Fishing Report | Roaring Fork River | Fly Fishing Outfitters

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.

A caught trout with a fishing fly in his mouth

A Fly Fishing Outfitters' Guide Kip Wolcott crouching in the river holding a big trout in his hands and fishing rod in his mouth

A man with plaid shirt is holding a fish above water with both hands

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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