Gore Creek
-
an unpretentious Gold
Medal Stream
by Karen Christopherson
|
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Here to read
more "Fish
Tails" |
Vail - this word conjures up thoughts of great skiing, expensive homes,
and pretentious people. But in amongst the flurry of growth in this part
of the state runs a real pretty Gold Medal Stream know as Gore Creek. Need
to get away? Dying to fish while driving on I-70? Is Vail getting to you?
Drop in at Gore Creek - it's just minutes away!
Gore
Creek running west from Vail |
The Gore runs right through Vail. The Gold Medal section starts at where
Red Sandstone Creek enters the Gore (just west of Vail proper) and continues
west to the Eagle River (at the Leadville exit off I-70). The Vail
area has grown so much that confusion can come about trying to sort out
West Vail, East Vail, Vail, and even Avon. Gore Creek runs along I-70 and
the frontage roads in Vail. The traffic noise goes away once you're down
on the creek and hear the rustling and bubbling of this stream.
If you want to fish this nice creek, waders are a good idea as it is
quite narrow and lined with trees and brush much of the way. It's hard
to find access, but believe it or not, there are actually public parks
and access points that somehow escaped the expensive land grab in this
town. You'll be viewed by mountain bikers, kids in strollers, dogs, and
zooming cars.
 This
is a true mountain creek - rocky and narrow
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How to get there?
Take exit 173 at West Vail and travel along the frontage roads. You can
fish at Stephens Park. Or, take exit 176 at Vail and follow the frontage
roads west, looking for access. You can also park along I-70 right where
the Gore meets the Eagle River near the road to Leadville, exit 171.
Rules:
Artificial flies and lures only, and the minimum size for trout is 16 inches.
Limit is two, but put them back please....
Other ways to escape the Vail madness:
If you're looking for a bigger river, get on I-70 and drive west. At your
first chance, exit and get onto US Hwy 6, which basically follows the Eagle
River. There are quite a few access points between the Gore/Eagle merger
and the town of Eagle. The Eagle is a great river, and is darn good for
rafting/canoeing too.
Resources:
Click
here to buy a NEW Ebook about Trout fishing on
Colorado State lands - includes info about state lands and
access to Gore Creek and the Eagle River
Click
here to buy topo maps for this area. You need map 108 for the Vail area and 121 for the Eagle River.
Click
here to buy an Angling Guide for the Eagle Valley Area by Michael Shook
Don't forget:
The country south of Vail is home to some beautiful mountains, including
the 14'er, Mount of the Holy Cross. There's also Camp Hale (where the 10th
Mtn Division ski troops trained for WWII), and lots of jeep and hiking
trails. Most importantly, get out of town and enjoy the 'real' Colorado.
