News / Most current news

May 2026 River Notes

 

Over 130 volunteers collected trash throughout the entire Roaring Fork Watershed! This was all made possible by generous volunteers and supporters like YOU, who love our rivers. THANK YOU!

THANK YOU to our Watershed Cleanup Sponsors & Supporters!

Alpine Bank | Lisa & Steve Ayres | Bennett Bramson | James Callaway | Colorado Wildlife Council | Elizabeth Cruse | Phoebe Dee | Kim Defries | Renee Feldman | Brian Furderer | Sandy & Michael Klein |
Virginia Leffler | Cornelia Long | Jean Moore | Susan Rhea | Jodi Richard | Jessi Rochel | Philip Taylor | TE Connectivity | Mia & Steve Wilson | Susan & David Young | Colorado Parks & Wildlife | Town of Basalt | Waste Management

Keep it clean because we all live downstream.

 

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The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, marking two decades of unforgettable stories, breathtaking landscapes, and a community bound by a passion for fly fishing. Featuring stunning cinematography, compelling narratives, and adrenaline-filled moments on the water, the 20th Annual F3T is a tribute to the spirit of adventure and the enduring fly fishing culture that has grown with the tour over the past twenty years. 

This year’s lineup dives deeper than ever—spotlighting wild places, inspiring conservation stories, and the dedicated individuals who live and breathe fly fishing. Whether you’re a lifelong angler or new to the sport, the 2026 tour delivers a cinematic journey that’s sure to cast a lasting impression. 

WHEN:  Friday, May 8, 2026 
TIME:    Doors open at 6:30pm, Show at 7:30pm
COST:    $20 TACAW MEMBER / $30 ADVANCE / $35 DAY OF
WHERE: TACAW, The Arts Campus at Willits, 400 Robinson Street, Basalt

Seated show for all ages!

Learn more and buy tickets at https://tacaw.org/calendar/fly-fishing-film-tour/
 

 

 

 

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Birding Maroon Creek Wetlands
Wednesday, May 20 from 7:30-9:00am 

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Interested in checking off some birds from your life list? Then join Roaring Fork Conservancy and Roaring Fork Audubon for a brisk morning of birding at the Maroon Creek Wetlands. A ranger from City of Aspen Parks & Open Space will explain how this constructed wetland benefits people and wildlife by being a temporary home to dozens of migratory birds during the early summer; RFC staff will share about the importance of wetlands and riparian areas; and Mark Fuller, author, photographer and local birding expert, will identify the beautiful birds we are sure to see!

FREE but registration is required. 

 

 

 

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Ruedi Reservoir Boat Ramp is Open

The Ruedi Reservoir Boat Ramp opened May 1 following extensive repairs to the ramp’s supporting infrastructure in April.

The U.S. Forest Service, Ruedi Water and Power Authority, and American Land and Leisure, the campground concessionaire, brought in a concrete contractor in April to lift and repair the Ruedi boat ramp where erosion had caused damage. During the summer season, the reservoir side of the ramp will be armored to protect the ramp from further erosion.

As in past years, all boaters are required to complete an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspection conducted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff before using the reservoir. These inspections help prevent the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels into Ruedi Reservoir.

Depending on reservoir levels through the summer, the 2026 hours for mandatory boat inspections at Ruedi Boat Ramp are: 

May 1 - June 26, 6am-8pm
June 27 - Sept. 7, 6am-10pm
Sept. 8 - Sept. 27, 6am-8pm
Sept. 28 - Oct. 11, 7am-7pm
Oct. 12 - Oct. 31, 7am-6pm

 

 

 

 

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For the first time, an inclusive fly fishing experience for children with disabilities and their neurotypical peers.
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Learn more at
https://www.roaringfork.org/events/inclusive-youth-fly-fishing-clinic/

 

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Cancelled: Annual River Float

Due to current and projected river levels, we made the difficult decision to cancel this year's River Float. This is the only time since 2004 that the float had to be cancelled due to low flows. We hope we will be able to float with you all next year.

 

 

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Have You Seen an Otter?
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These iconic critters are mounting a comeback across Colorado, and now YOU can help them!
 
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) would like you to report river otter sightings as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the river otter’s reintroduction to Colorado. They're specifically looking for otter sightings and sign for the next 12 months during their dedicated Otter Y.E.A.R. (Yearlong Engagement & Assessment of River Otters).
 
In addition to your sightings and reports, CPW biologists will conduct surveys along the Yampa, Green, Colorado, and Gunnison Rivers this year – talk about a BIG otter year.

Learn more about this project and how to report sightings HERE.

 

 

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Double your Impact with a Company Match

By taking advantage of a company's matching gift benefit, you may be able to double or even triple the amount of your contribution.

Ask your HR department today and notify RFC by emailing phoebe@roaringfork.org.

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Consider a Charitable Rollover

Individuals over 70½ may donate to charities directly from their IRA, known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). QCDs count towards any required minimum distribution (RMD) an account holder must take from their IRA. With a QCD you can benefit your Roaring Fork Watershed, fulfill your RMD requirement, and exclude that amount from your income.

Ask your financial advisor if this is a good strategy for you to support your rivers!

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Would you like to be featured as a Spotlight Business Member?

Join us as a Premier Business Member!

Show your clients and customers that you support essential river research, education, and conservation work and be featured as a Spotlight Business Member!

 

 

 
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 Supporting Your Watershed is as Easy as 1-2-3!

RFC%20-%20City%20Market%20-%20Rewards.png  If you have a City Market loyalty card, supporting your watershed is as easy as 1-2-3!

  1) Click enroll and log in to your account at www.citymarketcommunityrewards.com

  2) Search for Roaring Fork Conservancy or CV113

  3) Click Enroll and you're ready to support your rivers while you run errands! 

 

  Learn more at: https://www.citymarket.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow/

  

 

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MAY SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS MEMBER! 

 

Crystal Fly Shop is the largest, most fully stocked fly shop in the Roaring Fork Valley.

We are a full service Carbondale fly shop and Colorado outfitter offering guided fly fishing trips on the Roaring Fork, Fryingpan, Colorado and Crystal Rivers near Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs. We're only a few minutes away from some of the most renowned streams in Colorado Fly Fishing.

1087 Highway 133, Carbondale, CO | Phone: 970-963-5741   https://www.crystalflyshop.com/ 


Thank you for helping protect our rivers and streams!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Us

Roaring Fork Conservancy

PHONE: (970) 927-1290
EMAIL: info@roaringfork.org

MAILING ADDRESS:
PO Box 3349
Basalt, CO 81621

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
22800 Two Rivers Road
Basalt, CO 81621

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