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 3/17/25

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 111 cfs. 


    Nymphing is productive as well as dry flies. Midges and BWOs  are the primary hatches right now. The recent flow bump will help the fishing. 


    Try to fish the hatches mid day for the best dry fly action. 


    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 440 cfs through Glenwood. 


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


    The trout are definitely picky, so 5x or 6x fluoro is necessary. 



    Dries: 

    Para Adams #20-#22, Gulper Special #20, Mole Fly #20, Midges #18-#22


    Nymphs: 

    Pats Rubber Legs #14, Rainbow Warriors #20, Midges #22, Copper Johns #20, Biot Emerger #20, Egg #18, JuJu Baetis #20, Rs2 #20


    Streamers: 

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

  • CRYSTAL RIVER

    The Crystal River is flowing 73 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 spring. You can also lead with an egg or a small stonefly. 


    You will also see some BWO hatches on the crystal on cloudier days. 


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


    Nymphs: Midges #20, Rainbow Warriors #20, 

    RS2's #20, Biot Emerger #20, BWOs #20



    Streamers:

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

  • COLORADO RIVER

    The Colorado is flowing 1,360 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


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


    We are seeing some larger midges "midgezillas"as well as BWOs on the warm cloudy days. 


    The boat ramps are started to get more crowds, so make sure to practice ramp etiquette as we jump into the spring season. 


    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, JuJu Baetis #18, Midgezilla #16-#18 


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

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