Fishing Report 4/26/2025

🎣 Roaring Fork River

Flow & Clarity:

• Upper Fork (Basalt): 410 CFS

• Middle Fork (Carbondale): 550 CFS

• Lower Fork (Glenwood Springs): 600–800 CFS

• Water Clarity: Low for this time of year and muddy below the crystal

Hatches:

• Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) #18–22

• Midges #18–26

• Caddis #14–20 (emerging on warmer days) ​

• Stoneflys

Recommended Flies:

• Dries: TC Sparkledun BWO #20–22, CDC Biot Comparadun BWO #22, Mole Fly #20, Para Adams #20–22, Elk Hair Caddis #14

• Nymphs: RS2 #20–22, Rainbow Warrior #18–22, JuJu Baetis #20, Pheasant Tail #18–20

• Streamers: Mini Dungeon #6–8, Slump Buster, Baby Gonga, Rusty Trombone #4 ​

Tips:

• Focus on soft water along the banks before casting into the middle.

• Hot sunny days are best for the Caddis hatch

• Cloudy days tend to produce the best mayfly action. ​

🐟 Fryingpan River

Flow & Clarity:

• Below Ruedi Reservoir: 111 CFS

• Water Clarity: Crystal clear ​

Hatches:

• Midges #20–24

• Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) #18–22

• Mysis Shrimp (near the dam) ​

Recommended Flies:

• Dries: Para Adams #22, Mole Fly #22, Sprout Midge #22

• Nymphs: RS2 #22, JuJu Baetis #20, Mayhem Midge #22, Top Secret Midge #22, Mysis Shrimp #16–18

• Streamers: Sculpzilla #8, Slump Buster #8, Mini Dungeon #6 ​

Tips:

• Late morning to mid-afternoon provides the best opportunities as the sun warms the water and activates feeding.

• A two-fly rig with a Mysis Shrimp and a Zebra Midge is effective.

• A double midge rig with a small indicator like a Palsa is effective.

• Lead with an egg or small stonefly pattern.

• Focus on slower water and tailouts, especially during midday. ​

• Use fine tippet and focus on precise presentations in slower runs and deep pools. ​

🏞️ Crystal River

Flow & Clarity:

• Water Clarity: MUD

Hatches:

• Worms

• Stoneflys

• Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) #18–22 (especially on cloudy days) ​

Recommended Flies:

• Dries: Para Adams #20, Mole Fly #20, Griffith's Gnat #22

• Nymphs: RS2 #20, Rainbow Warrior #20, Biot Emerger #20

• Streamers: Woolly Bugger #10–12, Sculpzilla #8, Thin Mint #10 ​

Tips:

• A double midge rig with a small indicator like a Palsa is effective.

• Lead with an egg or small stonefly pattern.

• Focus on slower water and tailouts, especially during midday. ​

Note: Be aware of spawning closures on the Roaring Fork River, particularly near Three Mile and Four Mile Creeks. These areas are closed until May 15th to protect spawning fish. 

For real-time flow data and further information, you can check the following resources:

• USGS Upper Roaring Fork Flow

• USGS Middle Roaring Fork Flow

• USGS Lower Roaring Fork Flow

Feel free to reach out if you need more detailed information or assistance planning your trip!