Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Roaring Fork - Glenwood Springs - Colorado

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon 18 - 22 Zebra Midges, Black Beauties
Winter Stones Afternoon 16 - 18 20 Incher, Pat’s Rubber Legs
February Midges Afternoon 18 - 22 Zebra Midges, Snowshoe Midges
Winter Stones Afternoon 16 - 18 20 Incher, Pat’s Rubber Legs
March Midges Afternoon 18 - 22 Zebra Midges, Black Beauties
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16 - 22 Pheasant Tail, RS2
April Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16 - 22 Pheasant Tail, RS2
Caddis Evening 14 - 18 Elk Hair Caddis, X2 Caddis
May Caddis Evening 14 - 18 Elk Hair Caddis, X2 Caddis
Green Drakes Afternoon 10 - 14 Comparadun Green Drake, Parachute Adams
June Green Drakes Afternoon 10 - 14 Comparadun Green Drake, Parachute Adams
Pale Morning Duns Morning to Afternoon 14 - 18 Parachute Adams, Tilt Wing PMD
July Pale Morning Duns Morning to Afternoon 14 - 18 Parachute Adams, Tilt Wing PMD
Red Quills Afternoon 14 - 16 Parachute Adams, Red Quill
August Yellow Sallies Afternoon 12 - 16 Yellow Sallie Stonefly, Elk Hair Caddis
Terrestrials All day 10 - 18 Hopper Patterns, Ants
September Terrestrials All day 10 - 18 Hopper Patterns, Ants
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18 - 22 Pheasant Tail, RS2
October Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18 - 22 Pheasant Tail, RS2
Midges Afternoon 18 - 24 Zebra Midges, Black Beauties
November Midges Afternoon 18 - 24 Zebra Midges, Black Beauties
Winter Stones Afternoon 16 - 18 20 Incher, Pat’s Rubber Legs
December Midges Afternoon 18 - 24 Zebra Midges, Black Beauties
Winter Stones Afternoon 16 - 18 20 Incher, Pat’s Rubber Legs

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

Glenwood Springs offers an exceptional location for fly fishing on the Roaring Fork River, recognized as a notable river for trout fishing.

  • Basalt: Conveniently located halfway between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, this spot features large rainbows and browns. The waters are calm, making it perfect for beginners.
  • Glennwood Canyon: This section of the river is ideal for experienced anglers. It offers challenging rapids and abundant large trout.
  • Woody Creek: A few miles downstream of Aspen, this area offers excellent fishing conditions and beautiful scenery.
  • Carbondale: The confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers makes this area a hot spot for catching large trout. The crystalline waters allow for excellent visibility.
  • Sunlight Bridge: Known for its deep fishing holes, the area under this bridge offers a rich experience for proficient anglers.

Best Access Points

The Roaring Fork in Glenwood Springs offers some of the finest fly fishing in Colorado. The best access points are:
  • Gold Butte: Located right off the I-70. Offers a large parking lot and easy river access.
  • Veltus Park: A city park with a spacious river front. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
  • Two Rivers Park: A vast park with scenic views and both pond and river fishing options. A great place for all fishing levels.
  • Cardiff Bridge: This spot provides access to the large wadeable flats, which are excellent for dry fly-fishing.
  • Sunlight Bridge: Just downstream from Sunlight Bridge, the river has slow-moving pools and river bends that are perfect for fly fishing.
Remember to respect private property and observe all fishing regulations while enjoying the splendid Roaring Fork.

Local Fish

  • Colorado River Cutthroat Trout: This native Colorado fish is a local favorite. They tend to be smaller in size but make up for it with their striking red and orange coloring.

  • Brown Trout: A popular target for fly fishing due to their hard fighting nature and beautiful coloration. Brown Trout in the Roaring Fork are known for their large size and aggressive behavior.

  • Rainbow Trout: Another fly fishing favorite, the Rainbow Trout is known for leaping out of the water when hooked and its beautiful array of colors.

  • Brook Trout: The smallest of the trout family, these fish are uniquely colorful with a marble-like pattern across the back.

  • Mountain Whitefish: These slender fish can be a challenge to catch, providing an exciting experience for the fly fisherman. They tend to be most active during dawn and dusk.

  • Pike Minnow: Commonly known as squawfish, these fish have a long lifespan and grow to large sizes, making them an exciting and challenging catch.

  • Yellow Perch: These small, colorful fish can be found in abundance and provide a fun, lively fly fishing experience.

  • Rocky Mountain Whitefish: This fish species is native to the rivers and streams of the Rockies. Known for their large size, they make an appealing target for fly fishers.

About The River

Glenwood Springs, a beautiful city tucked in the heart of Colorado, is renowned for its Roaring Fork river. This idyllic river sublimely carves its way through the magnificent landscape providing breathtaking views and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The popping history of the Roaring Fork dates back to the Ute Indians, the first residents of this region who hunted and fished in the plentiful surroundings. With the arrival of the Europeans in the 1800s, the area developed rapidly into a flourishing community. The naming of Roaring Fork owes its origin to the uproarious sound it makes while cascading through boulders and cliffs.

  • The Roaring Fork is perfect for whitewater rafting, fishing, and other thrilling water activities.
  • The iconic Maroon Bells, two towering peaks in the Elk Mountains, are situated in the Roaring Fork watershed and add an unforgettable panorama to the sights around Glenwood Springs.

Today, the Roaring Fork continues to play a significant role in Glenwood Springs, attracting countless visitors year after year for its stunning beauty and myriad recreational opportunities.

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