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: February 7th, 2025
When on the Fork and the weather warms there is always the risk of an ice damn release so be careful. That being said, the warmer weather has opened up some sections. GO SMALL with your tippet, flies and indicators. 5X to 6X and 9ft leaders are a must. BWO's and Midges are whats happeneing. For nymphing, look for the bubble lines and use yarn idicators. They present nice and quiet. In some of the deeper pools, a standard foam indicator is fine. Look for hatches of Midges and break out the dry flies and throw a Para Adams to a small black Midge Biot emerger. When nymphing, try sarting with a perdigon to a small zebra midge or Juju Baetis but don't Be Afraid to mix it up and change flies.
SPAWNING CLOSURES: 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, Small Stones
Recommended Files:
NYMPHS: Zebra Midge 18-22, Rainbow Warrior blk 20-24, Perdigon 14-18, Pheasant Tail 16-24, 20 Incher Stone 14-16, Pats Rubber Leg 10-14, Hares Ear 10-18, Crystal Hunchback BWO 18-24, Midge Bomb 18-22
DRIES: Parachute Adams 20-24, Garcias Mini Hot Black Mayfly 18-20, Brooks Sprout BWO Emerger 16-22, Sprouts 18-24,Roy's Special Emerger 18-22
STREAMERS: Sculpzillas, Kamikaze Sculpin, Hawkin's Hat Trick, Double Thin Mint,Sex Dungeon