Roaring Fork River
river in Colorado
The Roaring Fork is a fast-flowing, productive freestone river that runs from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.
River flow last 30 days
Moderate flows at 391 cfs under clear skies
- 01Moderate flows at 391 cfs under clear skies.
- 02Consistent midge activity and intermittent BWO emergences.
- 03Opportunistic Whitefish keying into egg patterns.
- 04Focus on deeper holding pools and runs in upper and middle Fork sections.
- 05Technical fishing with light tippet and natural drifts is key.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
This heavy stonefly nymph is crucial for getting deep in the current and imitating large dislodged insects, appealing to Whitefish in fall.
Buy at AmazonComparadun (BWO)
Fall BWO hatches make this low-profile dry fly excellent for selective Whitefish feeding on emergers and adults.
Buy at AmazonMicro Egg
Eggs are a year-round food source in tailwaters, and particularly effective in fall after large trout spawn for opportunistic Whitefish.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
Fall is egg season, and Whitefish are opportunistic feeders, keying into trout and salmon eggs.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round, effective as a subsurface searching pattern for Whitefish in fall.
Buy at AmazonPMD Comparadun (BWO)
PMD hatches are active in October, and Whitefish are opportunistic feeders. This low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective fish.
Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source in tailwaters year-round, and are very active in fall.
Soft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
Caddis hatches continue into fall, and this wet fly effectively imitates pupae and emergers, drawing strikes from Whitefish.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Carbondale Access
A beautiful mid-river section with great pocket water and deep runs.
Glenwood Springs Confluence
An easily accessible stretch of river within the town of Glenwood Springs, great for evening caddis hatches.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Roaring Fork Anglers and Alpine Angling
Taylor Creek Fly Shops
Ed's Fly Shop
Roaring Fork Anglers & Alpine Angling
Get Roaring Fork River reports by email
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Colorado season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
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Essential guide to felt vs. rubber sole wading boots, plus state-by-state regulations to keep you legal on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Fly Fishing Rocky Mountain National Park – Alpine Lakes & Streams
Master fly fishing Rocky Mountain National Park's pristine alpine lakes and streams with expert techniques, gear selection, and regulations.
Top 10 Tailwater Fisheries in the USA – Consistent Year-Round Action
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Quick answers
Common questions about Roaring Fork River.
What flies work best on Roaring Fork River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Roaring Fork River right now are Mother's Day Caddis (95% confidence), Parachute BWO (90% confidence), Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (90% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Roaring Fork River?
Roaring Fork River holds Whitefish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Roaring Fork River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Roaring Fork River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Roaring Fork River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Roaring Fork River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.