Fly fishing the Upper Roaring Fork River near Aspen, Colorado — summer hopper-dropper fishing report from Glenwood Springs Outdoors

Upper Roaring Fork Fishing Report — Aspen, Colorado | July 2026

Hopper Dropper Fishing Comes Alive on the Upper Roaring Fork

With warmer water pushing anglers away from some of the lower Colorado River stretches, the Upper Roaring Fork near Aspen has been a great option for those looking to get out and enjoy quality summer fishing. The river is running clear, temperatures are favorable, and the trout are actively feeding.

We spent the day exploring new water and found exactly what we were hoping for — fun, active trout willing to eat a simple hopper-dropper setup.

The rig of choice was about as basic as it gets: a Chubby Chernobyl hopper with a Pheasant Tail dropper underneath. No need to overcomplicate things right now. The key has been covering water and targeting the soft pockets between the fast boulder sections.

Fly fishing the Upper Roaring Fork River near Aspen, Colorado in summer 2026

Fast Action in Small Water

This type of fishing isn't about chasing trophy trout — though we did find one 18-inch rainbow — it's about getting into wild places, reading water, and having nonstop opportunities. In just a couple of hours, we put 20–30 fish in the net while moving around and searching for productive pockets.

The best water has been the softer seams, eddies, and slower pockets where trout can get out of the heavy current while still feeding. Look for the transition zones between fast and slow water — that's where the fish are holding.

Rainbow trout caught on a hopper-dropper rig on the Upper Roaring Fork River, Aspen Colorado

A Great Summer Alternative

If you're looking for an alternative to warmer rivers during the summer months, the Upper Roaring Fork is absolutely worth exploring. The smaller water, wild trout, and visual eats on hopper-dropper rigs make for some of the most enjoyable fishing of the season.

Grab a lightweight rod, keep your setup simple, and go explore. Sometimes the most fun fishing isn't about the biggest fish — it's about finding new water and making every eat count.

Current Recommended Setup

  • Dry fly: Chubby Chernobyl (size 10–14)
  • Dropper: Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 16–18)
  • Leader: 9-foot tapered leader
  • Tippet: 4x–5x fluorocarbon

The Upper Roaring Fork is fishing well right now and provides a great escape from the crowds and warmer water found on lower stretches. Stop in and see us for flies, tippet, and local intel before you head out.

Available in store at Glenwood Springs Outdoors, 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO.

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