Roaring Fork River
Aspen to Basalt
W Colorado, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 09085000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 1620 cfs and 52.7°F, the Roaring Fork is hitting its sweet spot for June dry fly fishing. PMDs are in peak season with water temps triggering consistent midday emergences around 11am-2pm. Caddis are active in the warmer afternoons, and the forecast's 80°F+ highs should fire up both hatches. Focus float sections from Aspen downstream where you'll find the best combination of holding water and hatch activity.
- Flow: 1620 cfs — prime June level allowing excellent wade access while maintaining deep holding water for browns
- Hatches: PMDs emerging midday in peak season, caddis firing late afternoon. Water temp just crossed the 52°F threshold
- Water Temp: 52.7°F — ideal for PMD emergence and approaching Golden Stone activity as temps climb toward 55°F
- Best Window: 11am-2pm for PMD emergences, then caddis action through evening as afternoon temps hit the mid-80s
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: May–Oct, peak June–Sept
The Roaring Fork flows through the Roaring Fork Valley from its Aspen headwaters through Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs to meet the Colorado River. It's one of Colorado's most accessible and productive wild trout rivers — freestone character with brown trout dominating the lower sections and rainbows and cutthroat holding in the upper.
The Roaring Fork's confluence with the Frying Pan near Basalt creates exceptional fishing year-round — both rivers contribute cold, clear, insect-rich water.
May Outlook
The Roaring Fork near Aspen and Basalt fishes well late in May as runoff subsides. PMDs and Caddis emerge.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator
- Hare's Ear
Tips
The section below Basalt where the Roaring Fork joins the Frying Pan area is the first to clear. The Basalt to Carbondale section is prime water.
Water Notes
Flows dropping from peak 2,000–4,000 cfs to fishable 600–1,500 cfs by late May. Clear once below 1,200 cfs.
June Outlook
Prime time on the Roaring Fork. Caddis, PMDs, and Golden Stones produce consistent dry fly fishing on one of Colorado's premier rivers.
Productive Patterns
- Golden Stone
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator #10
Tips
Float the section from Aspen downstream for the best coverage. The Roaring Fork is a complete dry fly river in June — multiple hatches and cooperative fish.
Water Notes
800–2,000 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Beautiful canyon water. Outstanding June conditions.
July Outlook
Hopper-dropper season on the Roaring Fork. The open valley sections produce excellent terrestrial fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper-Dropper
- PMD Cripple
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Chubby Chernobyl
Tips
Float from Aspen to Basalt or Basalt to Carbondale. The afternoon hopper window is excellent. The river's clarity requires careful presentations.
Water Notes
500–1,200 cfs. Water 58–66°F. Excellent summer float conditions.
August Outlook
Hopper fishing continues with evening caddis action. The Roaring Fork is one of Colorado's best August rivers.
Productive Patterns
- Dave's Hopper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Parachute Ant
- PMD
Tips
The section below Carbondale fishes less technical than above. A good option for those who want productive hopper fishing without extreme selectivity.
Water Notes
350–900 cfs. Water 60–67°F. Monitor temps — some sections approach stress levels in August heat.
September Outlook
Fall BWO season and streamer fishing for brown trout. One of the finest September rivers in Colorado.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- Streamer
- Hopper
Tips
The Roaring Fork's fall fishing is exceptional. BWO hatches on overcast afternoons and streamer fishing for large browns in the morning make for a complete late-season experience.
Water Notes
300–700 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Excellent fall conditions on a beautiful Colorado river.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella infrequens |
Jun, Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #16–18 |
|
| Caddis Brachycentrus spp. |
May | Apr, May, Jun | #14–16 |
|
Access & Approach
Multiple public access points from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. Colorado Parks & Wildlife has rights of way at key sections. Fly fishing only on much of the upper river.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Taylor Creek Fly Shop
- Rise Beyond Fly Fishing
- Taylor Creek Fly Shop
- Colorado Angling Company
- Minturn Anglers
- Vail Valley Anglers
Regulations & License
Fishing in Colorado requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Colorado fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Roaring Fork River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Roaring Fork River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.