Roaring Fork Valley Fly Fishing Report 5/10/2025

We are in an interesting limbo on the Lower Fork and Colorado. After a cool night and a cloudy afternoon, the water is clear and fishing is great. However, if we get multiple days of sun and high temperatures, the river could become blown out and unfishable. The water above the Crystal River is still low and clear, providing excellent float fishing from a raft as well as wade fishing opportunities.

Best Time to Fish

Runoff hasn't completely started yet, making this a fantastic time to squeeze in those last floats before it begins. It’s important to note that runoff is likely to happen a little earlier this year, especially considering last year's conditions. For your reference, 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 yield the best caddis activity.

  
  

🐟 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 a 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.

  
  

Conservation Matters

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.

Resources for Real-Time Data

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 runoff this year.

Feel free to reach out if you need more detailed information or assistance planning your trip! You can call us at 970-948-4663 or email at GoneFishingGuides@gmail.com.

Don't miss out on the great fishing opportunities before the runs start!