Gore Creek - Vail - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions

Gore Creek – Vail - Water Flow Chart

Gore Creek – Vail - Weather report & radar

Gore Creek – Vail - General hatch chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Mid-day 18-24 Griffith’s Gnat, Black Beauty
February Midges Mid-day 18-24 Zebra Midge, Foamback Midge
March Midges, Blue Winged Olives Mid-day 18-22 Rusty Spinner, Rojo Midge
April Midges Mid-day 18-24 Black Beauty, Miracle Midge
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-20 Sparkle Dun, RS2
May Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-20 Parachute BWO, Barr’s Emerger
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Sparkle Pupa
Stoneflies All Day 6-12 Pat’s Rubber Leg, Stimulator
June Green Drakes Afternoon 10-14 Parachute Drake, Green Drake Cripple
Caddis Evening 14-18 Godzilla Caddis, Buckskin Caddis
PMD (Pale Morning Dun) Morning-Afternoon 16-20 PMD Comparadun, PMD Barr Emerger
July Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
PMD (Pale Morning Dun) Morning-Afternoon 16-20 Sparkle Dun PMD, Flashback Pheasant Tail
August Terrestrials (hoppers, ants, beetles) All Day 10-16 Parachute Hopper, Foam Beetle
September Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18-22 Parachute BWO, RS2
October Midges, Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Baetis Nymph
November Midges Mid-day 18-24 Mercury Midge, Black Beauty
December Midges Mid-day 18-24 Griffith’s Gnat, Top Secret Midge

Gore Creek – Vail Access Points

The Gore Creek in Vail, Colorado offers excellent fly fishing adventures. Here are the best access points:

  • East Vail: You can access the upper stretches of the creek here for some fantastic fly fishing. It is located right off Bighorn Road.
  • Ford Park: Positioned at the heart of Vail, Ford Park provides easy access to the creek with ample parking and amenities.
  • Vail Village: The creek runs right through Vail Village, making it an accessible spot for fly fishing.
  • Lionshead: This area is another great spot with easy access points along the pedestrian path.
  • Matterhorn: This location is somewhat secluded, offering quieter fishing within the Vail town limits. You can access it off of Red Sandstone Road.
  • West Vail: You can find multiple access points at West Vail, off the North/South Frontage Roads.

Gore Creek – Vail Fishing Spots

Are you a fly fishing enthusiast planning a trip to Vail? Gore Creek is one of the most beautiful and fruitful fly fishing locations in the region. Here are some of the best spots:

  • East Vail: From Black Gore Creek’s confluence in East Vail, you have a great opportunity to catch brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. Enjoy fishing amidst the scenic landscape.
  • Vail Village: The creek snakes through Vail Village, providing easy access for fly-fishing. It’s a perfect spot if you don’t want to stray too far from the city.
  • Lionshead: This area near the Lionshead village is another convenient location to fish, especially for those who are staying nearby.
  • West Vail: With access points scattered along the Frontage Road in West Vail, this section offers magnificent trout fishing experiences.
Also, remember to pay heed to local fishing regulations to ensure a respectful and rewarding fishing experience.

Gore Creek – Vail Local Fish Species

  • Blue Rainbow Trout: Known for their vigorous challenges and beautiful coloration, Blue Rainbow Trout are a top pick for Gore Creek fly fishing.
  • Brown Trout: Hardy and aggressive, Brown Trout are often targeted by experienced fly fishers for their interesting patterns and large size.
  • Brook Trout: These fish are readily found in Gore Creek’s crystal-clear waters and are characterized by their unique, colorful markings.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Named for the distinctive reddish markings on its throat, the Cutthroat Trout is a prized catch in Colorado’s high-country waterways like Gore Creek.
  • Whitefish: Known for their acrobatic leaps, Whitefish are a treat to catch on the fly. Despite their name, they actually have a silvery gray coloration.
  • Mountain Sucker: Though less commonly targeted, Mountain Sucker enjoys living in fast, turbulent waters, making Gore Creek an excellent habitat for these fish.
  • Sculpin: Preferring rocky environments, Sculpin can be found in abundance in Gore Creek. Fly fishers often use Sculpin patterns to successfully lure larger fish species.
  • Greenback Cutthroat Trout: Endemic to the Colorado Rocky Mountain area, the Greenback Cutthroat Trout is a favorite among fly fishers for its large size and resilience.

About the Gore Creek – Vail

The charming Gore Creek in Vail, Colorado, isn’t just a picturesque beauty – it has an exciting history too! This majestic creek got its name from Sir St. George Gore, an Irish baronet who visited the area during his three-year-long hunting trip in the mid-1800s.

At the heart of Vail, the glistening Gore Creek serves as a haven for both locals and tourists. Known for its top-tier fly fishing waters, it’s brimming with rainbow and brown trout, inviting fishing enthusiasts from around the world.

Here are some impressive facts about Vail’s Gore Creek:

  • It’s part of the Gore Creek Watershed – spanning over 102 miles.
  • The creek plays a vital role in the town’s water supply.
  • Gore Creek contributes to the overall health of the picturesque Eagle River.

Today, Vail’s Gore Creek stands not just as a natural wonder, but a testament to the region’s rich past and dedication to conservation.

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