FISHING REPORT: ROARING FORK
OVERVIEW
The Roaring Fork River originates high in the mountains south of Aspen and runs from Independence Pass to the confluence with the Colorado River at Glenwood Springs. Its major tributaries are the Frying Pan and the Crystal River. The Roaring Fork is a true freestone stream and is one of the finest rivers in all of Colorado. Heavy hatches of Green Drakes, caddis, yellow sallies and PMDS create outstanding fishing thoughout the summer but fishing is also great the rest of the year and the Fork is one of best winter fisheries in Colorado. Float fishing can be excellent from Woody Creek down, however the majority of the float fishing is done from the confluence of the Frying Pan near Basalt down stream to Glenwood Springs. The Roaring Fork is a Gold Medal river and boasts an excellent population of medium to large size trout that make a day on this river one not to miss when in the area.
Temperature
Discharge
Other Information
The fishing on the Roaring Fork is good every month of the year and is one of Colorado's most productive winter fisheries. The Fork is floatable all year and weather conditions in February and March are often very comfortable with temperatures between 40 to 55 during winter! We provide Guided Fishing Trips, even throughout the winter. Let us show you some tips to catching fish by hiring a guide for the day. If you would like we can meet you in Glenwood Springs or anywhere in the Roaring Fork valley.
Reporter: Brett Elkman
Report Date: March 11, 2023
Spring is here. It has warmed up and The Fork is fishing nicely. As the days warm, expect some ice flow and be altert for ice dams. For you floaters, some fish can be had on the go but best to work the deeper pools a bit. For the wade fisherman, find a good hole and work it. We are seeing Midge hatches and rising fish. Have a dry fly ready. Try a Para Adams to a Griffiths Gnat. Nymphing has been the most consistent option but be sure to get the flies down. If Nymphing, try a heavier bug like a perdigon to a KF Flasher or a Bling Midge. Tiny is the name of the game. ATTENTION: RAINBOWS ARE STARTING TO SPAWN. PLEASE LEAVE THEM ALONE.
SPAWNING CLOSURES: RAINBOWS ARE STARTING TO SPAWN. PLEASE LEAVE THEM ALONE.
KEEP EM WET: Please follow the Keep Em Wet philosophy and keep the fish wet. If you must take a photo, leave the fish in the water.
Hatches: BWO's, Midges
Recommended Files:
NYMPHS: Green Drake Nymphs 10-14, 20 Incher 10-14, KF Flasher 20-22, Zebra Midge 18-22, Rainbow Warrior blk 20-24, Perdigon 14-16, Poison Tung Blue 18-20, Pheasant Tail 16-20, Prince Nymph 12-16, Neon Nightmare 20-24. Polywing Emerger 18-22, RS2 Blk 18-22, Midge Biot Emerger 18-24, Pat Rubber Leg 10-14
DRIES: Parachute Adams 20-24, Renegade 16-20, BWO 20-24, Griffiths Gnat 18-24, Chubby Chernobyl 8-16, Brooks Sprout Emerger 22 Mayhem Midge 18-22
STREAMERS: Sculpzillas, Kamikaze Sculpin, Hawkin's Hat Trick, Double Thin Mint, Bowlicious Black and Olive