Roaring Fork River Fishing Report

Information
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 fisheries. 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.
 
Featured Fishing Trips
Guided Fishing Trips
$
250
-
$
500
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 3 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 1 day
Destination:
Book a trip on one of Colorado's finest fly fishing rivers, located near Basalt Colorado. The Roaring Fork river is known for fiesty trout and lots of them. Schedule an experienced ... moreguide to show you the hot spots on the river and help you reel in a great catch!
$
400
-
$
475
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 1 day
Destination:
Float Trip on the Roaring Fork River in Colorado The Fork topped out near 880cfs at the beginning of the week but has been falling all week due to the cooler weather. The Fork offers ... moresome good fishing higher up above Basalt at the moment but as soon as the temperatures increase the flow will pick up again. So keep you eye on the temperatures for an indication of the rate at which the melt will pick up again.
Additional Information
Tributaries:
Frying Pan, Crystal River
Source:
Independence Lake
Mouth:
Colorado River
Length:
70 miles
Seasonal Conditions
Season
Hatches
SpringMidge, Stoneflies, BWO, Caddis, Eggs
SummerStoneflies, BWO, Green Drake, Red Quill, PMD, Caddis, Hoppers, Worms
FallBWO, Green Drake, Caddis, Eggs, Hoppers
WinterMidge, BWO, Caddis, Eggs
Fishing Trips
We combine a couple of half day sections on the Roaring Fork or the Frying Pan or head down to the Colorado depending on fishing conditions. Lunch is provided with full day fishing ... moretrips. We are located in Aspen, Colorado and we can arrange to pick you up in Aspen or Snowmass or to meet at our shop. Full day trips are a great way for experienced anglers to get some amazing fishing action. No matter your skill level, we'll help you find the best fishing Colorado has to offer.
We offer half day float trips on the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, and Colorado Rivers near Aspen, Colorado. Float trips are best suited to more experienced anglers, but we'll accomodate ... moreyou and tailor the trip to your specific experience level. Our float fishing guides are all experienced guiding these rivers and we'll help you find the best parts of the river that are not over fished. We have several sections of river available to float depending on conditions.
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 ... moreexperience 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.
Half day wade trips are a great introduction to the sport of fly fishing. You can focus on a single area and really hone your skills of targeting and landing fish. We are located in ... moreAspen, Colorado and we'll be happy to pick you up in Aspen or Snowmass or we can meet at our shop. All gear is provided, you can bring as much or as little of your own gear as you like. We fish both the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan rivers depending on conditions. All trips are tailored specifically to the fit your needs and experience level.
Book a trip on one of Colorado's finest fly fishing rivers, located near Basalt Colorado. The Roaring Fork river is known for fiesty trout and lots of them. Schedule an experienced ... moreguide to show you the hot spots on the river and help you reel in a great catch!
Destination:
Float Trip on the Roaring Fork River in Colorado The Fork topped out near 880cfs at the beginning of the week but has been falling all week due to the cooler weather. The Fork offers ... moresome good fishing higher up above Basalt at the moment but as soon as the temperatures increase the flow will pick up again. So keep you eye on the temperatures for an indication of the rate at which the melt will pick up again.
Destination:
Current Forecast
Water Flow
1 reviews   0 comments
Fishing Quality
(5.0 of 5)
Scenery
(5.0 of 5)
Access
(5.0 of 5)
Water quality
(5.0 of 5)
Top Fly Fishing Rivers in the US
The Roaring Fork River is rated as one of the top trout fishing rivers inthe US by Bob Mallard, author of 25 Best Towns - Fly Fishing for Trout
Fishing Quality
Scenery
Access
Water quality
0
0

Discover Your Own Fishing and Hunting Adventures

With top destinations, guided trips, outfitters and guides, and river reports, you have everything you need.