Roaring Fork at Glenwood

Fishing Report

UPDATED: 5/6/2022

The Roaring fork is a true "freestone" stream from its headwaters along Independence, to its confluence with the Colorado River near Glenwood Springs, CO. The upper stretches of The Roaring Fork are tight with a steep gradient, offering pocket water fishing for Brook and Rainbow Trout. Between the towns of Basalt and Glenwood Springs the Roaring Fork is wider with less gradient, which produces great trout holding water. Access is avaible in this stretch for both the wade, and float fisherman.

Current Conditions:

River Flow:

Flows are right around 350 cfs at Glenwood with 67 cfs coming from the Frying Pan. The flows have been fluctuating daily as is typical this time of year by about 75 cfs. ON WARM DAYS AFTER PROLONGED COLD WATCH OUT FOR ICE DAMN RELEASE.

Water Temperature:

40's

Water Clarity:

4' feet depending on section of river, and weather.

Current Food Sources:

golden stonefly nymphs/adults | Baetis | midges | leeches, small fish, worms, etc. |

Flies to Try:

Guides Choice Dozen $24.99

NYMPHS:

DRIES:

STREAMERS:

Guide Tip of the Week:

Fishing on the fork has been awesome as winter starts to take hold. Flows are fluctuating daily by 75 cfs or so with snow melt. We have also been seeing evidence of ice damn release when flows spike on the gauge so fish with a friend this winter to be safe. Please take extra caution on the fork this time of year as these ice damn releases can be very dangerous. Weighted stonefly or worm patters are excellent attractors, trailed by smaller patterns immitating baetis and midges. There is tons of public water on the fork, so if youre looking to get away from people its a good place to check out. As winter progresses, the upper river will start to freeze up, so focusing your attention downstream from Basalt is never a bad idea.