Upper Roaring Fork Fishing Report — August 17, 2026

The Upper Roaring Fork continues to be one of the most reliable options in the valley right now. Conditions haven't changed much — the river is fishing well, water temps are in a healthy range, and fish are active throughout the day. If you're looking for consistent action, this is where to be.

Flows have been steady and the upper river from Basalt upstream toward Aspen remains in great shape. Get on the water early for the best dry fly action, but unlike some of the lower stretches, you don't need to be off by mid-morning — the upper Fork has been holding up well into the afternoon.

What to Throw on the Upper Roaring Fork Right Now

• Chubby Chernobyl — Size 8–12 — August is prime hopper season and the Chubby is the anchor fly on the upper Fork right now. Fish it with a nymph dropper for a deadly combo that's been producing all day.
• Parachute Adams — Size 14–18 — A reliable all-day dry fly when the hatch isn't fully on. Easy to see, easy to drift, and trout love it on the upper river.
• Copper John — Red — Size 14–18 — A proven attractor nymph that's been producing on the upper Fork. Fish it as your lead dropper below a dry fly or under an indicator in faster runs.
• Pat's Rubber Legs — Size 12-14 — A big, buggy stonefly nymph that moves fish when nothing else will. Dead drift it through deeper pockets and runs for some of the larger trout in the system.
• CDC Flashback Pheasant Tail — Size 16–18 — Our go-to dropper nymph on the upper Fork. Fish it 18–24 inches below your dry fly for consistent action between hatches.

Fishing has stayed consistent and we expect more of the same as long as overnight temps keep cooling things down. Stay tuned for updates as conditions evolve across the valley.

Stop by Glenwood Springs Outdoors at 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs for the latest on flies, flows, and where we're seeing the best fishing right now.