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Take the Fork, the Roaring Fork

by Karen Christopherson

Flying over the Fork Wandering down from the high country flows a river that changes from small to mighty, offering something for everyone. The scenery and character of this river changes drastically, as does the elevation. It starts at over 12,000 feet, ending as it flows into the Colorado at about 7,800 feet - an elevation change of 4,200 feet in its 70 mile trek. The river flows obliviously through the developing areas in the Roaring Fork Valley - you can escape this too by fishing the "Fork".

Getting Started - Headwaters to Aspen

The Roaring Fork, or "Fork" as locals say, has its headwaters in the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness southeast of Aspen. It flows alongside the Independence Pass road, through Aspen, and into the Roaring Fork Valley. Almost all of the river from its headwaters to Difficult Campground (about 3 miles upstream of Aspen) is publicly accessible as the river is flowing through White River National Forest.

Wild Trout Waters

The Roaring Fork is classified as Wild Trout Waters from Hallum Lake (in Aspen) downstream to Upper Woody Creek Bridge (between Aspen and Basalt). Luckily you can access the river from the Rio Grande Trail, which runs along the north side of the Fork. Hey, you can even ride your mountain bike as you hunt for those wild Rainbows!

Basalt to Carbondale - things pick up

The river gets a lot larger at Basalt as the Fryingpan enters the Roaring Fork. This section is floatable during high water levels. There is access in/near the towns of Basalt and Carbondale and at a few spots in between.

Author Al Marlowe on the Fork near Carbondale. Al wrote the book, 'Fly Fishing the Colorado', as well as many other books and articles.
Photo courtesy Al Marlowe

Carbondale to Glenwood - Gold Medal Floating

From the confluence with the Crystal River (near Carbondale) north and downstream to the confluence with the Colorado River (near Glenwood Springs) the Fork is classified as Gold Medal Water. The river gets significantly larger here, and has a character similar to the Arkansas or upstream Colorado. You can fish from the banks, and wade in parts, but floating is the way to fish the lower part of this river.

Upstream towards Mt. Sopris As the river has traveled north through time, it has cut its way down through the glacial moraines and deposits. In some places, the Fork lies quite a distance below the terraced plain of the valley. To the east, the Maroon Formation shows its brilliant red hue as the hills rise above the valley floor. To the south looms Mt. Sopris, rising to almost 13,000 feet.

Surprisingly good access

Fortunately, there is quite a bit of public access along this river which is located in a part of the state renown for wealth and privacy (i.e. Aspen). Access points are often at bridges, and where agreements have been reached. A couple of well-known and easier -to-find access points are at the Sunlight Bridge (south side) and at Veltus Park (west side of river in Glenwood).

One of the easiest ways to determine access is to get the map "Fishing Map and Guide, Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Rivers" which will show you the public access on both the Pan and the Fork. NOTE You can buy this map online - see below. Plan your strategy ahead of time!

At the park in Glenwood
towards Colo. R.
A variety of fish

Upstream you might find rainbows and wild brookies. As you move downstream rainbows, browns, and mountain whitefish will be after your fly. Year-round hatches mean you can fish in winter while your friends go skiing. A warm day in winter can be the same as a cold day in summer. The fish might be acting a bit different, but don't dismiss winter fishing.

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