East River

About

The East River is a free-flowing freestone fishery located in the Crested Butte area of Western Colorado, rising from Emerald Lake and flowing northward to join the Taylor River at Almont. The river is notable for its Wild Trout section below the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, where anglers target wild brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. The upper reaches near Crested Butte feature braided channels and wide meadow runs, while the lower section near Almont deepens into cottonwood-lined pools. Fish sizes typically range from 10 to 18 inches, with brown trout dominating the fishery. The river is unregulated by dams, meaning flows depend entirely on snowpack, peaking during May and June runoff and settling into clear, low conditions by August and September. Access is available via Highway 135, with popular entry points including the hatchery bridge, Neversink, and Cooper Ranch. The area is pet-friendly and offers parking. The fishing season runs from April through October, though the Wild Trout section closes from August 1 to October 31. Anglers should expect strong insect hatches, including BWOs, PMDs, and salmonflies, making it a prime destination for dry-fly fishing.