Fishing Report

ROARING FORK HATCH CHART

This hatch chart is a generalization of the hatches on our local Colorado Rivers in the Roaring Fork Valley, actual hatches vary. We do see some major bug hatches on our local rivers. They may be done on one section of river but very active upstream from where they were last week. Most hatches can be followed upstream for weeks and months. Contact either Roaring Fork Anglers or Alpine Angling for current hatch activity on your favorite river spots.

FLY SIZE JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
MIDGES 18-24 X X X X X X X
BLUE WINGED OLIVES 16-20 X X X X X
CADDIS 10-18 X X X X X X X
YELLOW SALLIES 14-16 X X X
PALE MORNING DUNS 14-18 X X X X
RED QUILLS 12-16 X X X X
GREEN DRAKES 10-14 X X X
GOLDEN STONEFLIES 8-12 X X X X
SALMONFLIES 6-10 X X
HOPPERS 6-14 X X X
ANTS & BEETLES 14-18 X X X
STREAMERS 2-12 X X X X X X X X X X X X

FLY FISHING REPORTS
 updated 2/2/25

Our fly fishing report is for the 4 Main Rivers in the Roaring Fork Valley: the Roaring Fork River, Frying Pan River, Colorado River and the Crystal River. The fishing report is updated regularly so check back often for current information. If you have any questions, contact us for the most current conditions and fly fishing reports. We also have a hatch chart available for general bug hatch information.

  • FRYING PAN RIVER

    The Fryingpan is at 79 cfs. 


    The recent cold snap has finally ended, and the pan is fishing quite well. 


    Nymphing is productive as well as dry flies. Midges are the primary hatches right now. With these winter flows, 6x or 7x fluoro tippet is very important. 


    Dries: 

    Para Adams #22, Mole Fly #22, Palms Special #22, Sprout Midge #22


    Nymphs: 

    Rs2’s #22, Pheasant Tails #22, JuJu Baetis #20, Mayhem Midge #22, Top Secret Midge #22, Bling Midge #22


    (Toilet Bowl to Baetis Bridge): Charlie’s Mysis, BTS Mysis, Solitude Mysis


    Streamers: 

    Sculpzillas #8, Buggers #10-#12, Slump Busters #8, Mini Dungeons #6

  • ROARING FORK RIVER

    The Roaring Fork is flowing 425 cfs through Glenwood. 


    The cold snap finally ended, and we are getting some great weather in the 40's. The Fork has started to fish well again, with nymphing being  the most productive method. 


    Midge patterns are the move right now, in sizes #20-#22. Small eggs are working as well in size #16-#18. 


    The trout are definitely picky, so 6x fluoro is necessary. 



    Dries: 

    Para Adams #20-#22, Mole Fly #20, Midges #20-#24


    Nymphs: 

    Pats Rubber Legs #14, Rainbow Warriors #20, Midges #22, Copper Johns #20, Biot Emerger #20, Egg #18


    Streamers: 

    Rusty Trombone #4, Mini Dungeon #6, Sculpzilla #8, Buggers #8-#12

  • CRYSTAL RIVER

    The Crystal River is flowing 65 cfs through Carbondale. small short nymph rigs is the way to go right now throughout the Crystal River system. 


    A double midge rig with a small indicator like a palsa is a great way to fish the Crystal in the winter. You can also lead with an egg or a small winter stonefly. 


    Dries: Para Adams #20, Mole Fly #20, Griffiths Gnat #22, Sprout Midge #20


    Nymphs: Midges #22, Rainbow Warriors #20, 

    RS2's #20, Biot Emerger #20



    Streamers:

    Woolly Buggers #10-#12, Sculpzilla #8, Thin Mint #10, Slump Busters #6

  • COLORADO RIVER

    The Colorado is flowing 1,250 cfs below Glenwood Springs. Smaller nymphs and streamers have been fishing well. 


    With the warmer weather as of late, the lower Colorado has opened up again and is fishing quite well. It is now floatable again, from 2 rivers all the way to Silt. 


    Nymphing is still the best bet, but you can also work a streamer slow near the bottom. 


    Dries: Para Adams #18, Trailing Shuck Midge #20, Adult Midge #20, Mole Fly #20


    Nymphs: Pats #14, Rainbow Warriors #18, Perdigons #18, Pheasant Tails #18, Princes #18, 20 Incher #16, RS2's #20, Copper Johns #18, Egg patterns #18


    Streamers: Dungeon #4, Goldie #4, Circus Peanut #4, Sculpzilla #4, Rusty Trombone #4

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