Aspen Outfitting Company’s Upper Roaring Fork River Report 7/21/23

Cian McGillicuddyFly Fishing1 Comment

Flows are slowly and surely coming down, and the river is looking like its summer self. Water levels have been dropping about 50-60 cfs between morning and afternoon, and water temperatures at Maroon Creek have been fluctuating from the mid/high 40’s early in the morning up to the mid/high 50’s in the afternoon (water temps are slightly higher at emma).

This flow and temperature range means that our approach to the river has been slightly different between morning and afternoon. Generally, Caddis and PMD nymphs have been our most productive patterns throughout the day. That being said, midges have been hatching in good numbers in the morning, so if you’re not having luck on bigger patterns early, midges could be the answer. We’re also seeing Stoneflies flying around in the morning (and throughout the day), so Stimulators and Foam Stones are good dry fly options earlier in the day. Stonefly nymphs have been effective in fast water.

Aspen Outfitting Company’s Upper Roaring Fork River Report 7/7/23

Cian McGillicuddyFly FishingLeave a Comment

Summer fishing is here! After a significant drop in flows last week the water is still coming down, but at a slower pace. Water clarity is has gotten significantly better, so downsize tippet and fish more natural imitations than you were during high water. Water temperatures at maroon creek have been fluctuating from the mid 40’s early in the morning up to the mid 50’s in the afternoon (water temps are slightly higher at emma). This temperature range means that caddis hatches are starting to happen mid morning and again later in the evening. PMD’s have started hatching in good numbers lower down on the Roaring Fork, and we expect them to make their way up the valley soon with more warm weather in the forecast. Though they aren’t hatching much up valley yet, there are lots of green drake nymphs crawling around too. Lastly, we’ve been seeing the occasional Golden Stonefly flying around! This wide variety of insect life has made the fishing great, and also gives us the opportunity to catch fish on nymphs and dry flies! If you’re not fishing, you should be!