Roaring Fork River
Flow: 714cfs/Aspen, 1,170cfs/Basalt, 1,700cfs/Glenwood Springs
Update: The river has cleared and dropped to very fishable water levels! Green drakes are being seen from Basalt-Glenwood! The evening hatches have been sensational. Midday look for caddis, PMDs and stoneflies to round out the quiver of bugs hatching. We still have some guide availability for both wade and float trips – let our knowledgeable staff of humble guides give you the highlight of your summer vacation!
Conditions: The upper river from Aspen to Snowmass clears first BUT the lower river sees the year’s first hatches of drakes and PMDs due to its lower elevation and warmer temps. We like to focus on the river below our headquarters here in Bonedale as the width of the river is greater here which yields more amounts of soft, holding water for the fish. Once the river drops and clears, we generally start our search with a shallow and heavy two-fly nymph rig under a bobber (or dry/dropper/dropper). At this time of year, it’s generally of more importance to be fishing the right water (soft, slow and keeping your flies in there) than it is having the right fly. Favorite flies include Rubberleg Stones, 20Inchers, Princes, Red Copper Johns, Chubbies and Tarantulas. This is the time of year when big flies are more of the rule rather than the exception. We still have guide availability but dates have been booking quickly. Please be sure to book your guided fishing trip with as much advance notice as possible – especially if requesting your favorite guide.
Feel free to give us a call for daily river conditions at 970.963.5741