Roaring Fork River, CO Fishing Report

Current Flow: near Emma - 295cfs


The Crystal continues to render the Fork unworthy of attention below Carbondale. However the cold weather over the past week has kept the Fork in excellent condition near Basalt and higher. So these conditions will persist for a few more days. But if there is any hotter weather, the Fork will have to be fished higher up.

The increased flows from the Pan have made the Fork a reasonable float from Basalt. Reports of good fishing abound. Cameron reported good streamer fishing last week. Nymphing with larger stoneflies and smaller baetis nymphs has continued to prove effective. So keep an eye out on the weather. If it warms up quickly the Fork might be problematic even higher up. It is all a question of the overnight temperatures.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the rainbows staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

REMINDER, 4 Mile Creek and 3 Mile Creek closures are in effect until May 15th!!

No fishing within 50 yards of creek mouths and no fishing 1/2 mile up the creek.

The Roaring Fork River is clear and very fishable above the confluence of the Crystal River and upvalley. Midges, BWOs, Caddis and Squallas are all around and Dry fly fishing can be had all the way from Carbondale up to Aspen. BWOs and Mothers Day Caddis in the afternoon. Fish are active and you will find them spread out in all kinds of water. Stones are molting, so be sure that you have some golden stone patterns in your box. Move around often to locate active fish and take note of the depth and current speed when you start to catch fish. Fish all current speeds until you find active fish, and don't forget to look for heads!

The Roaring Fork River below Carbondale is mostly muddy.

We are getting lots of calls about floating the 'Fork. Its tough & flows are still low. Just because you think you can get a raft down the Fork doesn't mean you should. Rafting when the water is too low is like a boater dragging the anchor as they drift along. Bugs die and their habitat is ruined.

Call us for current conditions or stop by to find out more before floating or wading.

Flies:

Dries: 16-20 AK's olive quill, Slate and olive Thorax, Puterbaughs BWO, Mothers Day Caddis Stimies.
Nymphs: #8-14 20 incher, Gold Bead Epoxy Stone, Pats Rubber Legs; #16-20 BH Pheasant Tail, Beer Head Beatis, pocket water beatis: BH Prince, Disco Midge, Red, black, zebra midge, Chart and Oregon cheese eggs.
Streamers: Sculpzilla, clousabou, zonker, Spring Splendor

Current Flow: near Emma - 201cfs


Although the Crystal has blown out putting paid to fishing below Carbondale, the condition of the Fork higher up is excellent and should be so for a little while longer. As the temperatures are expected to stay hot this week and not drop below freezing overnight at lower elevations, the best destination for the Fork will be above Basalt.

With the Pan expected to rise this week, that will improve the ability to float from Basalt. So keep an eye on the flow and ring the shop to get an idea of the conditions at Basalt.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the rainbows staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

Current Flow: near Emma - 211cfs

Despite the snowfall over the week the Fork ended with nary a change in flow at Basalt offering clear water and great conditions on Sunday. The nymphing has been excellent with stoneflies followed by midge larva, baetis nymphs or caddis larva. With the weather warming over the coming week, we cold get a little jump in the flows unless it is near freezing overnight. So enjoy these conditions. Run off will be upon us soon enough.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the rainbows staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

Current Flow: near Emma - 211cfs

The overnight storm spiked up the flow in the Fork but it has since settled back to 211cfs. The fishing remains excellent as the stones begin to move about but for the next few days, be prepared for cold wintery weather. The water level remains too low for any meaningful floating even in the lower Fork so if you want to float, while it remains clear, head for the Colorado.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the rainbows staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

Current Flow: near Emma - 201cfs


The good conditions continue on the Fork with stoneflies rolling about and with midges and BWO's coming off. The lower flow levels mean that essentailly the Fork is for wading at the moment rather than floating. A few intrepid souls have ventured out in singles and rafts. But boats are definitely a tough call at these low levels for the moment.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the rainbows staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

Current Flow: near Emma - 190cfs


The fishing remains excellent on the Fork with the flows picking up just a little with the warmer weather. The low levels makes floating problematic but with wading access ideal there is now ample opportunity to get out on to the river and enjoy oneself. The ideal rig is a nymphing set up with a large stone fly such as a 20 incher followed by a small baetis (rs2) or midge emerger (rojo).

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, pmd, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the rainbows staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

REMINDER, 4 Mile Creek and 3 Mile Creek closures are in effect!

No fishing within 50 yards of creek mouths and no fishing 1/2 mile up the creek.

The Roaring Fork is Awesome right now. Midges, BWOs, and Squallas are all around. and hatching Dry fly fishing can be had from Catherines Store all ht way to Glenwood Springs. Midges in late morning through afternoon and BWOs in the afternoon. Fish are active and you will finds them spread out in all kinds of water. Stones are molting, so be sure that you have some golden stone patters in your box. We have also received a lots reports of fish turning to egg patterns. Move around often to locate active fish and take note of the depth and current speed when you start to catch fish. Fish all current speeds until you find active fish, and don't forget to look for heads!

We are getting lots of calls about floating the 'Fork. Its tough. flows are around 320 cfs. You can get a raft down the Fork with 1 fisherman and a rower, but you are often floating right over the fish.

Call us for current conditions or stop by to find out more before floating or wading.

Flies:

Dries: 16-20 AK's olive quill, Slate and olive Thorax, Puterbaughs BWO.
Nymphs: #8-14 20 incher, Gold Bead Epoxy Stone, Pats Rubber Legs; #16-20BBH Pheasant Tail, Beer Head Beatis, pocket water beatis: BH Prince, Disco Midge, Red, black, zebra midge midge, Chart, and Oregon cheese eggs.
Streamers: Sculpzilla, clousabou, zonker

Current Flow: near Emma - Ice

The quality of the fishing in the Fork has picked up nicely as the ice continues to melt off the edges. The water is still very low and Gary reported the boat bottoming out when floating from Carbondale. But the action in the riffles is excellent with the fish feeding on baetis and stoneflies rolling about beginning the moult. The better fishing is lower down the Fork where it widens out and has melted off giving good access to the flow. However as the warmth continues the access will improve higher up above Basalt.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, pmd, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the rainbow staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

Current Flow: near Emma - Ice

The snow raised the level of the Fork a little, but the relatively warm conditions ensured there was no addition to the ice pack. The stone fly nymphs and baetis are beginning to move about.

Lower down the Fork where the sun has a chance to warm things for longer on the wider sections the river flows are clearing nicely.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing but with bwo's still coming off in the afternoons, there are a range of options.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, pmd, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

We have good conditions on the Roaring Fork River from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. There is little edge ice, and slushy ice flows are gone by late morning if they occur at all, and expect fish to become active by about 12:00. Some days in the mid 40s are starting earlier. Small Black Winter Stones, Baetis nymphs, Midge larvae, and Stone fly nymphs are making up most of the active insects on the Roaring Fork River. Golden Stones are beginning to molt, so be sure that you have some golden stone patters in your box. We have also received a lots reports of fish turning to egg patterns. Move around often to locate active fish and take note of the depth and current speed when you start to catch fish. In the next hole look for similar depth and current speed, and you will find fish again.

We are getting lots of calls about floating the 'Fork. Its tough. flows are around 270 cfs. You can get a raft down the Fork, but you are often floating right over the fish.

Call us for current conditions or stop by to find out more before floating or wading.

Flies:

Dries: Getting Closer!!
Nymphs: #8-14 20 incher, Gold Bead Epoxy Stone, Pats Rubber Legs; #18-20 Pheasant Tail, BH Prince, Disco Midge, Red, black, zebra midge midge, Chart, and Oregon cheese eggs.
Streamers: Sculpzilla, clousabou, zonker MOVED SLOW!!!!!!!!!!!

The Fork has continued to clear up with the relatively warmer temperatures and the longer days. The snow this past week and the warmer temperatures have picked up the flows a little which has helped to clear the river further. There are still ice dams higher up so take care where one is fishing as warm weather will break the last of the ice dams quickly.

Lower down the Fork where the sun has a chance to warm things for longer on the wider sections the river flows are clearing nicely. Soon stoneflies will be rolling about adding to the range of flies to be employed.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing but with bwo's still coming off in the afternoons, there are a range of options.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, pmd, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

Our temperatures have moderated alot, and fishing conditions on the fork are excellent for early February. There is little edge ice, and slushy ice flows are gone by late morning if they occur at all, and expect fish to become active by about 12:00. Baetis nymphs, Midge larvae, and Stone fly nymphs are making up most of the active insects on the Roaring Fork River. We have also received a several reports of fish turning to egg patterns. Move around often to locate active fish and take special not of depth and current speed when you start to catch fish. In the next hole look for similar depth and current speed, and you will find fish again.

Call us for current conditions or stop by to find out more before floating or wading.

Flies:

Dries: I Wish!
Nymphs: #8-10 20 incher, Pats Rubber Legs; #18-20 RS2 Magnymphico Disco Midge, Red, black, zebra midge midge, Chart, and oregon cheese eggs.
Streamers: Sculpzilla, clousabou, zonker MOVED SLOW!!!!!!!!!!!

Current flows at Glenwood Springs are unknown, gages are frozen. It is a bit icy and snowy but conditions are great right now. Baetis, Midges, and Stonefly nymphs are making up most of the active insects on the Roaring Fork River. We have also received a few reports of fish turning to egg patterns. Watch your step and fish SAFE.

Call us for current conditions or stop by to find out more before floating or wading.

Flies:

Dries: indicator hopper
Nymphs: #8-10 20 incher, Pats Rubber Legs; #18-20 RS2 Magnymphico, #18-20 RS2s, PTs of all stripes; Disco Midge, Red, black, or olive Biot Midge Larva; #12-18 bead head Prince or FFKA
Streamers: Autumn Splendor, Near Nuff, egg sucking leech

Current Flow: near Emma - Ice

The Fork has continued to clear up with the relatively warmer temperatures and the longer days. The snow this past week and the warmer temperatures have picked up the flows a little which has helped to clear the river further. There are still ice dams higher up so take care where one is fishing as warm weather will break the last of the ice dams quickly. Lower down the Fork where the sun has a chance to warm things for longer on the wider sections the river flows are clearing nicely. Soon stoneflies will be rolling about adding to the range of flies to be employed.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing but with bwo's still coming off in the afternoons, there are a range of options.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, pmd, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

Current Flow: near Emma - 201cfs

With the spate of warmer weather the Fork ice is starting to break up with the reports noted above of the breaking ice dams. So take care if you are going to venture out onto the Fork. The warming days and the clearing of the river will open it up for good fishing as the week progresses. The better fishing will be lower down were the sun has a chance to warm the river for a good part of the day and open it up.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing but with bwo's still coming off in the afternoons, there are a range of options.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, pmd, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

Current Flow: near Emma - 201cfs

With the spate of warmer weather the Fork ice is starting to break up with the reports noted above of the breaking ice dams. So take care if you are going to venture out onto the Fork. The warming days and the clearing of the river will open it up for good fishing as the week progresses. The better fishing will be lower down were the sun has a chance to warm the river for a good part of the day and open it up.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing but with bwo's still coming off in the afternoons, there are a range of options.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, pmd, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

Current Flow: near Emma - 201cfs

The cold change has brought on winter conditions with the fish seeking lower deeper sections except where they are below the redds. The river has iced up now with the latest cold so take care if you are venturing in. The Pan is the best destination for the moment.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing but with bwo's still coming off in the afternoons, there are a range of options.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, pmd, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.

Current flows at Glenwood Springs are unknown, gages are frozen. It is a bit icy and snowy but conditions are great right now. Baetis, Midges, and Stonefly nymphs are making up most of the active insects on the Roaring Fork River. We have also received a few reports of fish turning to egg patterns. Watch your step and fish SAFE.

Call us for current conditions or stop by to find out more before floating or wading.

Flies:

Dries: indicator hopper
Nymphs: #8-10 20 incher, Pats Rubber Legs; #18-20 RS2 Magnymphico, #18-20 RS2s, PTs of all stripes; Disco Midge, Red, black, or olive Biot Midge Larva; #12-18 bead head Prince or FFKA
Streamers: Autumn Splendor, Near Nuff, egg sucking leech

Current Flow: near Emma - 201cfs

The cold change has brought on winter conditions with the fish seeking lower deeper sections except where they are below the redds. The river has iced up now with the latest cold so take care if you are venturing in. The Pan is the best destination for the moment.

Recommended Flies: The best results on the Fork now are from nymphing but with bwo's still coming off in the afternoons, there are a range of options.

In the morning midges, baetis nymphs and BWO emergers.

For nymphing using attractors, midge larvae and emergers, stonefly, pmd, baetis nymphs and emergers. As the day progresses small baetis such as the FPA Sparkle Baetis, the FPA Thorax Emerger, and black pheasant tails have also worked well.

For small flies, copper johns, pc phlash, rs2's, pheasant tails, bubble back bwos.

For the stone fly nymphs good patterns continue to include the BB FB Epoxy 20 Incher, the BTB Hot Spot 20 Incher and the CTB RL Epoxy 20 Incher

In the afternoon, black and purple streamers such as black buggers have also produced results.

With the staging underway the fishing are also taking egg patterns.