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River & Fishing Report - July 12, 2023

Water Information
Water Temperature
57º
Slaughterhouse
751 CFS
Upper Roaring Fork
1270 CFS
Lower Roaring Fork
2760 CFS
North Star
115 CFS
Pine Creek/Numbers
804 CFS
Browns Canyon
1110 CFS

Rafting and Fishing Report

Rafting

We have a section that’s great for all ability levels right now! 

Our Current Trip Recommendations 

  • Slaughterhouse – Slaughterhouse is a fun, technical section with big drops & lots of whitewater. Every person in the group MUST be physically fit, a STRONG swimmer, able to paddle for a majority of the trip, with a strong sense of adventure. Ages 14+. 10:15am & 2:30pm Aspen departures.
  • Upper Roaring Fork – This awesome Class III stretch is great for families with kids ages 6+ and 50lbs. It has big splashes and beautiful scenery. 9am & 2pm Aspen departures.
  • Middle Roaring Fork –This fun Class II+ stretch is great for families! No experience necessary. Great for kids 5+ and at least 50lbs. 9am & 2pm Aspen departures.
  • Lower Fork – Not running until July 1st.
  • SUP Rentals –  Northstar nature preserve is running high. Inflatable kayaks are not recommended. People will have to lay down to get under the bridges. For the next day or two it will be quick flowing until it becomes a lake. We offer downtown pick-ups for groups no larger than 6 people 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm launches. 

We offer snacks, local beers, water and other beverages after the trips, and, best of all, we have FREE PHOTOS!!

Fishing

Runoff is in full swing and we expect peak flows on the Roaring Fork to occur by the end of the month. Keep an eye on the flows (Roaring Fork below Maroon Creek water flows) once peak happens the water drops out fast and we enter some of the best fishing conditions of the year. Until then, expect some challenging, but not impossible fishing. 

It’s not all bad news for the current fishing conditions though. As you move upstream on the Roaring Fork and Frying pan rivers the flows are much more manageable. The dam controlled Frying Pan river is still running at a medium flow for the time being and usually does not ramp up for another couple weeks. The upper Roaring Fork is running high but the water tends to stay relatively clear during runoff. The fishing can be quite good on these drainages with hatches of caddis and stoneflies as well as lots of terrestrials like worms and ants washing into the river with certain areas flooding. 

Fishing will be best in the late afternoon into evenings when the flows are lower and the water is warmer. Take advantage of the slower moving water on the inside bends and behind large structures such as boulders and downed logs. One of the major advantages to high water is that the fish tend to congregate into areas where there is less current so once you find a fish there are likely many more holding in that spot. Also, the fish tend to be much less aware of what’s going on outside the river so your chances of spooking fish or burning the hole are greatly reduced. Nymphing and streamers will be most productive especially on the Roaring Fork. On the Frying Pan you might be able to get them on dries, look for fish rising to caddis and golden stones. You don’t need to get too technical with your fly selection this time of year. Just stick larger, flashier flies to get the fish’s attention amongst all the commotion of the river.

Flies:

Dry Flies: Not much surface action on the Fork at the moment. Best bet is the Frying Pan.

  • Chubby Chernobyl #12-6: Might get a look on the upper Roaring Fork or the lower Pan.
  • Foam Caddis #14 Fish in tight to the banks and in micro-eddies

Nymphs: Go big and heavy with these. Don’t hesitate to use flies with lots of flash and movement to get the fish’s attention.

  • Pat’s Rubber Legs #12-6: Golden stone colors work best
  • Squirmy Wormies, tan or red: lots of worms wash into the river this time of year.
  • 20 Inchers #12-10: a great drake imitation
  • Prince Nymphs #14-12: larger sizes to imitate drakes
  • Psypho prince #16-12, purple or chartreuse
  • Guides choice hares ear #14-12
  • Buckskin #14-12

Streamers: Match the conditions. White flies or sparkle minnows works well when it’s sunny and the water is clear, when it’s dark skies or muddy water go with black

family showing the fish they caught fly fishing in Aspen
River Section
Age Minimum
Slaughterhouse
16+ must be physically fit and a strong swimmer
Upper Roaring Fork
10+
Middle Roaring Fork
5+ 50lbs
Lower Roaring Fork
not running until July 1st
Wade Fishing
10 +
Float Fishing
Not recommended until July 1st