Fishing Report For:
March 27th. 2023

Flows are low. Great wading conditions!

The Roaring Fork River starts high above Aspen and makes its way down valley through Basalt (where it receives additional flow from the Frying Pan River) to Glenwood Springs where it meets up with the Colorado River. The upper Fork above the Town of Carbondale is fantastic wade and raft float fishing on this large freestone fishery. From Carbondale to Glenwood Springs the river widens and is more conducive to drift boat fishing with pockets of wade fishing available.

The Roaring Fork, although not as scenic as other rivers, is an incredible trout fishery that is known for its Green Drake hatch starting in early July most years. “The Fork” is home to some big Browns, Rainbows, and even the occasional Cutthroat, especially as you get near Glenwood Springs. Excellent public access is available from Aspen to Glenwood Spring. The Roaring Fork is one of the most consistent freestone fisheries in the West.

Please respect the Redds. Spring is Spawning season for the Rainbow Trout. Please respect the Redds by not walking over or fishing directly on top of them. Also be conscious of the creek closures on the Fork to protect the spawning fish.

3/27/2023– The Roaring Fork river is one of the best winter/spring Trout rivers in the state. It’s lower elevation makes for warmer daytime weather. The Fork is our go to destination at this time of year because the fishing is “Out of sight”! The “Dirty Midge” and Blue Wings are hatching right now there is great dry/dropper fishing. The Mother’s Day Caddis will start start a couple weeks earlier on the Fork then the rest of the rivers. Water temps need to get consistently into at least the low 50’s to start the caddis hatch. We are starting to do float trips down there now that the days are getting longer and warmer. Fishing Streamers from the boat once the water temps are in the 40’s is incredible! The best fishing is from Carbondale down to Glenwood Springs. There is a ton of public access on the fork.

Recommended Patterns:

Pheasant Tails (#16-20) JR’s Emerger (#18-20) Runt Stone, Purple, Black (#14-18) Zebra Midge, Grey, Olive(#16-18) RS-2 Black, Olive, Gray (#18-24), Eggs

Dry Flies: Adult Midges #20-24, Griffith’s Gnats #20-24

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Maps are highly detailed including all Federal, State, County and City public fishing access lands along with boat put-ins, take-outs, river miles, insect hatch charts and more.  Drop pins/placemarks to mark your favorite locations or fishing holes. Add notes to your pins like insect hatches, water clarity, water temperature and more. Snap photos with your camera and geo-tag to one of your pins/placemarks.

Click here to download the free Avenza PDF Map App for Iphones
Click here to download the free Avenza PDF Map App for Androids

Discounted Bundles available.

After downloading and installing the free Avenza Map App, open the app, store tab, in the Location, Keywords, Activity grey search bar type FFO and enter.  You will now see all of the mobile fishing maps available for purchase and download.

  • Follow the blue GPS dot to the access points!
  • Drop pins on your favorite spots
  • Public access are highlighted GREN.Private in RED
  • Detailed locations and descriptions of all public access points
  • Boat luanch locations,rapid names and float mileages.

GPS means no cell signal neededGet the Free Map App the river maps are only $1.99 each. Blue River Map coming very soon.

Roaring Fork River Digital GPS Web Map
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