Roaring Fork, Frying Pan and Colorado Fishing Report 5/29/25

We hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend with loved ones, and thank you to all that served! Fishing was spectacular this weekend on all of our local rivers.

The Frying Pan stays consistent with feeding trout year round. We had a a 9 year old first time angler land 22" rainbow trout just the other day! Still fishing mostly midges and some baetis, caddis are flying around but not in great number. Water levels remain low and clear about 130cfs.

The Roaring Fork just wont commit to runoff. Cool evenings and and partly cloudy days are holding snow up high. We love to see it honestly, the warm spring deleted much of our snowpack early. The upper fork is in perfect flows for floating and clarity. Middle fork is clear and both wading and floating are prime. The Lower Fork, from Carbondale down is good most days, not perfectly clear but very much fishable. Most of the guides prefer it when it is slightly off color, it seems to bring the bigger fish out of their holes.

The Colorado has been amazing, warmer water temps for this time of year have really kicked the fish in to summer level feeding. Don't let the color fool you, this year is muddy more than clear and the fish don't mind. As long as flows stay below the 4,000cfs range it fishes great.

🎣 Roaring Fork River

Flow & Clarity:

• Upper Fork (Aspen to Basalt): 450 CFS near Aspen

• Water Clarity: Clear and starting to rise; will see some color here and there 

Hatches:

• Blue Winged Olives (BWOs)

• Caddis

• Midges

• Sculpins

Recommended Flies:

• Dries: Parachute Adams #20–22, Mole Fly #20

• Nymphs: RS2 #20–22, JuJu Baetis #20, Pheasant Tail #18–20, prince nymph, Drake nymph

• Streamers: Mini Dungeon #6–8, Slump Buster, Baby Gonga

Tips:

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

• Use 4x or 5x fluorocarbon tippet for these picky trout.

• Cloudy days tend to produce the best mayfly action.

🐟 Fryingpan River

Flow & Clarity:

• Below Ruedi Reservoir: 130 CFS

• Water Clarity: Clear

Hatches:

• Midges

• Blue Winged Olives (BWOs)

• Mysis Shrimp (near the dam)

Recommended Flies:

• Dries: Parachute 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.

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

🏞️ Crystal River

Flow & Clarity:

• Near Carbondale: 298 CFS

• Water Conditions: Blown out after hot days, cleaner but high after cool days 

Hatches:

• Blue Winged Olives (BWOs)

• Midges

• Caddis larvae

• Golden stonefly and salmonfly nymphs

• Sculpins

Recommended Flies:

• Dries: Parachute 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.

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!