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: July 18th, 2024
The Fork is starting to fish real well. Flows are dropping. We are seeing Golden Stones, Caddis, PMD's. Fish are starting to push out into the moving water. Nymphing and Dry Fly Fishing are both very good. For nymphing try fishing towards the middle of the river when floating and when bank fishing, try a Chubby Chernobyl to a perdigon to a small Barr PMD. For Dries throw a Stimi to a Pearl and Elk caddis or a Para Adams. Dont be afraid to change it up and put a Zebra Midge or an RS2 below a Stonefly or Heavier Perdigon. For streamers, throw Sculpin patterns. Drakes are above Carbondale and pushing into the Frying Pan.
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, Stones, Caddis
Recommended Files:
NYMPHS: 20 Incher 10-16, Zebra Midge 18-22, Rainbow Warrior blk 20-24, Perdigon 10-16, Pheasant Tail 12-20, Biot Epoxy Golden Stone 12-16, Z-Wing Caddis 14-16, Hares Ear 10-18, Electric Caddis 14-18, Crystal Hunchback PMD 18-20, Pats Rubber Leg 10-14, Worms 10-14
DRIES: Parachute Adams 20-24, Garcias Mini Hot Yellow Sallie 14-16, Brooks Sprout PMD Emerger 16-22, Madam X Yellow 8-16, Elk Hair Caddis 14-18, X2 Caddis 14-18
STREAMERS: Sculpzillas, Kamikaze Sculpin, Hawkin's Hat Trick, Double Thin Mint,Sex Dungeon