Fed by the Gore and Sawatch mountains, the Eagle is the lesser-known gem of central Colorado. Eagle River fly fishing hits its peak around the 4th of July. Because the river flows through red sandstone mountains, it is greatly influenced during rain showers. Once runoff subsides and the river clears, the Eagle is most efficiently fished from a raft. A float trip allows anglers to fish many of the private stretches on the river to near-virgin trout. The river is primarily fished via public walk-and-wade accesses throughout the summer and fall. The river boasts great hatches, including one of the best caddis hatches in the country, and offers a healthy population of browns and rainbows.