Roaring Fork River
Lower (Below Carbondale)
Recent Guide Reports
Forecast
Trending Flies in Recent Reports
- Green Drake
- PMD
- San Juan Worm
- Golden Stonefly
- Parachute BWO
- BWO
- Baetis Nymph
- Yellow Sally
- 20 Incher
- Comparadun
Current Conditions
Gauge Flow
High Water Warning
Gauge Height
Water Temperature
Water Temperature Over 68°F
Condition Graphs
Fly Shop Directory
Recent Guide Reports
Aug 14
Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Aspen
MIDDLE ROARING FORK- BASALT DOWNSTREAM TO CARBONDALE
FLOW: 1140 cfs in Basalt, coming down nicely
WATER CONDITIONS: Dropping significantly, clear
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Caddis, Midges, BWO adults and nymphs, golden stoneflies, craneflies, PMD adults and nymphs, worms, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: The green drake hatch this year is already noticeably different, as we usually see them first down low on the Colorado and Roaring Fork and they "roll up" the river a few miles every day. This time around, the hatch is now above Basalt. To be frank, the green drake hatch at twilight has been a bit tough this year. We've seen plenty of bugs at twilight, but the fish aren't keyed in on them like usual due to higher flows.
Bright days will yield caddis hatches and we are seeing heaps of PMDs on the bright days.
HATCHES: Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-22, Midges 20-24, PMDs 14-18
APPROPRIATE PATTERNS
NYMPHS: BLMs 18-20, Prince Nymphs 18-20, Pheasant Tails 18-24, Freestone Emerger 20, BH Polywing Emerger 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, Sparklewing RS2 20-22, Tailwater Assassin 20-22, Imposter 20-22, Lil Foamy 18-20, Neon Nightmare 20-22, Cat Poop 8-12, 20 Incher 10-14
DRIES: White Wulff 10, H and L Variant 10-12, Royal Wulff 10-12, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, Pearl and Elk Caddis 16-18, Sparkledun PMD Pink 16-18, Melon Quill PMD 16-20, Collett's Parachute BWO 18-22, Perfect Baetis 20-22, No Hackle BWO 20-22, Bill's Midge Emerger 20-22, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Hatching Midge 20-22, Morgan's Para Midge 20-22
HINTS: Find some soft water where you can
FLOW: 1140 cfs in Basalt, coming down nicely
WATER CONDITIONS: Dropping significantly, clear
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Caddis, Midges, BWO adults and nymphs, golden stoneflies, craneflies, PMD adults and nymphs, worms, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: The green drake hatch this year is already noticeably different, as we usually see them first down low on the Colorado and Roaring Fork and they "roll up" the river a few miles every day. This time around, the hatch is now above Basalt. To be frank, the green drake hatch at twilight has been a bit tough this year. We've seen plenty of bugs at twilight, but the fish aren't keyed in on them like usual due to higher flows.
Bright days will yield caddis hatches and we are seeing heaps of PMDs on the bright days.
HATCHES: Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-22, Midges 20-24, PMDs 14-18
APPROPRIATE PATTERNS
NYMPHS: BLMs 18-20, Prince Nymphs 18-20, Pheasant Tails 18-24, Freestone Emerger 20, BH Polywing Emerger 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, Sparklewing RS2 20-22, Tailwater Assassin 20-22, Imposter 20-22, Lil Foamy 18-20, Neon Nightmare 20-22, Cat Poop 8-12, 20 Incher 10-14
DRIES: White Wulff 10, H and L Variant 10-12, Royal Wulff 10-12, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, Pearl and Elk Caddis 16-18, Sparkledun PMD Pink 16-18, Melon Quill PMD 16-20, Collett's Parachute BWO 18-22, Perfect Baetis 20-22, No Hackle BWO 20-22, Bill's Midge Emerger 20-22, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Hatching Midge 20-22, Morgan's Para Midge 20-22
HINTS: Find some soft water where you can
Aug 07
Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Aspen
LOWER ROARING FORK- CARBONDALE TO GLENWOOD
FLOW: 1450 cfs in Glenwood Springs, down significantly
WATER CONDITIONS: Clear and dropping. Still a bit high but fishing well.
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Yellow sallies, caddis, midge adults, BWO adults, emergers and nymphs, PMD adults, emergers and nymphs, rusty spinners, worms, craneflies, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: The drakes have now pushed up to Basalt and above, but the fishing is really good out there! This is the time for the mid-summer switch, when we start to downsize our flies on the freestones.
We are now in perfect floatable shape out there now, and daytime hatches consist of yellow sallies, golden stoneflies, PMDs, BWOs, caddis and a few midges. Be mindful of the swift water and choose your battles when it comes to where you choose to fish. This will be a high water year in general, so this is everyone's opportunity to learn some "high water tech."
HATCHES: Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-20, PMDs 14-18, Yellow Sallies 16, Midges 18-26, golden stoneflies 6-10
APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:
NYMPHS: BH Swiss Straw Emerger 16-18, Halfback PMD Emerger 16-20, 20 Incher 10-14, Poxyback Drake Nymph 12, BLMs 18-20, Freestone Emerger 20, RS2s 20-22, Polywing Emerger 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, Thread Body Baetis 18-20, Soft Hackle BWO 20-22, Jerome PMD 16-18, Tungsten Bruised PMD 16-18, Imposters 20-22, Cat Poop 8-12, San Juan Worm 10
DRIES: H and L Variant 10-12, White Wulff 10, Royal Wulff 10-12, Hairy Sally 16, Garcia's Mini Hot Sally 16, Melon Quill PMD 16-18, Hackle Stacker PMD 16-18, No Hackle PMD 16-18, Missing Link Caddis 14-18, Tan Elk Hair Caddis 14-18, Perfect Baetis 20, Collett's Para BWO 18-22, No Hackle BWO 20-22, Roy's Special Fryingpan Emerger 20-22, CDC Comparadun 18-20, Hatching Midge 20-22, HOH CDC Spent Midge 22-24, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Morgans Midge 18-20, Sprout Midge 18-20, Skittering Zelon Midge 20-22, Griffiths Gnat 20, Egg Laying Golden Stone 6-8
HINTS: Watch out for some pretty good hatches, despite the high flows.
Upper Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/uv/?site_no=09076300&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
Middle Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09081000
Lower Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09085000
FLOW: 1450 cfs in Glenwood Springs, down significantly
WATER CONDITIONS: Clear and dropping. Still a bit high but fishing well.
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Yellow sallies, caddis, midge adults, BWO adults, emergers and nymphs, PMD adults, emergers and nymphs, rusty spinners, worms, craneflies, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: The drakes have now pushed up to Basalt and above, but the fishing is really good out there! This is the time for the mid-summer switch, when we start to downsize our flies on the freestones.
We are now in perfect floatable shape out there now, and daytime hatches consist of yellow sallies, golden stoneflies, PMDs, BWOs, caddis and a few midges. Be mindful of the swift water and choose your battles when it comes to where you choose to fish. This will be a high water year in general, so this is everyone's opportunity to learn some "high water tech."
HATCHES: Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-20, PMDs 14-18, Yellow Sallies 16, Midges 18-26, golden stoneflies 6-10
APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:
NYMPHS: BH Swiss Straw Emerger 16-18, Halfback PMD Emerger 16-20, 20 Incher 10-14, Poxyback Drake Nymph 12, BLMs 18-20, Freestone Emerger 20, RS2s 20-22, Polywing Emerger 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, Thread Body Baetis 18-20, Soft Hackle BWO 20-22, Jerome PMD 16-18, Tungsten Bruised PMD 16-18, Imposters 20-22, Cat Poop 8-12, San Juan Worm 10
DRIES: H and L Variant 10-12, White Wulff 10, Royal Wulff 10-12, Hairy Sally 16, Garcia's Mini Hot Sally 16, Melon Quill PMD 16-18, Hackle Stacker PMD 16-18, No Hackle PMD 16-18, Missing Link Caddis 14-18, Tan Elk Hair Caddis 14-18, Perfect Baetis 20, Collett's Para BWO 18-22, No Hackle BWO 20-22, Roy's Special Fryingpan Emerger 20-22, CDC Comparadun 18-20, Hatching Midge 20-22, HOH CDC Spent Midge 22-24, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Morgans Midge 18-20, Sprout Midge 18-20, Skittering Zelon Midge 20-22, Griffiths Gnat 20, Egg Laying Golden Stone 6-8
HINTS: Watch out for some pretty good hatches, despite the high flows.
Upper Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/uv/?site_no=09076300&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
Middle Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09081000
Lower Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09085000
Aug 04
Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Aspen
MIDDLE ROARING FORK- BASALT DOWNSTREAM TO CARBONDALE
FLOW: 1140 cfs in Basalt, coming down nicely
WATER CONDITIONS: Dropping significantly, clear
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Caddis, green drake adults and nymphs 10-14, Midges, BWO adults and nymphs, golden stoneflies, craneflies, PMD adults and nymphs, worms, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: The green drake hatch this year is already noticeably different, as we usually see them first down low on the Colorado and Roaring Fork and they "roll up" the river a few miles every day. This time around, the hatch is above Basalt. To be frank, the green drake hatch at twilight has been a bit tough this year. We've seen plenty of bugs at twilight, but the fish aren't keyed in on them like usual due to higher flows.
See the lower report on how to effectively fish this twilight hatch.
HATCHES: Green Drakes 10-12, Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-22, Midges 20-24, PMDs 14-18
APPROPRIATE PATTERNS
NYMPHS: BLMs 18-20, Prince Nymphs 18-20, Pheasant Tails 18-24, Freestone Emerger 20, BH Polywing Emerger 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, Sparklewing RS2 20-22, Tailwater Assassin 20-22, Imposter 20-22, Lil Foamy 18-20, Neon Nightmare 20-22, Cat Poop 8-12, 20 Incher 10-14
DRIES: White Wulff 10, H and L Variant 10-12, Royal Wulff 10-12, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, Pearl and Elk Caddis 16-18, Sparkledun PMD Pink 16-18, Melon Quill PMD 16-20, Collett's Parachute BWO 18-22, Perfect Baetis 20-22, No Hackle BWO 20-22, Bill's Midge Emerger 20-22, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Hatching Midge 20-22, Morgan's Para Midge 20-22
HINTS: Find some soft water where you can
FLOW: 1140 cfs in Basalt, coming down nicely
WATER CONDITIONS: Dropping significantly, clear
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Caddis, green drake adults and nymphs 10-14, Midges, BWO adults and nymphs, golden stoneflies, craneflies, PMD adults and nymphs, worms, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: The green drake hatch this year is already noticeably different, as we usually see them first down low on the Colorado and Roaring Fork and they "roll up" the river a few miles every day. This time around, the hatch is above Basalt. To be frank, the green drake hatch at twilight has been a bit tough this year. We've seen plenty of bugs at twilight, but the fish aren't keyed in on them like usual due to higher flows.
See the lower report on how to effectively fish this twilight hatch.
HATCHES: Green Drakes 10-12, Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-22, Midges 20-24, PMDs 14-18
APPROPRIATE PATTERNS
NYMPHS: BLMs 18-20, Prince Nymphs 18-20, Pheasant Tails 18-24, Freestone Emerger 20, BH Polywing Emerger 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, Sparklewing RS2 20-22, Tailwater Assassin 20-22, Imposter 20-22, Lil Foamy 18-20, Neon Nightmare 20-22, Cat Poop 8-12, 20 Incher 10-14
DRIES: White Wulff 10, H and L Variant 10-12, Royal Wulff 10-12, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, Pearl and Elk Caddis 16-18, Sparkledun PMD Pink 16-18, Melon Quill PMD 16-20, Collett's Parachute BWO 18-22, Perfect Baetis 20-22, No Hackle BWO 20-22, Bill's Midge Emerger 20-22, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Hatching Midge 20-22, Morgan's Para Midge 20-22
HINTS: Find some soft water where you can
Jul 29
Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Aspen
LOWER ROARING FORK- CARBONDALE TO GLENWOOD
FLOW: 2050 cfs in Glenwood Springs, down significantly
WATER CONDITIONS: Clear and dropping. Still a bit high but fishing well.
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Green Drakes, yellow sallies, caddis, midge adults, BWO adults, emergers and nymphs, PMD adults, emergers and nymphs, rusty spinners, worms, craneflies, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: As mentioned above, the Green Drake hatch is happening right now, from Glenwood all the way up to Aspen, all at once. Considering the higher than normal flows, find the softest water you can around twilight and get your headlamp and dry shake ready to go! These big mayflies come off right at dusk, so be patient and wait for the magic out there just as the light is fading. The hatch isn't 10 out of 10 yet, but is steadily improving every night.
We are finally back to floatable shape out there now, and daytime hatches consist of yellow sallies, a few green drakes, golden stoneflies, PMDs, BWOs, caddis and a few midges. Be mindful of the swift water and choose your battles when it comes to where you choose to fish. This will be a high water year in general, so this is everyone's opportunity to learn some "high water tech."
HATCHES: Green Drakes 10-12, Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-20, PMDs 14-18, Yellow Sallies 16, Midges 18-26, golden stoneflies 6-10
APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:
NYMPHS: 20 Incher 10-14, Poxyback Drake Nymph 12, BLMs 18-20, Freestone Emerger 20, RS2s 20-22, Polywing Emerger 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, Thread Body Baetis 18-20, Soft Hackle BWO 20-22, Jerome PMD 16-18, Tungsten Bruised PMD 16-18, Imposters 20-22, Cat Poop 8-12, San Juan Worm 10
DRIES: H and L Variant 10-12, White Wulff 10, Royal Wulff 10-12, Hairy Sally 16, Garcia's Mini Hot Sally 16, Melon Quill PMD 16-18, Hackle Stacker PMD 16-18, No Hackle PMD 16-18, Missing Link Caddis 14-18, Tan Elk Hair Caddis 14-18, Perfect Baetis 20, Collett's Para BWO 18-22, No Hackle BWO 20-22, Roy's Special Fryingpan Emerger 20-22, CDC Comparadun 18-20, Hatching Midge 20-22, HOH CDC Spent Midge 22-24, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Morgans Midge 18-20, Sprout Midge 18-20, Skittering Zelon Midge 20-22, Griffiths Gnat 20, Egg Laying Golden Stone 6-8
HINTS: Watch out for some pretty good hatches, despite the high flows.
Upper Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/uv/?site_no=09076300&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
Middle Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09081000
Lower Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09085000
FLOW: 2050 cfs in Glenwood Springs, down significantly
WATER CONDITIONS: Clear and dropping. Still a bit high but fishing well.
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Green Drakes, yellow sallies, caddis, midge adults, BWO adults, emergers and nymphs, PMD adults, emergers and nymphs, rusty spinners, worms, craneflies, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: As mentioned above, the Green Drake hatch is happening right now, from Glenwood all the way up to Aspen, all at once. Considering the higher than normal flows, find the softest water you can around twilight and get your headlamp and dry shake ready to go! These big mayflies come off right at dusk, so be patient and wait for the magic out there just as the light is fading. The hatch isn't 10 out of 10 yet, but is steadily improving every night.
We are finally back to floatable shape out there now, and daytime hatches consist of yellow sallies, a few green drakes, golden stoneflies, PMDs, BWOs, caddis and a few midges. Be mindful of the swift water and choose your battles when it comes to where you choose to fish. This will be a high water year in general, so this is everyone's opportunity to learn some "high water tech."
HATCHES: Green Drakes 10-12, Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-20, PMDs 14-18, Yellow Sallies 16, Midges 18-26, golden stoneflies 6-10
APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:
NYMPHS: 20 Incher 10-14, Poxyback Drake Nymph 12, BLMs 18-20, Freestone Emerger 20, RS2s 20-22, Polywing Emerger 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, Thread Body Baetis 18-20, Soft Hackle BWO 20-22, Jerome PMD 16-18, Tungsten Bruised PMD 16-18, Imposters 20-22, Cat Poop 8-12, San Juan Worm 10
DRIES: H and L Variant 10-12, White Wulff 10, Royal Wulff 10-12, Hairy Sally 16, Garcia's Mini Hot Sally 16, Melon Quill PMD 16-18, Hackle Stacker PMD 16-18, No Hackle PMD 16-18, Missing Link Caddis 14-18, Tan Elk Hair Caddis 14-18, Perfect Baetis 20, Collett's Para BWO 18-22, No Hackle BWO 20-22, Roy's Special Fryingpan Emerger 20-22, CDC Comparadun 18-20, Hatching Midge 20-22, HOH CDC Spent Midge 22-24, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Morgans Midge 18-20, Sprout Midge 18-20, Skittering Zelon Midge 20-22, Griffiths Gnat 20, Egg Laying Golden Stone 6-8
HINTS: Watch out for some pretty good hatches, despite the high flows.
Upper Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/uv/?site_no=09076300&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
Middle Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09081000
Lower Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09085000
Jul 29
Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Aspen
MIDDLE ROARING FORK- BASALT DOWNSTREAM TO CARBONDALE
FLOW: 1390 cfs in Basalt, coming down nicely
WATER CONDITIONS: Dropping significantly, clear
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Caddis, green drake adults and nymphs 10-14, Midges, BWO adults and nymphs, golden stoneflies, craneflies, PMD adults and nymphs, worms, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: The green drake hatch this year is already noticeably different, as we usually see them first down low on the Colorado and Roaring Fork and they "roll up" the river a few miles every day. This time around, we are seeing them hatching from Aspen all the way down to Glenwood, right now, all at once! To be frank, the green drake hatch at twilight has been a bit tough this year. We've seen plenty of bugs at twilight, but the fish aren't keyed in on them like usual due to higher flows.
See the lower report on how to effectively fish this twilight hatch.
HATCHES: Green Drakes 10-12, Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-22, Midges 20-24, PMDs 14-18
APPROPRIATE PATTERNS
NYMPHS: BLMs 18-20, Prince Nymphs 18-20, Pheasant Tails 18-24, Freestone Emerger 20, BH Polywing Emerger 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, Sparklewing RS2 20-22, Tailwater Assassin 20-22, Imposter 20-22, Lil Foamy 18-20, Neon Nightmare 20-22, Cat Poop 8-12, 20 Incher 10-14
DRIES: White Wulff 10, H and L Variant 10-12, Royal Wulff 10-12, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, Pearl and Elk Caddis 16-18, Sparkledun PMD Pink 16-18, Melon Quill PMD 16-20, Collett's Parachute BWO 18-22, Perfect Baetis 20-22, No Hackle BWO 20-22, Bill's Midge Emerger 20-22, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Hatching Midge 20-22, Morgan's Para Midge 20-22
HINTS: Find some soft water where you can
FLOW: 1390 cfs in Basalt, coming down nicely
WATER CONDITIONS: Dropping significantly, clear
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Caddis, green drake adults and nymphs 10-14, Midges, BWO adults and nymphs, golden stoneflies, craneflies, PMD adults and nymphs, worms, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: The green drake hatch this year is already noticeably different, as we usually see them first down low on the Colorado and Roaring Fork and they "roll up" the river a few miles every day. This time around, we are seeing them hatching from Aspen all the way down to Glenwood, right now, all at once! To be frank, the green drake hatch at twilight has been a bit tough this year. We've seen plenty of bugs at twilight, but the fish aren't keyed in on them like usual due to higher flows.
See the lower report on how to effectively fish this twilight hatch.
HATCHES: Green Drakes 10-12, Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-22, Midges 20-24, PMDs 14-18
APPROPRIATE PATTERNS
NYMPHS: BLMs 18-20, Prince Nymphs 18-20, Pheasant Tails 18-24, Freestone Emerger 20, BH Polywing Emerger 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, Sparklewing RS2 20-22, Tailwater Assassin 20-22, Imposter 20-22, Lil Foamy 18-20, Neon Nightmare 20-22, Cat Poop 8-12, 20 Incher 10-14
DRIES: White Wulff 10, H and L Variant 10-12, Royal Wulff 10-12, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18, Pearl and Elk Caddis 16-18, Sparkledun PMD Pink 16-18, Melon Quill PMD 16-20, Collett's Parachute BWO 18-22, Perfect Baetis 20-22, No Hackle BWO 20-22, Bill's Midge Emerger 20-22, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Hatching Midge 20-22, Morgan's Para Midge 20-22
HINTS: Find some soft water where you can