Fishing Report

ROARING FORK HATCH CHART

This hatch chart is a generalization of the hatches on our local Colorado Rivers in the Roaring Fork Valley, actual hatches vary. We do see some major bug hatches on our local rivers. They may be done on one section of river but very active upstream from where they were last week. Most hatches can be followed upstream for weeks and months. Contact either Roaring Fork Anglers or Alpine Angling for current hatch activity on your favorite river spots.

FLY SIZE JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
MIDGES 18-24 X X X X X X X
BLUE WINGED OLIVES 16-20 X X X X X
CADDIS 10-18 X X X X X X X
YELLOW SALLIES 14-16 X X X
PALE MORNING DUNS 14-18 X X X X
RED QUILLS 12-16 X X X X
GREEN DRAKES 10-14 X X X
GOLDEN STONEFLIES 8-12 X X X X
SALMONFLIES 6-10 X X
HOPPERS 6-14 X X X
ANTS & BEETLES 14-18 X X X
STREAMERS 2-12 X X X X X X X X X X X X

FLY FISHING REPORTS
 updated 4/23/24

Our fly fishing report is for the 4 Main Rivers in the Roaring Fork Valley: the Roaring Fork River, Frying Pan River, Colorado River and the Crystal River. The fishing report is updated regularly so check back often for current information. If you have any questions, contact us for the most current conditions and fly fishing reports. We also have a hatch chart available for general bug hatch information.

  • FRYING PAN RIVER

    The Fryingpan is at 154 cfs. The bump in flows has definitely helped the fishing. Small dries have been fishing well, with BWO's being the primary hatches. 


    You will start to see lots more Caddis throughout the month of April as well.  


    Nymphing is also productive, with BWO's in sizes #20-#22. Caddis nymphs in size #18 have also been working. Try fishing unweighted nymphs with no beads. 6X fluorocarbon will get you the most bites for both dries and nymphs. For streamers, a small Slump Buster or Leech pattern can do well. Strip them slower or even dead drift them. 


    Fishing near the dam will offer more consistent conditions. 


    Dries: 

    Para Adams #22, Mole Fly #20-#24, Palms Special #20-#22, Sprout Midge #20, Ginger Variant #18, Elk Hair Caddis #18


    Nymphs: 

    Rs2’s #22, Pheasant Tails #22, Top Secret Midge #22, JuJu Baetis #18-#20, Bling Midge #20-#22, Mayhem Midge or BWO #22, Buckskin Caddis #18, Caddis Larva #18


    (Toilet Bowl to Baetis Bridge): Charlie’s Mysis, BTS Mysis, Solitude Mysis


    Streamers: 

    Sculpzillas #8, Buggers #10-#12, Slump Busters #8, Mini Dungeons #6

  • ROARING FORK RIVER

    The Roaring Fork is flowing 1,160 cfs through Glenwood and is completely blown out. 


    Look to the middle and upper sections for the best fishing, as the Crystal River is where most of the mud is coming from. 


    However, the middle Roaring Fork has started to turn brown as of today. 



    Dries: 

    Para Adams #20 - #24, Griffiths Gnat #20-#24, Sprout Midge  and BWO #20, Mole Fly #22-#24


    Nymphs: 

    Pheasant Tails #20-#22, Rs2’s #20-#22, Pats Rubber Legs #14, Midges #20-#24,  JuJu Baetis #18-#20, Rainbow Warriors #20, Eggs #16-#18


    Streamers: 

    Rusty Trombone #4, Mini Dungeon #6, Sculpzilla #8, Buggers #8-#12

  • CRYSTAL RIVER

    The Crystal is flowing 438 cfs through Carbondale and is completely blown out. Look to the middle and upper Fork for the best fishing, as well as the Fryingpan.



    Dries: 

    Para Adams #20-#22, Para Midge #22, Mole Fly #20-#24, Sprout Midge and BWO #20


    Nymphs: 

    Midges #20-#22, Rainbow Warrior #20, Brassies #20, Pats Rubber legs #14, Pheasant

    Tails #20-#22


    Streamers:

    Woolly Buggers #8-#12, Sculpzilla #8, Thin Mint #10, Slump Busters #6

  • COLORADO RIVER

    The Colorado is flowing 3,850 cfs below glenwood and is completely blown out. Look to the middle and upper Roaring Fork for the best fishing, as well as the Fryingpan. 



    Dries: Para Adams #18-#20, Griffiths Gnats #18-#20, Para Midge #18-#20, Mole Fly #20


    Nymphs: Zebra Midges #16-#18, Rainbow Warrior #18, FFKA Prince #16-#18, Mayhem Midge #18, Pats Rubber Leg #12-#14, Rs2’s #18,  Annelids #6-#10, Eggs #16-#18


    Streamers: Mini Dungeon #6, Goldie #4, Circus Peanut #4, Sculpzilla #4-#8, Rusty Trombone #4

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