With the added flows of the Fryingpan and Crystal rivers upstream, the Roaring Fork becomes big water. Chest waders, preferably with cleats, are recommended. The best way to fish this water is by floating down it. Inquire locally for guides and outfitters.

The Roaring Fork is a great nymph-fishing river, with Golden Stone flies, Hares Ears and Renegades being consistently effective. Big stone-flies hatch in June, smaller ones as the summer progresses and both mayfly and caddis hatches continue on into the fall. These varied hatches make the Roaring Fork good for dry flies too, especially in the evenings. Lure fishing is particularly effective in early summer as runoff waters are dropping.

The trout in the Roaring Fork are a mix of Browns and Rainbows, with average fish from 12-18 inches and larger. The most unusual aspect of this fishery is the opportunity to catch the states biggest whitefish when nymphing the river in winter or during their spawn in October. Small nymphs drifted on the bottom work best for this soft-mouthed fish.

The Roaring Fork River from Basalt to Glenwood Springs is a delight for the floating fisherman. Whether using a raft or a dory, the fish you can reach, the water you can cover and the magnificent scenery, bring many anglers back year after year.

Floating is one of the most effective ways to access the Roaring Fork. The floating fisherman is not only able to cover more water in a day, than the wading fisherman, but is also able to access the private water, which is inaccessible to the fisherman on foot.

Although the Upper section of the Roaring Fork (above Basalt) is inaccessible for float boats due to the fact that the water can be fast and narrow with many rapids in places, the middle and lower sections of the Roaring Fork are some of the finest floating water in the state.

The Roaring Fork River is equally popular with whitewater enthusiasts as it is with fishermen. The Roaring Fork offers exciting whitewater territory, close to Highway 82. The river flows by colorful canyons of red, yellow and brown sandstone dotted with colorful Aspen trees. The most popular section of the river for whitewater sport are the upper section, for its fast and narrow current with many obstacles. The lower section is very popular with beginners although it can still be exciting for intermediates, especially before Glenwood Springs in Cemetery Rapids.

There are many opportunities to put-in and take-out along the Roaring Fork, which allows for experiencing many different sections. The Roaring Fork has take-outs spaced so that a short afternoon whitewater trip is easily possible, unlike many other rivers which require overnight trips between take-outs.

The convenient and exciting rapids with the spectacular Mt. Sopris as a backdrop make the Roaring Fork a superb destination for whitewater sports. In order to have a safe and enjoyable trip, make sure that you follow the proper precautions, and are considerate of those that share the river.