parks
On the Fly: How to fish this summer with a clear conscience
By Scott Spooner Follow at Aspen Times
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
Recently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife instituted voluntary fishing closures on certain sections of three of our local rivers due to low flows, warm water and concerning oxygen content. The writing has been on the wall since spring, and now, it is time to pay extra attention to where and when you ...
Key takeaway The Colorado River (here in the Roaring Fork Valley) is under a 24-hour voluntary closure from Red Dirt Creek downstream to Rifle and has been seeing water temperatures in the 70s.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen 's anglers must navigate these voluntary fishing closures with care, considering the fragile balance of our local ecosystems. The Roaring Fork River, which runs through the heart of Pitkin County, is particularly vulnerable to low flows and warm water. With the river's noon to midnight closure from Carbondale downstream, locals and visitors alike will need to look elsewhere for their fishing fix. Fortunately, the upper reaches of the Roaring Fork, as well as the numerous high-country streams and reservoirs, offer ample opportunities for catch-and-release fishing. The Fryingpan River, with its cold waters and abundant trout, is another attractive option. By choosing to fish in these areas, anglers can help reduce stress on the lower sections of our rivers and preserve the long-term health of our aquatic ecosystems. This summer, a river thermometer may become an essential tool for any responsible angler in the Aspen area.
About this story
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Category: parks ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Recently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife instituted voluntary fishing closures on certain sections of three of our local rivers due to low flows, warm water and concerning oxygen content. The writing has been on the wall since spring, and now, it is time to pay extra attention to where and when you ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scott Spooner Follow at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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