populations. The float season is dependent on flows and is generally short, but access for wade fishing is excellent throughout the year.
Colorado River
If you’re looking for bigger water, it’s an easy day trip to fish the Colorado River. From long runs to fast whitewaters, the river really has it all. Wild Trout and great hatches are the norm as well! Floating in rafts and drift boats is a great way to experience the river, but it also has wade fishing access throughout much of the system. The spring runoff can bring very high water, so plan on fishing summer through fall on this famous river.
Upper Turquoise Lake
During summer, anglers can get off the beaten path by following Beaver Creek high into the mountains – nearly to the source. Upper Turquoise Lake is a great place to chase native Cutthroat Trout in a beautiful alpine environment.
Gore Creek
Another local gem lies just across the highway. Gore Creek is a mid-sized stream with runs deep enough to hold some larger-than-average Trout. It’s a very fertile and productive creek that eventually merges with the Eagle River. Any angler spending a few days or more in the area should put this one on the must-fish list.
When to Go Fishing in Beaver Creek
Focus your fishing during the spring, summer, and fall in the Beaver Creek area. The Eagle River will hold reasonable clarity during the spring runoff and is a good move when other waters are blown out.
Summer is amazing in the high country, where the water is always cold and clean. Look to the mountain streams and backcountry lakes during this season for the best action, although local rivers are also a blast in the summer months.
If you’re looking for Brown Trout, however, fall is the time to visit. Hit the big rivers and work them hard with streamers and lures to chase down a trophy. When the Aspen leaves turn gold, it’s streamer time!
Finally, winter can produce as well. It’s a slower approach, with nymphing deep waters being the most productive technique. Just make sure to look for warmer days and fish around midday to maximize success.
Beaver Creek Fishing Regulations
Fishing regulations are always important, and you must review them for each individual fishery. Before going anywhere, though, you’ll need a valid fishing license. Every angler over the age of 16 needs one, so make sure you have yours!
Other than that, you should know that many waters fall under general regulations where anglers can keep two Trout over 16 inches in length. Brook Trout, meanwhile, are often subject to special regulations, with the potential to keep 10 fish under 8 inches. That being said, locals tend to encourage catch and release.
Check the specific water you’ll be fishing for special restrictions first. For example, Gold Medal waters are restricted to artificial flies and lures only. If you see that no specific rules exist for your chosen river, stream, or lake, statewide regulations apply.
When will you come fish Beaver Creek, CO?
Beaver Creek and the Vail Valley make for the perfect base camp in Colorado. Easy access to Gold Medal waters and an abundance of small streams will keep you busy for days, weeks, and months at a time. Start with the waters we mentioned, then branch out to the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, and other rivers that are surprisingly close to Beaver Creek. The Trout are waiting… There’s no need for you to, as well!
Do you fish in the Beaver Creek area? We’d love to hear about your best memories and tips for approaching the area. Share in the comments below.
