Colorado Fishing Reports ยท Colorado Basin
From Basalt to Carbondale the Roaring Fork is a big freestone fed by the Fryingpan tailwater, which keeps it fishing through the winter.
Looking for the latest Basalt to Carbondale river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Roaring Fork River โ Basalt to Carbondale.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Basalt to Carbondale fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Flows are about 190 cfs at Basalt and clear, with a higher reading downstream at Emma. Fish a short rig with a stonefly or worm and a small flashy nymph below it.
Midday is best, BWOs show on gray days, and streamers such as a Slump Buster are moving fish.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Basalt to Carbondale, bring: Pat', s Rubber Legs #8-12, Hare', s Ear #16-18, Barr', s Emerger #18-22, Zebra Midge #20-24, Slump Buster #6, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Basalt to Carbondale river details
| Access | Two Rivers Park in Basalt, Rio Grande Trail pull-offs and the Catherine Store bridge. Floatable. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 6,400 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 191 miles, roughly 3 hours 51 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | All year |
| Fish | Brown and rainbow trout, plus whitefish |
| Regulations | Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 4X to 5X tippet |
| Camping | Limited, mostly national forest land up the Fryingpan |
| Kids | Yes. Easy bike path access at Basalt. |
| Good to know | The Fryingpan's tailwater keeps this stretch from freezing. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Midges and nymphs.
Spring
BWOs, then runoff.
Summer
Caddis, PMDs and drakes.
Fall
BWOs and streamers.
How to get there
Park at Two Rivers Park in Basalt.