Fishing

Fishing to your heart's content

Cordillera Fishing

Fishing nirvana is owning a 1.3-mile stretch of the Eagle River. It feels worlds away but is outside your door; it's just one of the many benefits and amenities of living at Cordillera. Cordillera is one of the few communities that owns a private piece of the river, allowing property owners access to the Eagle River for year-round, world-class fishing, abundant with large rainbow and brown trout. The river parcel also features viewing benches and walking paths. In addition, Cordillera is home to several stocked and managed ponds.

Cordillera has four ponds accessible for fishing: Upper Bearden, Lower Bearden, Red Draw and Grenada Glen. Each pond is stocked every spring with brown and rainbow trout. Vail Valley Anglers oversees the execution of the stocking and maintains the health of the ponds and their inhabitants.

Fishable ponds are available to all Cordillera property owners and accompanied guests: guests who are not with an owner will be asked to leave. The Grenada Glen pond offers a picnic area for Cordillera property owners' enjoyment.

As a reminder, there is no ice fishing or ice skating on any of the ponds. They are aerated throughout the year and do not freeze.

Vail Valley Anglers Reservations

Vail Valley Anglers (VVA) manages Cordillera's Fishing Program with its industry-endorsed guides. Educational programs, discounts on equipment and merchandise and a variety of guide programs are offered.

To obtain a fishing pass for Cordillera waters, property owners need to fill out the Fly Fishing Rules and Registration form found on the Resident Portal. Upon approval, VVA will schedule an orientation; you can also pick up the current year fishing pass. The orientation class is for property owners to learn safety, rules and regulations and proper fish-handling techniques.

CMD-approved anglers are required to book reservations in advance with VVA. Please call 970-926-0900, stop by the shop, or book online.

River Parcel and Pond ►Reservations ►

Orientation and fees

Fishing is free to property owners and their family members (who have completed the one-time, fee-based orientation). A $150 fee for up to two people is required for a one-time orientation with a VVA guide. Please call VVA at 970-926-0900 to schedule the orientation.

The orientation must be completed before an angler can fish the CMD-owned river stretch on his/her own. The orientation is to learn safety, rules and regulations as well as proper fish-handling techniques. "Family members" over the age of 18 must also complete this orientation. "Family members" includes spouses, children, step-children, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, parents, and step-parents.

Non-property owners: Club at Cordillera members who are not Cordillera property owners must pay an annual $750 fee to access the Cordillera River Parcel. Checks should be made out to Cordillera Metro District, and they must also complete the one-time orientation with VVA.