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 7/17/25

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 241 cfs. The recent bump in flows has helped cool off the Roaring Fork which is very fortunate. 


    There are many hatches on the Pan right now. Think Caddis, PMDs, Sallies, Stoneflies and also some Green Drakes pushing up the river.  


    The recent flow bump means the Mysis fishing near the dam has improved, so leading with a #16 or #18 mysis is a good choice. 


    Dries: 

    Para Adams #20, Mole Fly #20, Palms Special #20, Caddis #18, PMDS #18, Sallies #16, Sprout baetis #22

    Drakes #10-#12


    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 700 cfs through Glenwood.


    Water temps have been creeping up in the afternoon, so morning fishing is the best bet. 

    However the recent bump in Pan flows has really helped cool the river some. 

    There haven't been any official closures yet, although that may happen in august. Lets hope for rain and the Pan to continue to bring cooler water. 


    It is fishing decent, with smaller bugs being the go to. Think smaller PMDs, Caddis, Tricos and even BWO patterns. Short nymph rigs with 5-6x fluorocarbon is a good way to fish right now. The Chubby and Hopper bite has slowed down some, but you can still get fish to look up. 


    Dries: 

    Chubbys #14, Caddis #16 - #18, PMDs #18, Para Adams #20, Gulper Special #20, 


    Nymphs: 

    Pats Rubber Legs #14, Rainbow Warriors #18, Midges #18, Copper Johns #18, Biot Emerger #20, Caddis larva #18, JuJu Baetis / PMD #18, Rs2 #20


    Streamers: 

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

  • CRYSTAL RIVER

    The crystal river is flowing 140 through carbondale.


     It is fishing decent, with smaller dry dropper setups being the best bet. Think Elk Hair Caddis, small hoppers, beetles and terrestrials. Behind your dry, rainbow warriors, hares ears, princes, perdigons, and caddis nymphs are a good bet. Try to keep your nymphs #16 - #18 and your dropper length short. 


    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 2,200 cfs below Glenwood Springs. 


    Water temps have been creeping up in the afternoon, so morning fishing is the best bet. 

    However the recent bump in Pan flows has really helped cool the river some. 

    There haven't been any official closures yet, although that may happen in august. Lets hope for rain and the Pan to continue to bring cooler water. 


    Dry dropper setups are still working, although nymphing is the best bet. 


    Think small pats rubberlegs, sally nymphs, PMD nymphs,Caddis,  rainbow warriors and attractors. 


    Dries: Chubby #12 - #14, Caddis #16, PMDs #16


    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