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: April 26, 2024
The Fork is doing its usual dance this time of year with flows for the most part increasing daily. The Crystal River is blowing in dirty water near Carbondale so the water at that point down is dirty. This will fluctuate with the weather. Nymphing is your best but Dries are working sporadically. The Streamer Bite is good too. Midges and BWO's are still present. Stonefly Patterns like a Pats Rubber Leg or a 20 Incher are a great lead bug down to a Hares Ear or some type of Caddis Pupa. Dont be afraid to change it up and put a Barr Emerger or Zebra Midge below a Stonefly too. For streamers, throw Sculpin patterns.
SPAWNING CLOSURES: Rainbows are Spawning. Please avoide 4 and 3 Mile Creek Closures on the Fork. Signs are up and fishing is off limits between signs until May 31st.
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: Midges, BWO's, winter stones
Recommended Files:
NYMPHS: 20 Incher 14-16, Zebra Midge 18-22, Rainbow Warrior blk 20-24, Perdigon 14-16, Pheasant Tail 16-20, Prince 12-16, Foamback Emerger 18-22, RS2 18-22, Hunchback BWO 18-22, Barr Emerger 18-22, Pats Rubber Leg 10-14
DRIES: Parachute Adams 20-24, Garcias Mini Hoat May 18-22, Para Adams 18-24
STREAMERS: Sculpzillas, Kamikaze Sculpin, Hawkin's Hat Trick, Double Thin Mint,Sex Dungeon