One of Colorado’s premier fishing rivers is the Roaring Fork River. Anglers find this area to be an excellent place to fish because of the adjoining waters of the Crystal and Colorado Rivers. Many species of fish inhabit this pristine river making it a great place to enjoy shore or float fishing. Anglers from all over are drawn to this area for the year-round fishing opportunities – especially in the summertime. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, you’ll come to love fishing the Roaring Fork River.

driving directions

The Roaring Fork River is one of a handful of Colorado’s 9,000 miles of trout treams designated as Gold Medal Waters. On average the Roaring Fork River produces 60 pounds of trout per acre and more than twelve 14” trout per acre, making it one of Colorado’s most densely populated trout fisheries. The best way to fish the Roaring Fork River is from shore or by floating a boat downstream. The Rio Grande Trail, that runs the length of the Roaring Fork River, provides anglers easy access for shore fishing and makes it an excellent location for wading.

Park off 8th street in Glenwood and head to Veltus Park on foot for easy river access downstream. To fish the lowest section of the Fork, cross the bridge and set up on the eastern side of the river. You can park at the boat launch at the Iron Bridge or the fishermen’s parking off Highway 82 near the Aspen Glen Golf Club to access the upstream trails. Along the Fork, other great fishing spots include Two Rivers Park and the eastern bank between the Safeway Parking lot and the 27th street bridge.

You may only catch and release using artificial flies or lures between McFarlane Creek and the Upper Woody Creek Bridge. Beyond the bridge to Colorado, you may take trout of 16″ or more with a limit of 2 fish per angler.

Roaring Fork River boat ramps:

The following boat ramps provide access to Roaring Fork River.