Overview: The fishing conditions are ideal as summer wears on. Thundershowers can cause discoloration in the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, so it’s always a good idea to check with the local flyshops for current conditions.

Roaring Fork River: The Famous Green Drake hatch is in full swing, and the bugs are present from Glenwood Springs, upstream to Basalt. The dry fly action at dark is very good, otherwise try larger nymphs that are dark and flash. Maybe a No. 8 or No. 10 Bead Prince nymph, a Twenty Incher or a Speculator.

Frying Pan River: The Pan is flowing at a perfect 200 cubic feet/second. Best fishing is above the four-mile marker. The Pale Morning Duns are going strong in the 4-10 mile reach. Size 16 and 18 Pheasant Tails, Hares Ears, Angel Case PMD and PMD Comparaduns and also No. 10 Green Drake Nymphs are the flies of choice. No. 16-20 Reid’s Ultra Mysis and Sands’ Epoxy Mysis Shrimp patterns are working well just below the dam. For a change, try stripping streamers across and/or downstream in the lower sections (4-10 mile) of the Frying Pan.

Colorado River: Dropping and clearing nicely, the Colorado is fishing great along the edges and in the big seams and pockets. Caddisflies and Stoneflies in all phases (nymph, emerger and dry) have been productive. Big wet flies like Lebugs, Flash Kings and LaFontaine Sparkle Pupa are working very well, too.

Crystal River: The Crystal is almost down to a desirable level. Large Attractor dry flies, Nymphs and Streamers are starting to produce. Best fishing is above Redstone.

Eagle River: Fishing is very good, however, water clarity is day to day. No. 12-16 Caddis dries and wets are a good bet, along with No. 8-12 Stonefly Nymphs.
Stillwater: Good reports are coming out of the Trappers and surrounding lakes. No. 10-14 Parachute Adams and Callibaetis are a good bet for dry flies, while small beadhead patterns are doing the trick underneath. The larger, lower-lying lakes and reservoirs are warming up and the fish are starting to go to deeper water. Fishing on these lakes is best during the morning and evening hours.

Fishing Reports courtesy of Roaring Fork Anglers