local
On the Fly: New hatches are here on local rivers and happening now
By Scott Spooner Follow at Aspen Times
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
If you’re tired of the same-ole hatches, we have started seeing pale morning dun mayflies on the Fryingpan — which vary from pink, blood red and yellow from sizes 14 down to 18. The golden stoneflies are thick this year down closer to Basalt, and we are seeing caddis hatch on the lower Fryingpan ...
Key takeaway The golden stoneflies are thick this year down closer to Basalt, and we are seeing caddis hatch on the lower Fryingpan ...
Why this matters in Aspen News
The green drake hatch on the lower Roaring Fork is a highly anticipated event for local anglers, and its early arrival this year is a welcome treat. With runoff essentially over, the Crystal and upper Roaring Fork rivers are clearing and dropping fast, making them prime fishing spots. The abundance of pale morning dun mayflies, golden stoneflies, and caddis on the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork rivers adds to the excitement. For those looking to escape the crowds, high mountain lakes below 12,000 feet are now accessible and offer a serene alternative. As the summer wears on, warm-water concerns will become a factor, but for now, anglers can fish with a clear conscience. The unique combination of hatches and river conditions makes this a special time to be on the water in the Roaring Fork Valley, and local anglers would do well to take advantage of it.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? If you’re tired of the same-ole hatches, we have started seeing pale morning dun mayflies on the Fryingpan — which vary from pink, blood red and yellow from sizes 14 down to 18. The golden stoneflies are thick this year down closer to Basalt, and we are seeing caddis hatch on the lower Fryingpan ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 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 local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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