GORE CREEK FISHING REPORT – 9/4/26
Conditions: Air temps started at 45°F at first light and climbed from there – crisp fall morning feel. Water is delightfully cold and very clear, but still running quite low for early September. Midge activity was excellent despite the chill.
The Day: Spent a half-day morning session on Gore Creek with Barrett. Met right out front of the Grand Hyatt Vail and started fishing from the hotel – can’t beat that access.
Barrett has fly-fished before, and it showed. Good angler, good company. Conversation was great all morning.
The fishing was technical. Those shallow, slow-feeding lanes are holding fish, but they are educated – trout with PhDs. Low, clear water has them skittish and you have to earn it in the flats.
The key was staying mobile and focusing on the faster water. Every fast riffle or deep pocket had a fish willing to play. Moving often was the program, which wasn’t a problem for this duo.
Flies /Tactics: No need to overthink it right now. Two flies did all the damage:
- Small black midge – #20-22. The hatch was strong; this was the match.
- Big gaudy red worm – #12-14. Great searching pattern/attractor in the fast water.
Short, tight presentations in the pockets. Keep your tippet light and your approach stealthy in the slow stuff.
Access Note: Barrett was in town for a wedding and staying at the Grand Hyatt – perfect setup to walk right out the door and be fishing. And having the fly shop in walking distance didn’t hurt. He swung by after the trip to rent a fly rod for the next day and grabbed a hat and some stickers.
Gore is fishing well if you adjust for low water – hunt the fast, oxygenated water, bring your midge box, and enjoy the easy in-town access.
Tight lines,
Dave – Eagle River Outfitter
