Roaring Fork Valley Fishing Report 6/5/2025

A week of afternoon showers has helped slow runoff conditions. With the weaker snowpack this year we are all happy to see our driest month start off cool and rainy. The middle and upper Roaring Fork (Aspen to Basalt) has been fishing great with larger flys more aggresive flys. A worm to a prince nymph might be the go to rig in the entire valley right now. The water is pushy from a boat, but still fishable. The lower fork (from Carbondale to Glenwood) handles the high water better than the middle stretch, fishing the willow lines on the banks has been very effective. Plenty of good spots to pull over and nymph that you can count on some fish. Runoff doesn't seem like it's going to be a big spike and drop this year. More of a slow taper, I think the Fork hit 3,350 and that may be it's peak this year.

The Frying Pan is the Frying Pan, always fishable and consistent. You just have to play the small fly light tippet game. No major hatches besides the year round midge hatch have really showed up yet. Look for caddis to start soon.

The Colorado is favoring the bold, big fish are being caught on streamers. You have to be OK with going a mission down there that could yield a skunk, or potentially a 2 foot brown trout. Those fish are used to muddy conditions, if you get your fly in the right place they will eat it.

🎣 Roaring Fork River

Flow & Clarity:

• Upper Fork (Aspen to Basalt): 920 CFS near Aspen

• Water Clarity: Off-color, likely all week 

Hatches:

• Midges

• Blue Winged Olive (BWO) nymphs, emergers, and adults

• Golden Stonefly nymphs

• Caddis larvae

• Small Green Drake and Pale Morning Dun (PMD) nymphs

• Sculpins

Recommended Flies:

• Dries: Parachute Adams #20, Gulper Special #20

• Nymphs: RS2 #20–22, JuJu Baetis #20, Pheasant Tail #18–20, Worms, Prince 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: 129 CFS

• Water Clarity: Clear

Hatches:

• Blue Winged Olives (BWOs)

• Midges

• 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: 943 CFS

• Water Conditions: Currently high and dirty with runoff; this should change in another 2–3 weeks 

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.

Note: Be aware of spawning closures on the Roaring Fork River, particularly near Three Mile and Four Mile Creeks. These areas are closed until December 1st 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!