Full Day Wade Trip

$
237
50
-
$
375
/ Angler
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
7 hours
Chris L
Full day wade fishing trips on the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork rivers allow you to experience some of the finest fishing in Colorado. Our guides will tailor your trip to your specific experience level. On a full day trip we often fish both the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork rivers. Lunch is provided and we will arrange to pick you up in Snowmass or Aspen, or we can also meet at our shop in Aspen.
 
What is Included:
Lunch
Drinks & Snacks
Tackle
Rod & Reel
Rod & Reel if needed
Waders and Boots
Transportation
Rates
Per
Capacity
Dates
Duration
Price
Angler
1 - 1
 anglers
Daily7 hours
$
375
Angler
2 - 2
 anglers
Daily7 hours
$
237
50
Availability
Fishing Waters
 (2)
With a name like this you know there has to be a story. In fact there are several, but our favorite is the most obvious – that long ago there were so many fish (native cutthroat) they ... morejumped right out of the river and into your frying pan. It begins near Mt. Elbert as a stream fed, heavily pocketed, freestone river. From there the river turns northwest and flows into the Ruedi Reservoir, where since 1968, its waters have been dammed. This 14 mile, Gold Medal, section - from the reservoir to the Roaring Fork at Basalt - is considered one of the state’s best tailwaters. 

By definition, Gold Medal in Colorado means the fish are plentiful – a minimum of 60 pounds of trout per acre with at least 12 fish over 14 inches in length. Together with the designated 28 miles of Roaring Fork water, this is the longest, continuous Gold Medal run in Colorado. The introduction of the dam brought an unintended side effect when Mysis shrimp were introduced into the Reservoir to support a Kokanee salmon fishery that was never completed. The result – big boys, pigs, hogs, giants, or whatever you call them - the shrimp diet produces monster fish.

Add abundant, year round hatches and it’s no wonder anglers flock here to fish. The Frying Pan is known for its fabled Green Drake hatch that typically starts in late July and extends through October, drawing even the savviest fish to the surface. In addition to Spring Blue Winged Olive (BWO) hatches, this tailwater is one of only three that hosts the Serratella ignitia, a flightless BWO that attracts fish like ice cream attracts kids.

The river above the reservoir is less crowded and less regulated. The Gold Medal run is catch and release, artificial lures only.
 (1)
As a tributary of the Colorado, and the Frying Pan and Crystal as its main tributaries, it’s no wonder that large stretches of the Roaring Fork are ranked as Wild Trout and Gold Medal ... morefisheries. Originating high on the western edge of the Continental Divide near Independence Pass, this steep gradient river is aptly named. During its 70 mile run, the river drops over 7,000 feet, generating speed, turbulence and Class I to VI rapids. The Roaring Fork Watershed is vast, draining over 1,450 square miles, an area comparable in size to Rhode Island.

Above Aspen, the upper waters can be waded and are flush with brown and rainbow trout. Located in the White River National Forest public access is plentiful and well marked. The distance between Aspen to Carbondale, a 4200 ft. drop, is a highly regarded section for fly fishers and is also easily accessed off Route 82.

From Aspen to Basalt, the river loses gradient with another 1300 foot drop but picks up volume from surrounding mountain waters. Most of this section is designated as Wild Trout Water indicating that the river can support trout through an entire, natural life cycle. At Basalt the Frying Pan joins the Roaring Fork and the volume of water increases significantly. The 28 mile distance between Basalt and the confluence with the Colorado at Glenwood Springs is the famed Gold Medal run. The Crystal River converges with the Fork near Carbondale and maintains the Gold medal moniker that started at Basalt.

Restrictions apply in the designated waters and vary from section to section and from season to season, so it’s important to obtain current information before casting off. The Upper part of the river is good for wading. Floating is best suited for the lower stretches but requires someone experienced in whitewater navigation.
Outfitter
Aspen Fly Fishing has been guiding clients in the Roaring Fork Valley for 20 years. We offer full and half day wade and float trips. Our wade trips are generally on the Frying Pan ... moreor the Roaring Fork between Aspen and Basalt. We float several sections of the Roaring Fork and the Colorado rivers. Our primary focus is on providing the best guided fishing in the valley but we do have a small retail shop located right in the heart of downtown Aspen.
Type:
Fishing
Payment
Cancellation Policy
Custom policy
  • Cancellations made 32 days, 4 hours before will be fully refunded.
  • Cancellations made at a later date will not be refunded.
Payment directly with Full Day Wade Trip.
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