Roaring Fork Valley Fly Fishing Report 5/10/2025

We are in an intersting limbo on the Lower Fork and Colorado, after cool night and cloudy afternoon the water is clear and fishing is great. If we get multiple days of sun and high temperatures, the river will be blown out and un fishable. Water above the crystal is is still low and clear and offers great float fishing from a raft and wade fishing. Run off hasn't completely started yet and this is great time to get those last floats in before she goes! Run off will likely happen a little earlier this year, especially coming off last year. I have included a snowpack report at the bottom of the page.

🎣 Roaring Fork River

Flow & Clarity:

• Upper Fork (Aspen to Basalt): 21 CFS at Aspen

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

• Water Clarity: Very low and clear in the upper sections; clearer in the lower sections 

Hatches:

• Blue Winged Olives (BWOs)

• Midges

• Sculpins

Recommended Flies:

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

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

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

Tips:

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

• Cloudy days tend to produce the best mayfly action.

• Sunny Days produce the best caddis action

🐟 Fryingpan River

Flow & Clarity:

• Below Ruedi Reservoir: 64 CFS

• Water Clarity: Clear, occasionally slightly mossy 

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: 304 CFS

• Water Clarity: Blown out after hot days, clean after cool days 

Hatches:

• Blue Winged Olives (BWOs)

• Midges

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

Current Snotel information:

These Snotel sites aren't the most accurate, but they give you an idea. We will likely have an earlier run off this year.

Feel free to reach out if you need more detailed information or assistance planning your trip! 970-948-4663 // GoneFishingGuides@gmail.com