Roaring Fork River
FishableColorado
Current Conditions
The Roaring Fork River is running at 756 CFS — fishable but higher than ideal. Nymph rigs will outfish dries today. Streamers may produce.
Last updated: Mar 30, 2026, 2:45 AM from USGS gauge 09085000 (Roaring Fork at Glenwood Springs)
7-Day Flow Trend
Flow thresholds: Optimal 200–500 CFS | Fishable to 1200 CFS | Marginal to 2000 CFS
Water Temperature
Water temperature is cool — ideal for trout activity. Fish will be feeding actively throughout the day.
About the Roaring Fork River
The Roaring Fork flows from Independence Pass through Aspen to its confluence with the Colorado River at Glenwood Springs. It's a Gold Medal water that produces excellent dry fly fishing, particularly in its upper reaches near Aspen.
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Green Drake Green Drake Dun #10-12 | ||||||||||||
Pale Morning Dun PMD Sparkle Dun #16 | ||||||||||||
Caddis Elk Hair Caddis #14-16 | ||||||||||||
Blue-Winged Olive BWO Parachute #18-20 | ||||||||||||
Hopper Dave's Hopper #8 |
Active Hatches — March
Patterns: BWO Parachute #18-20, RS2 #20
River Sections
Aspen to Basalt
wade access59.6 CFS
Upper Roaring Fork through the crystal valley. Excellent wading with wild browns and rainbows.
Basalt to Glenwood Springs
wade/float access756 CFS
Lower Roaring Fork below the Frying Pan confluence. Bigger water with large fish, especially near the confluence.
Guides on the Roaring Fork River(13)
These fishing guides list the Roaring Fork River as one of their home waters.
Almont Anglers
Almont, Colorado
Aspen Flyfishing Guide Service
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen Trout Guides
Aspen, Colorado
Crystal Fly Shop
Carbondale, Colorado
Fly Fishing Outfitters
Avon, Colorado
Frying Pan Anglers
Basalt, Colorado
Gore Creek Fly Fisherman
Vail, Colorado
Roaring Fork Anglers – Alpine Angling
Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Colorado
Roaring Fork Club
Basalt, Colorado
Sunrise Anglers
Littleton, Colorado
Taylor Creek Fly Shop
Basalt, Colorado
Columbine Flyfishers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to fish the Roaring Fork River?+
The Roaring Fork River fishes well from spring through fall. Peak dry fly season is typically June through September. The best hatches occur during summer months with PMDs and caddis. Fall brings excellent streamer fishing and fewer crowds.
What flies work on the Roaring Fork River in March?+
In March, the Roaring Fork River sees Blue-Winged Olive activity. Top patterns include BWO Parachute #18-20. Always carry a selection of nymphs as well.
How many fishing guides operate on the Roaring Fork River?+
Outguided lists 13 fishing guides who operate on the Roaring Fork River. These guides offer local knowledge of hatches, access points, and current conditions that can significantly improve your experience.
What is the current flow on the Roaring Fork River?+
The Roaring Fork River's flow data is updated every 30 minutes from USGS gauge stations. Check the top of this page for current CFS readings, fishability status, and a 7-day flow trend chart. Optimal fishing flows are 200–500 CFS.
What fish species are in the Roaring Fork River?+
The Roaring Fork River primarily holds wild brown trout and rainbow trout. Fish sizes vary by section, with tailwater reaches typically holding larger fish.
Quick Conditions
Fishability Thresholds
USGS Gauges
Roaring Fork at Glenwood Springs
Station #09085000
Roaring Fork at Aspen
Station #09073400