Glenwood Springs Outdoors — Your Local Full-Service Fly Shop & Guide Service
Located right in downtown Glenwood Springs at the confluence of the Colorado River and Roaring Fork River, we specialize in guided fly fishing on our true home waters. We offer the largest selection of flies and gear in Glenwood Springs along with professional, permitted guided trips for all skill levels — from first-time fly fishers to seasoned technical anglers.
Looking for fly fishing guides near Glenwood Springs, the Roaring Fork Valley, or along the I-70 corridor? You’ve found the right shop. We’re the local experts — call us at (970) 945-1060 or jump to trip options below.
BOOK A FLOAT TRIP BOOK A WADE TRIP
Or call us at (970) 945-1060
Current River Conditions
For the latest flows, see below. For water clarity, and hatch information, visit our Current Fishing Conditions blog where we post regular river reports throughout the season. We also post daily updates, photos, and real-time fishing insights on our Facebook page — follow us there to stay ahead of the hatches.
Data provided by USGS National Water Information System · Updated on page load.
The Rivers We Fish
Colorado River (Glenwood Canyon)
The Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon is big, powerful water set against some of the most dramatic scenery in the American West. This stretch holds strong populations of wild rainbow and brown trout, and it fishes well year-round. Float trips here — by raft or drift boat — cover water that wade anglers simply can’t reach, giving you access to the best runs, seams, and pockets in the canyon. We are one of the few fully permitted guide services with access from Grizzly Creek, meaning we can take you into sections of the canyon that most outfitters cannot.
Lower Roaring Fork River
The lower Roaring Fork is our specialty and our home water. This Gold Medal tailwater runs from Basalt down to its confluence with the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, and it is one of the most productive and technically rewarding stretches of trout water in Colorado. Many shops in the valley focus on the upper Roaring Fork near Aspen and Basalt — we focus on the lower stretches, the water right in our backyard, which means our guides know every riffle, pool, and undercut bank intimately. Whether you’re chasing rising fish on Blue-Winged Olives in spring, matching a Green Drake hatch in summer, or swinging streamers for big browns in fall, the lower Roaring Fork delivers world-class fly fishing within minutes of downtown Glenwood Springs.
Frying Pan River
The Frying Pan River is one of Colorado’s most celebrated tailwaters — a 13-mile stretch of cold, clear water flowing from Ruedi Reservoir down to Basalt. Known for its large, selective trout and prolific midge and mayfly hatches, the Frying Pan demands technical presentations and rewards patience. It’s a bucket-list river for serious fly fishers, and our guides know it well. The Pan fishes year-round and is particularly productive in winter and early spring when other rivers are blown out or iced up.
Why Choose Glenwood Springs Outdoors
- True local guides who live and fish in Glenwood Springs daily
- Largest fly selection and full-service shop in the Lower Roaring Fork Valley and the I-70 Corridor
- Deep focus on the lower Roaring Fork and Colorado River — our genuine home waters
- One of the few permitted guide services with full Glenwood Canyon access from Grizzly Creek
- All gear provided on guided trips — rods, reels, waders, boots, and flies
- Beginner-friendly to advanced technical trips
- Serving anglers from Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt, Aspen, Rifle, and Grand Junction
Guided Trip Options
- Float Trips — Raft or drift boat on the Colorado & Roaring Fork. From $500/person. Half day, 3/4 day, and full day available.
- Walk & Wade Trips — On foot on the Roaring Fork & Colorado. From $350/person. Half day, 3/4 day, and full day available.
- Ice Fishing Trips — Seasonal winter ice fishing adventures.
- Backcountry Hiking & Fishing — Remote high-country fishing experiences.
BOOK A FLOAT TRIP BOOK A WADE TRIP
Or call us at (970) 945-1060
Seasons & Hatches
| Season | Best Techniques & Hatches | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Blue-Winged Olives, nymphing | Pre-runoff action, fewer crowds, technical dry fly |
| Summer | Caddis, PMDs, Green Drakes | Classic dry fly fishing, peak season |
| Fall | Streamers, terrestrials, BWOs | Big browns, excellent fishing, cooler temps |
| Winter | Midges & small nymphs | Technical, uncrowded, Frying Pan shines |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to fly fish in Glenwood Springs?
Fishing is productive year-round. Summer and fall are most popular, but spring and winter often provide excellent fishing with fewer people on the water. The Frying Pan River is a standout winter destination.
What is the difference between the Colorado River and Roaring Fork for fly fishing?
The Colorado offers bigger water and great float trips with strong rainbow and brown trout populations. The lower Roaring Fork is a technical Gold Medal tailwater with high fish numbers and excellent dry fly opportunities.
Do you provide gear on guided trips?
Yes — rods, reels, waders, boots, and flies are all included. Just show up ready to fish.
Do you have a special permit for Glenwood Canyon?
Yes, we are one of the few fully permitted guide services with access from Grizzly Creek into Glenwood Canyon.
How far in advance should I book a guided fly fishing trip?
We recommend 2–6 weeks during peak season (June–September). Last-minute trips are often available — just call us at (970) 945-1060.
Are beginners welcome?
Absolutely. We regularly take first-time fly fishers and love teaching new anglers. Our guides are patient, experienced instructors.
Where are you located and what areas do you serve?
We’re at 831 Grand Ave in downtown Glenwood Springs, CO — right at the confluence of the Colorado River and Roaring Fork, off I-70 Exit 116. We serve anglers from Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, Rifle, Grand Junction, and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.
Ready to Book Your Guided Fly Fishing Trip?
BOOK A FLOAT TRIP BOOK A WADE TRIP
Or call us at (970) 945-1060 or stop by the shop at 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs.
Follow our frequent updates: Blog | Facebook Fishing Reports