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 10/8/26

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 118 cfs. It is still low and fairly technical. Smaller Caddis and BWO patterns will catch fish. Still fishing 6x fluoro is a must. 


    Dries: 

    Para Adams #20, Mole Fly #20, Palms Special #20, Caddis #18, PMDS #18, Sprout baetis #22



    Nymphs: 

    Rs2’s #20, Pheasant Tails #18, JuJu Baetis / PMD #18, Mysis #16 - #18, Foam Backs #18, Barrs Emergers #18


    (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 421 cfs through Glenwood.


    The fork has been very consistent as long as you're fishing small flies such as BWO nymphs. Rs2s, foam backs, rainbow warriors have been fishing well in sizes #18-#20. Worm patterns have also been good as a lead fly. 


    Dries: 

    Caddis #16 - #18, BWOs #18-#20


    Nymphs: 

    Pats #14, Caddis larva #18, Rainbow Warriors #18-#20, Rs2s #20, San Juan Worms #12, Pulsating emerger #18-#20, Ice Queen #20

    Streamers: 

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

  • CRYSTAL RIVER

    The crystal is flowing 62 cfs through carbondale. It has been a tough year for the crystal with low flows and closures. You can still catch fish on small dry dropper setups and BWOs. We have been telling customers to focus their efforts on the fork and the pan, but you can catch fish with the right approach. 





    Dries: Para Adams #18, Mole Fly #18, Elk hair caddis #18, Stubby Chubby #16, ants and beetles #16, Hoppers #14


    Nymphs: BWOs #18, Rainbow Warriors #20, Princes #18

    RS2's #18, Biot Emerger #20, Perdigons #16



    Streamers:

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

  • COLORADO RIVER

    The Colorado is flowing 1,050 cfs below Glenwood Springs. 


    Since being closed starting in July, the Colorado is back open even though it is still pretty muddy . People are starting to fish it with larger streamer patterns and attractor nymphs. Water temps are back in an acceptable range, but the off color water has kept people off of it. 


    Dries: Chubby #10 - #14, Caddis #14-16, Hoppers #10-#14


    Nymphs: Pats #10-14, Rainbow Warriors #16-18, Perdigons #14-18, Pheasant Tails #14-8, Princes #14-18, 20 Incher #14-16, RS2's #20, Copper Johns #18 


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