Upper Roaring Fork Fishing Report — August 22, 2026

The Upper Roaring Fork continues to be one of the most reliable options in the valley right now. Flows have been steady and the upper river from Basalt upstream toward Aspen remains in great shape. Water temps are in a healthy range and fish are active throughout the day — get on the water early for the best dry fly action, but 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.
• BH Juju Baetis — Purple — Size 16–20 — A deadly baetis imitation that's been producing consistently on the upper Fork. Fish it as a dropper below a dry or on a two-nymph rig through slower, clearer runs.
• CDC RS2 — Grey — Size 18–22 — An excellent emerger pattern when baetis are coming off. Fish it in the film just below the surface during afternoon hatches.
• Jiggy CDC Flashback Pheasant Tail TB — Size 16–18 — A versatile nymph with great movement in the current. Fish it as your trailing fly on a two-nymph rig or 18–24 inches below a 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.