local
On the Fly: The state of the fishery
By Scott Spooner Follow at Aspen Times
· July 10, 2026
· 2 min read
They say that history may not always repeat itself, but it often rhymes. Low flows and warm water concerns are back again this year in the lower-elevation parts of the valley. The majority of the Roaring Fork Valley is still (and will hopefully remain) on the menu for anglers, when you consider t...
Key takeaway The Fryingpan will always run 40 degrees under the dam, and the upper reaches of the Crystal and Roaring Fork should remain cold all summer as well.
Why this matters in Aspen News
As the Roaring Fork Valley faces another year of low flows and warm water concerns, local anglers and guides are taking proactive steps to protect the fishery. The potential for voluntary closures on the lower Roaring Fork River is a concern for the local economy, as fly fishing is a significant draw for tourists and a source of income for guides and fly shops. However, the agreement among local fly shops and the Roaring Fork Fishing Guide Alliance to cease fishing in the afternoons on the lower river demonstrates a commitment to preserving the valley's natural resources. With the Fryingpan River's cold tailwater and the upper reaches of the Crystal and Roaring Fork rivers remaining viable fishing options, anglers can still enjoy the sport while minimizing their impact on the environment. By being mindful of water temperatures and taking steps to reduce stress on the fish, locals and visitors can help ensure the long-term health of the valley's fishery.
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: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? They say that history may not always repeat itself, but it often rhymes. Low flows and warm water concerns are back again this year in the lower-elevation parts of the valley. The majority of the Roaring Fork Valley is still (and will hopefully remain) on the menu for anglers, when you consider t...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 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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