Roaring Fork Valley Fishing Report — May 31, 2026

Roaring Fork Valley Fishing Report — May 31, 2026

Roaring Fork Valley Fishing Report — May 31, 2026

Current conditions from the team at Glenwood Springs Outdoors, 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO. Stop in for flies, local intel, and gear before you hit the water.

Frying Pan River

The Frying Pan continues to fish exceptionally well as we close out May. Both the upper stretches near the Toilet Bowl and the middle sections below the dam are producing quality fish. Water clarity has stayed good, temperatures are stable, and fish are actively feeding throughout the day. Early mornings are productive with subsurface patterns, while afternoons bring solid BWO hatches and dry fly opportunities.

Active Hatches

  • Blue Wing Olives (BWO): Size 18–22

  • Midges: Size 20–24

  • Mysis Shrimp: Size 18–22

  • Caddis: Size 14–18 (picking up in afternoons)

Top Dry Fly Patterns — Frying Pan

  • Extended Body BWO — Size 18-24

  • Purple Haze — Size 18-24

  • Griffith's Gnat — Size 20–24

  • Mole Fly — Size 18-24

Top Nymph Patterns — Frying Pan

  • Mysis Shrimp — Size 18–22

  • RS2 Black/Olive — Size 18–22

  • Juju Baetis — Size 18–22

  • Loop Wing Emerger — Size 20–24

  • Darth Baetis Grey/Olive — Size 18–22

  • Hare's Ear — Size 16–20

Frying Pan River Tips

The Toilet Bowl is fishing exactly how you'd expect this time of year. Run a Mysis shrimp pattern with a small RS2 dropper and target larger rainbows holding in deeper runs and current seams. Fish these under an indicator with light tippet. Dry fly fishing picks up in the afternoons during cloudy periods and on slower slick water sections. Carry multiple BWO variations in smaller sizes. Stealth and a drag-free drift will always outperform distance on the Pan.

Roaring Fork River

The Roaring Fork has been fishing exceptionally well throughout the valley. Green Drakes are beginning to show up, with the strongest activity occurring late in the evening. Anglers willing to stay out until dark are finding some excellent dry fly opportunities. Water levels remain fishable, and trout are actively feeding throughout the day.

Active Hatches

  • Green Drakes — Size 10–12

  • Caddis — Size 14–18

  • Yellow Sallies — Size 14–16

  • Blue Wing Olives (BWO) — Size 18–22

  • Midges — Size 18–22

Top Dry Fly Patterns — Roaring Fork

  • Green Drake Comparadun — Size 10–12

  • Extended Body Green Drake — Size 10–12

  • Elk Hair Caddis — Size 14–18

  • Missing Link Caddis — Size 14–18

  • Yellow Sally Stimulator — Size 14–16

  • Purple Haze — Size 14–18

Top Nymph Patterns — Roaring Fork

  • Hare's Ear — Size 14–18

  • Frenchie — Size 14–18

  • Prince Nymph — Size 14–16

  • Pat's Rubber Legs — Size 10–12

  • Pheasant Tail — Size 16–18

  • Jig Duracell — Size 14–18

Roaring Fork Tips

Focus on riffles, seams, and softer edges during the day. As evening approaches, keep an eye out for Green Drake activity and rising fish. Dry fly fishing has been improving daily, and anglers staying out late are seeing some of the best action of the season.

Colorado River

The Colorado River has been fishing lights out recently and is producing excellent numbers of trout throughout the Glenwood Springs area. Multiple hatches are occurring throughout the day, giving anglers plenty of opportunities on both dries and nymphs.

Active Hatches

  • Red Quills — Size 14–16

  • Caddis — Size 14–18

  • Yellow Sallies — Size 14–16

  • PMDs — Size 16–18

  • Baetis — Size 18–22

  • Midges — Size 20–24

Top Dry Fly Patterns — Colorado River

  • Parachute Red Quill — Size 14–16

  • Elk Hair Caddis — Size 14–18

  • PMD Sparkle Dun — Size 16–18

  • Purple Haze — Size 14–18

  • Yellow Sally Stimulator — Size 14–16

  • Parachute Adams — Size 14–18

Top Nymph Patterns — Colorado River

  • Frenchie — Size 14–18

  • Pheasant Tail — Size 16–18

  • Jig Duracell — Size 14–18

  • Hare's Ear — Size 14–18

  • RS2 — Size 18–22

  • Zebra Midge — Size 20–24

Colorado River Tips

Fish have been actively feeding throughout the day, but mornings and evenings have been particularly productive. Match the hatch whenever possible and don't be afraid to switch between dry fly and nymph rigs as insect activity changes. With multiple hatches occurring daily, anglers should carry a variety of patterns and sizes.

Get Out There Before Water Levels Drop

Fishing across the Roaring Fork Valley is about as good as it gets right now. The Frying Pan River, Roaring Fork River, and Colorado River are all producing quality fish and excellent hatch activity. However, 2026 is shaping up to be a low-water year, and conditions could deteriorate quickly as summer progresses.

If you've been thinking about booking a guided fly fishing trip in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt, or Aspen, now is the time. Stop by Glenwood Springs Outdoors for the latest river conditions, fly recommendations, and local fishing intel.

Get Flies & Local Advice

All patterns listed above are available in store at Glenwood Springs Outdoors, 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO. Our staff fishes these rivers regularly and updates conditions throughout the season. Stop in before your next trip and we'll help you dial in the right flies and approach for the day

 

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