At Eagle River Outfitter, the Eagle River is more than just a place we guide fishing trips—it’s part of our daily lives, our livelihood, and the heart of what we do. Every season, we spend countless hours on the water helping guests experience the beauty of fly fishing in the Vail Valley. Because of that connection, we genuinely look forward to participating in the annual Eagle River cleanup organized by the Eagle River Coalition.
This year, our team of guides joined the cleanup effort along Gore Creek, working with volunteers from across the community to help keep the watershed clean and healthy. Gore Creek, near Vail, CO, is mainly known among local anglers for fly fishing and is part of the southern Rockies. While most days we’re on the river searching for trout and helping clients improve their casting and presentation, this day was about something different—giving back to the river that gives so much to all of us.
The cleanup started early with volunteers spreading out across designated sections of the river and surrounding access areas. Armed with gloves, trash bags, and plenty of motivation, everyone headed into the field ready to make a difference. Even in some of the more scenic stretches, we still found discarded cans, plastic, fishing line, food wrappers, and other debris that simply don’t belong near the water.
As guides, we spend enough time on the river to know that even small amounts of trash can have a major impact over time. Rivers like the Eagle are incredibly resilient, but they still depend on people caring enough to protect them. Clean water, healthy banks, and responsible stewardship are essential not only for the fishery itself, but for the wildlife, recreation, and local communities connected to the river.
Our team began working through the Gore Creek area, but as the cleanup continued, we expanded our boundaries and started helping in nearby sections that also needed attention. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t just about cleaning one stretch of river—it was about supporting the entire watershed and showing pride in the places we fish and guide every day.
One of the best parts of the day was seeing so many different people come together for the same purpose. Guides, anglers, families, local organizations, and volunteers all worked side by side with a shared understanding that healthy rivers don’t stay healthy by accident. It takes effort, awareness, and community involvement to keep places like the Eagle River in great condition for future generations.
Even though we were working hard, the atmosphere throughout the day remained positive and fun. There’s something rewarding about spending time outdoors with good people, especially when everyone is working toward a meaningful goal. We shared stories, covered ground together, and enjoyed seeing the immediate impact of the cleanup as trash bags filled and previously littered areas looked noticeably better.
Ironically, it was one of the few times our guides spent a full day on the river without “bothering fish.” Instead of watching indicator drifts or scouting trout holding water, we focused entirely on the health of the river itself. And honestly, that felt just as important.
For Eagle River Outfitter, conservation and stewardship are closely tied to guiding. We want guests visiting the Vail Valley to experience clean water, healthy trout populations, and beautiful surroundings every time they step onto the river. Supporting cleanup efforts like this is one small but meaningful way we can help ensure that happens.
The Eagle River Coalition continues to do incredible work to protect and improve the watershed, and we’re proud to support their efforts. Events like the annual cleanup not only improve the river directly, but also remind people how important it is to stay involved in protecting Colorado’s fisheries and outdoor spaces.
By the end of the day, our team had collected a surprising amount of trash, covered multiple sections of the river, and walked away tired—but proud of what we accomplished together. It was a great reminder that taking care of the river is everyone’s responsibility, especially those of us fortunate enough to spend so much time on it.
At Eagle River Outfitter, we’ll continue doing our part to support the Eagle River both on and off the water. Whether guiding fly fishing trips, teaching new anglers, or helping with cleanup efforts, we’re committed to protecting the places that make fly fishing in Colorado so special.
The river is our workplace, our classroom, and our connection to the outdoors. Keeping it clean isn’t just important—it’s personal.
