Pitkin County, CO · Inland River
Roaring Fork River
A free-flowing Gold Medal river dropping from Aspen to Glenwood Springs — wild rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout in fast pocket water and runs, fed by the Fryingpan and Crystal. A premier float and wade fishery in the Colorado high country.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (43/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Roaring Fork River.
Fire Weather Watch issued June 5 at 10:47AM MDT until June 9 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Roaring Fork River
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Marginal conditions for Rainbow Trout. In season 43/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 4
Statewide trout aggregate: 4/day, 8 in possession (rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat). No statewide minimum size; many waters carry slot or gear restrictions — confirm the water-specific CPW rule.
Source: Colorado non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Brown Trout Marginal conditions for Brown Trout. In season 43/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 4
Part of the statewide 4-fish trout aggregate (8 in possession). No statewide minimum size; Gold Medal and trophy waters often add gear and slot limits.
Source: Colorado non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Colorado non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
Colorado Gold Medal water on the lower river: artificial flies and lures only with reduced limits — confirm the reach.
Local reports & rules for Roaring Fork River: Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Roaring Fork River?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Roaring Fork River you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Roaring Fork River?
Roaring Fork River is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Roaring Fork River?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Roaring Fork River against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Roaring Fork River have?
Roaring Fork River has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Colorado Gold Medal water on the lower river: artificial flies and lures only with reduced limits — confirm the reach.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Roaring Fork River?
state agency regulations apply at Roaring Fork River. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Roaring Fork River tidal water?
No. Roaring Fork River is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.