Roaring Fork River
Flow: 1130cfs/Aspen (Jaffe Park), 1770cfs/Basalt, 4190cfs/Glenwood Springs
Conditions: We’re right at about peak runoff now which means that we’re hot on the heels of our world-renowned green drake mayfly hatch. Anglers should expect to find the river dropping and clearing quite rapidly here in the next two weeks. It’s still high-water conditions currently, meaning anglers should focus more on the right water (soft/slow) than the right fly. Lots are fish are holding tight to the bank and in the willows. Nymphing has been solid using Rubberleg Stones and green drake imitations like 20Inchers and Crown Jewels. Ye olde SanJuan Worm will catch plenty of fish too. PMD and caddis imitations will become more effective as the water drops. Streamer fishing has been much improved in the higher water. Look for the best fishing to take place along the lower river from Carbondale to Glenwood at this time of year.
What people really want to know though is when will the green drake hatch begin? Probably here in another 10-14 days. For more details, be sure to read Kirk Webb’s blog article on Fishing Green Drakes In The Roaring Fork Valley here: Green Drakes Part 1
Flies-
Dries: Adams Wulff, Royal Wulff, H&L Variant, Comparadun Drake, CDC Parachute Drake, Colorado Hen Wing Drake, Chubby Chernobyls, Dry Humpers, Tarantulas, PMXs, Stimi ChewToys, Foam Elk Hair Caddis, Egg Laying Caddis, E/C Caddis, Renegades
Nymphs: Rubberleg CheaterBelly Stones, Jig CopperJohn Green, 20Inchers, Point Drake, DAs Jiggy Olive, Crown Jewel Drake, Stalcups Drake Emerger, SanJuan Worms, Princes, BH Electric Caddis, Breadcrust Caddis, Gum Drops, Rock Grinders
Streamers: Jig Mini Bugger, Thin Mint, P3 Bugger, Double Bunny, Gongas, Dungeons, Jig Sparkle Minnow
