Roaring Fork - Aspen - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Roaring Fork – Aspen - Water Flow Chart
Roaring Fork – Aspen - Weather report & radar
Roaring Fork – Aspen - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Midday | #22-26 | Black Beauty, Frenchie, Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges, Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #18-22 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge, RS2 |
| March | Blue Winged Olive, Midges | Midday | #18-22 | RS2, Black Beauty, Pheasant tail nymph |
| April | Blue Winged Olive, Caddis | Afternoon and Evening | #16-20 | Elk Hair Caddis, Adams Dry Fly, Pheasant tail nymph |
| May | Caddis, Stonefly | Afternoon and Evening | #12-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Pat’s Rubber Legs |
| June | Green Drake, Stonefly | Afternoon and Evening | #10-14 | Humpy, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Hare’s Ear Nymph |
| July | Pale Morning Dun, Caddis | Morning and Evening | #16-20 | Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Pheasant tail nymph |
| August | Pale Morning Dun, Trico | Morning and Evening | #18-22 | Parachute Adams, Trico Spinner, Zebra Midge |
| September | Blue Winged Olive, Trico | Morning and Evening | #16-22 | Parachute Adams, Trico Spinner, Pheasant tail nymph |
| October | Blue Winged Olive, Midges | Midday | #18-22 | RS2, Black Beauty, Zebra Midge |
| November | Midges, Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #20-24 | Black Beauty, RS2, Zebra Midge |
| December | Midges | Midday | #22-26 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty, Frenchie |
Roaring Fork – Aspen Access Points
Considered a prime location for fly fishing, the Roaring Fork River in Aspen offers several spectacular access points for anglers.
Here’s a rundown of the best access points:
- Lower Roaring Fork: This is accessible from Glenwood Springs to Carbondale, ideal for float fishing and wading.
- Carbondale to Basalt: This stretch requires a bit more skill due to faster currents but rewards with trophy-sized trout.
- The Gold Medal Waters: Located near Basalt, this cutthroat prime habitat has a pullout allowing convenient access.
- Jaffe Park: A fantastic public access point near Old Snowmass. It’s perfect for wading.
- Rio Grande Trail: The 42-mile trail follows the Roaring Fork River, with numerous access points for wading and sights of exceptional scenery.
Roaring Fork – Aspen Fishing Spots
Fly fishing at the Roaring Fork – Aspen provides an incomparable experience with a variety of amazing spots. Popular spots include:
- Frying Pan River: World-renowned for trout fly fishing, especially below Ruedi Reservoir’s tailwater.
- Lower Roaring Fork: Provides excellent fishing opportunities year-round, particularly for large trout.
- Upper Roaring Fork: This area yields great catches in spring and early summer with incredible scenery.
- Gold Medal Waters: A 14-mile stretch between Basalt and Carbondale, Gold Medal Waters is striking under the backdrop of Mount Sopris.
- The Confluence: The joining point of the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers creates a variety of fishing conditions.
These scenic and rewarding locations invites anglers of all abilities, especially if they’re in pursuit of trout.
Roaring Fork – Aspen Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: Known for their distinct coloring and aggressive behavior, Rainbow Trout are highly sought after by fly fishermen.
- Brown Trout: Recognizable by the dark spots on its back, the Brown Trout is a challenging catch, making it popular for sport fishermen.
- Brook Trout: This fish is native to the Roaring Fork and known for their striking colors and smaller size. They are perfect for fly fishing enthusiasts looking for a fun catch.
- Cutthroat Trout: Named for the red streaks under its jaw, the Cutthroat Trout is both a local and tourist favorite.
- Whitefish: Although not as colorful as some trout species, the Whitefish is still a favorite due to its fight and abundance.
- Pike: While often overlooked, Pike offer a thrilling fly fishing experience due to their large size and aggressive behavior.
- Golden Trout: The Roaring Fork is one of the few places to catch this elusive species. Its beautiful gold color makes it a prized catch.
- Greenback Cutthroat Trout: Although they are rare, catching a Greenback Cutthroat Trout is a highlight for any fly fisherman due to their beautiful coloration and rarity.
About the Roaring Fork – Aspen
Often referred to as the Heart of the Rockies, Roaring Fork – Aspen brims with a rich history and stunning natural splendor. Nestled in Colorado, Aspen’s Roaring Fork Valley earned its name from the Roaring Fork River, a large tributary of the Colorado River, famous for its swift currents.
Founded as a mining town during the Colorado Silver Boom, in the late 19th-century, Aspen rapidly grew popular among thrill-seekers and adventurers. Post the collapse of the silver market, Aspen found new life as a ski resort town in the mid-20th century.
- Notable development includes the establishment of Aspen Mountain (Ajax), which has been providing world-renowned skiing since 1946.
- An annual must-attend event is the X Games Aspen, hosted at Buttermilk Mountain, adding action sports to Roaring Fork’s rich history.
- The Valley’s cultural side shines with the Aspen Music Festival and School, which attracts students and musicians globally.
Today, the Roaring Fork Valley serves as a favored destination for adventure, music, and nature lovers.
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