Aspen Snowmass is an incredible vacation destination, with endless activities to explore and sights to see! From iconic ski runs to the renowned après ski scene, there’s plenty to take advantage of while you’re here. There’s more to Aspen Snowmass than just the cold-weather activities, though! If you’re visiting in the spring or summertime, one popular activity is trout fishing on the Roaring Fork River.
Whether you’re an avid angler or just want to try something new, trout fishing on the Roaring Fork is a worthy activity for your summertime Aspen Snowmass itinerary. Venture out on your own, or join a guided tour! Either way, you’ll have a blast getting outdoors, reconnecting with nature, and engaging in one of the most popular summer activities in Aspen Snowmass.
Ready to learn more about Roaring Fork River Trout Fishing? Let’s dive in!
Where is the Roaring Fork River?
The Roaring Fork River is a steep, completely freestone mountain river with no dams. It flows approximately 70 miles from Independence Pass to Glenwood Springs, where it joins the mighty Colorado River.
What Kind of Trout Can I Catch in the Roaring Fork River?
You’ll find ample opportunities to catch phenomenal Cutthroat, Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout from the headwaters high in the Rocky Mountains. While upstream of Aspen, you can enjoy dry fly fishing and catch some wonderful wild trout.
Exploring the Roaring Fork
Further Downstream – Basalt
Once downstream of Aspen, all the way to Basalt, the river becomes larger and flows more swiftly. It’s the perfect wild trout water! You’ll only find truly wild catches here—there is no stocking in this area, and it is strictly fly fishing, catch and release only.
Wading is the best way to get to the fish in this part of the river. At Basalt, the Roaring Fork meets the Frying Pan River. Now you're in a nearly thirty-mile stretch of gold-medal trout water, the most exalted classification of Trout water anywhere in Colorado!
In the summer months, your fellow fishermen will be float fishing, although in other seasons, it is preferable to wade fish in this area. By the time the Roaring Fork arrives at Carbondale, it joins the clear waters of the pristine Crystal River, which is also home to some of the biggest mountain whitefish in the country.
Crystal River
This joining with the Crystal River turns the Roaring Fork into a typical large Western river, with a mix of deep pools, long runs, and huge riffles where you will find some of the largest trout to be found anywhere in the state of Colorado.
The best way to fish this phenomenal area of the river is by hiring a local guide to take you out to the special hot spots. This is also a great wade fishing area at all times of the year, with the exception of the spring runoff time, when the water flows too swiftly to wade into it safely.
What Equipment Do We Need To Go Fly Fishing?
If you’re planning to fly fish (as opposed to wading!), we’d recommend a 9-foot, 5-weight fishing rod. That’s your most versatile, hardy option for Roaring Fork River Trout Fishing! If you’re fishing the lower river with larger nymphs and streamers though, you can use a 6-foot rod. Remember to stock your fly box well!
The ideal Roaring Fork River fly box should include:
- Nymphs: Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears, Pat’s Rubber Legs, and Prince Nymphs, Rainbow Warriors, Eggs and Worms, RS2, Pats, Copper Johns, Eggs, GB Epoxy Stone
- Dry Flies: Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams (18-20), Spent Midge (20), Morgans Para Midge, and Hoppers
- Streamers: Black Woolly Buggers, Sculpzillas, and Slump Busters.
When is the Best Time to go Fishing on the Roaring Fork?
The best part about fishing on the Roaring Fork is that there are fly hatches all year-round! There’s always some sort of fly hatching, and the fish are always biting. That’s great news, as it means you can’t go wrong no matter what time of year you visit!
Book Your Aspen Stay Directly with Frias Properties!
Now that you know everything there is to know about trout fishing on the Roaring Fork, there’s only one thing left to do; book that vacation!
With years of property management experience, gorgeous mountainside vacation rentals, and a local team to help you every step of the way, you can’t go wrong when you stay with us. Plus, you save time, money, and stress when you book directly with a local company instead of using a third-party service like Airbnb or VRBO.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to book that vacation! We can’t wait to see you when you get to Aspen Snowmass. Browse our available Aspen Snowmass vacation rentals today and book your trip directly with Frias Properties!