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

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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!

Aspen Outfitting Company’s Upper Roaring Fork River Report 6/30/23

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Happy Fourth of July Weekend! After weeks of high water, it looks like the Roaring Fork is dropping! Flows have come down significantly in the last two days. With lower flows and better water clarity, it’s time to adjust rigs your rigs slightly. Though leading with larger bugs like stoneflies and worms will still catch fish, we’re starting to see a lot of caddis out there! Caddis nymphs like Guides Choice Hare’s Ears, Sparkle Caddis, UV Caddis, Dirty Birds and Plan B caddis have all been producing. Try fishing larger (size 12-14) caddis patterns as lead flies, or trail smaller caddis nymphs (size 16-18) behind a stone, worm or drake and see what works!

Aspen Outfitting Company’s Upper Roaring Fork River Report 6/23/23

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It has been a high-water year so far, and after dropping/clearing water last week, increased flows and decreased visibility are the hallmark of the river once again! Clear skies, warm days, and an unbridled natural flow from the top of the drainage this week means that we will be seeing a full river for a while still. Break out those bigger bugs that were working earlier this spring, increase your tippet size, and get ready to fight fish AND river! Have fun and mix it up, intrepid anglers will may even be rewarded with hopper/dropper rigs and streamers in certain locations.

Aspen Outfitting Company’s Upper Roaring Fork River Report 6/2/23

Cian McGillicuddyFly FishingLeave a Comment

Things got a little western on the Roaring Fork on Monday and Tuesday! The river was ripping and visibility was low, but water clarity has improved slightly and flows have returned to a similar level to last week– our Guide Trips that went out yesterday were slaying fish! Though projected high temps in the 60s this weekend and next week mean snow melt could level off, we’re anticipating some rain and thunderstorms – particularly in the afternoons. That’ll mean daily ebbs and flows in river levels, and precipitation will likely decrease visibility. Lower visibility and rain means that fish should be crushing worms, big Stoneflies and Caddis nymphs right off of the bank and in slower water!

Aspen Outfitting Company’s Upper Roaring Fork River Report 5/26/23

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The Roaring Fork is roaring! Runoff is in full swing, but the fishing remains good. Visibility is definitely low, but clarity is better as you move higher up valley. High flows and cloudy water means that it’s time for the big nasty bugs! Stoneflies, worms, big jig style nymphs, flashy bugs and streamers are the name of the game. Caddis have started popping on the fork, if you haven’t tried fishing some bigger caddis nymphs yet, give it a try!

Aspen Outfitting Company’s Upper Roaring Fork River Report 5/5/23

Cian McGillicuddyFly FishingLeave a Comment

With rain earlier this week, flows have risen quite a bit! Runoff is definitely happening and conditions can change quickly. On rainy days or following warm weather, expect increased flows and cloudy water. That means it’s time for the big nasty bugs! Stoneflies, worms, big jig style nymphs, flashy bugs and streamers are the name of the game. Caddis have started popping on the fork, if you haven’t tried fishing caddis nymphs yet, give it a try! If water clarity is decent where you’re fishing, downsize your flies and opt for more natural colors. 

Aspen Outfitting Company’s Upper Roaring Fork River Report 4/28/23

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Weather this past week has caused inconsistent conditions on the river. As we move into a warmer weather pattern this week, we expect some snow melt at higher elevations, increased flows and some cloudier water. River conditions also may change throughout the day! We’ve been seeing clearer water earlier in the day with visibility decreasing as we move into the afternoon and evening. If you’re fishing earlier in the morning, try trailing midges and BWOs behind a smaller, more natural stonefly pattern. As we move into the afternoon, or on days with poor visibility, we’re finding good success with bigger flashier stoneflies, worms, generalist patterns and streamers!

Aspen Outfitting Company’s Upper Roaring Fork River Report 4/14/23

Cian McGillicuddyFly FishingLeave a Comment

Big changes are happening on the river! Flows have doubled in the past week and water clarity has dropped substantially. A few days of really warm weather caused snow to melt and water levels to rise. We’ll have to see what the mix of cooler temperatures and precipitation this weekend and next week will do to water levels and clarity, but it looks like the beginning stages of runoff have started! Despite the rapid change, the fishing has been lights out!