The Roaring Fork
Embark on an unforgettable fly fishing adventure with our Roaring Fork Fly Fishing Guides, offering both float and wade trips that deliver excitement for anglers of all skill levels. Immerse yourself in the flow of the river as you cast your line through its pristine waters, navigating technical pocket water and peaceful meandering runs. Whether you’re honing your skills in pursuit of elusive trout or simply enjoying the Roaring Fork’s serene beauty, every moment spent fly fishing here is a testament to the thrill and joy of the sport. We’re passionate about fly fishing in Vail, and we know you will be too.
The Roaring Fork is one of Colorado’s iconic freestone rivers, offering 70 miles of fishable water and 4 major boat ramps/sections. The river offers a diverse range of fly fishing experiences, from casting from the riverbanks to floating on its pristine waters. While most fishing is done on foot, float trips are available year-round, making it an ideal destination no matter the season. With its ever-changing conditions, the Roaring Fork provides anglers with a unique experience throughout the year, all while taking in the stunning beauty of the river.
Hatches & Seasons
The Roaring Fork sees many insect hatches, but it is particularly well known for its Green Drake hatch in July. Referred to as the “lightning round,” these large mayflies hatch right at dusk, bringing many fish to the surface and giving anglers the opportunity to catch aggressive trout on adult Drake fly patterns. Caddis, Yellow Sallies, and PMDs take over after the Drakes, continuing the dry fly season until August, when hoppers become the preferred dry fly.
During the winter, spring, and fall, the Roaring Fork has incredible midge and BWO hatches that bring many fish to the surface. Presenting these smaller insect patterns can be challenging, but it’s well worth the reward. Watching a trout slowly rise to a #20 dry fly is about as technical as it gets, but it will make you a better angler in the process.
The streamer bite can also be fantastic in the spring, summer, and fall. Quickly moving streamer patterns and watching trout chase them is some of the most exciting fly fishing you can do in Colorado.
Where We Go
The Roaring Fork is about an hour’s drive from our location and offers excellent wade and float fishing opportunities. Much like the Eagle River, there is a variety of water types available for fly fishing on the Roaring Fork, making it a great river for both novice and experienced anglers alike. From the top of Independence Pass, this freestone river drops over 6,000 feet in elevation before meeting the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. The upper sections are narrow, with an abundance of boulders and pocket water ideal for wade fishing. The river begins to widen near Carbondale, Colorado, where many of our Roaring Fork fly fishing guides start their float trip journeys.
The Roaring Fork
Roaring Fork Fly Fishing float trips and wade trips are an excellent choice for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're seeking technical pocket water or slow, meandering runs, fly fishing the Roaring Fork River offers it all.
Other Rivers
The Eagle River
