Roaring Fork River Fishing Report
By manager. February 13, 2026 In River Reports.
Roaring Fork River – Flow: 16 cfs/Aspen, 185 cfs/Basalt, 445 cfs/Glenwood Springs.
Conditions: Winter fishing on the Fork remains steady, though we are currently navigating a low-snowpack year with flows tracking well below historical averages. The water is gin-clear from Aspen all the way down to the confluence in Glenwood. With these lower flows, the fish are tightly stacked in the deeper, slower winter “buckets” and along the soft seams.
Wade access is excellent right now, but a stealthy approach is mandatory—the fish are spooky in the thin water. Look for the most activity during the heat of the day (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM). While the upper river near Aspen is experiencing some shelf ice, the mid and lower sections through Carbondale are wide open. Midges are the main course, though we are seeing some early Baetis (BWO) nymphs starting to move.
The fly shop is loaded to the gills with a ton of new fly tying merch, new rods and reels, new logo apparel, and so, so much more. Swing by and help support your local independent fly shop! Our guides know the Roaring Fork River intimately—let us give you the highlight of your vacation! As always, feel free to give us a call for daily river conditions at 970.963.5741.
Flies
Dries: * Griffith’s Gnat #20-22
Trailing Shuck Midge #22-24
Morgan’s Midge #20-22
Parachute Adams #20-24
Roy’s Special Emerger #20-22
Nymphs: * RS2 (Grey or Black) #20-22
Zebra Midge (Red, Olive, or Black) #20-24
Tungsten Two Bead Nymph #18-20
Frenchie #14-16
Pat’s Rubber Legs #12-14
Flash Egg #18
Streamers: * Sculpzilla (Black or Olive) #8
Thin Mint #10
Slumpbuster #6-8
