Anglers go to Basalt to fish Gold Medal rivers that provide bountiful yet challenging brook, brown, and rainbow trout fishing all year round.

This guide will show you where to go fishing in Basalt, the different fishing seasons, the top fishing tour providers, and of course where to buy Basalt CO homes for sale if you wanna do this even if you’re not on vacation.

When is the best time to go fishing in Basalt?

Different seasons, different currents, and challenges. The best time to go depends on what kind of fly fishing you want to experience.

Spring (March – May)

Top anglers here in Basalt say this is the best season to go fishing. You’ll see mayflies and midge hatches around noon. Float fishing is great this time of the year, too.

Head to the lower part of the Roaring Fork for some caddis hatches. Wade trips in the Roaring Fork river are great between 10:00AM to 4:00 PM.

Summer (June – August)

The Roaring Fork river tends to run high about early to mid June because of the melting snowpack. It’s the busiest season. High water fishing is excellent at this time on the Frying Pan River.

Water levels tend to come down late in June, which gives anglers more room for wade trips.

The first two to three weeks of July is great for fishing with the help of PMD’s on the Pan river and Green Drake mayflies on the Fork. You also have the option for float fishing at this time.

The days tend to run longer in summer, so morning half day trips start at 8:30 AM while afternoon trips tend to start around 1:30 PM. If you’re after BWO hatches, go around mid-day.

Late afternoon trips can also be scheduled, depending on the water and weather conditions. Anglers call this time “the lightning round.”

Fall (September – Late December)

Nights start to get cooler about mid September, and that’s when fishing usually starts at mid-day.

While fishing slots may be limited compared to summer, this is an excellent time to spot with Blue Winged Olive mayfly hatches that happen early in the afternoon.

Winter (Late December – March)

Fishing in Winter is easier compared to the other seasons as more of the catch concentrates on the deep runs of the river.

Anglers say it’s also easier to trick them into biting your fly at this time of the year. You can ski in the morning and then meet your fishing guide in the afternoon.

Where to Go Fishing in Basalt

Frying Pan River

Also known as the Pan, this is a Gold Medal fishing destination in the White River National Forest east of Basalt. Anglers repeatedly come here for year-round access to hatches and wild trout.

The lower part of the Pan gets its water from the Ruedi Dam, where water released during winter runs almost 40 degrees. It’s one of the reasons anglers can get good dry fishing conditions even in winter.

In the summer, the bottom release from the dam ensures the water keeps cool, thus slowing the maturity rate of the Green Drakes. So while drake hatches only last a short while in a typical freestone river, the Pan has a steady course of hatches from late July to September.

You’ll also find gorgeous evergreen pines and red sandstone formations along the river canyons

The Pan includes about 8.9 miles of public access and is marked throughout. Private access waters are available for sale included with properties for sale in these areas. Scroll through the bottom of this post for some beautiful riverside single family real estate homes or lands for sale in Basalt CO near the Pan.

Roaring Fork River

Fork has 22 miles of Gold Medal waters out of its 60 miles of fishable waters. It starts way up above Aspen and flows through Basalt ending in the Colorado River.

Originally named Thunder River by the Ute Indians, it’s easily accessible and parallel with Highway 82.

Popular spots for wade fishing are the access points in Sunset Bridge at Glenwood Springs and the one near Aspen Airport. Most of the river is only for private access, so you’ll either need to book a stay at one of the nearby lodges or own a real estate with river access.

The lower parts of the river, just below Basalt, can be accessed from a raft or drift boat. Anglers eager for big fish and small crowds should definitely give this a try.

Crystal River

Crystal river flows parallel to Highway 133 and past Carbondale where it’s then joined by the Roaring Fork River.

Most of the stream passes through the White River National forest, so unlike Fork, Crystal river has very few private property lines, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally fishing in the private waters of the nearby properties.

It’s home to plenty of rainbow and brown trout, but there’s also whitefish perfect for camp dinners.

The river is a favorite area for kayakers during spring runoff because of its fast flowing streams. It’s not good to fish here when it rains anyway because the water gets muddy fast.

Colorado River

Colorado River is about 20 minutes from Basalt and is accessible by drift boats and wade access points. You’ll find cutthroat trout, brown, and rainbow trout here.

Fishing Guides and Schools in Basalt Colorado

Some anglers prefer to go DIY, while some prefer an expert in the area to guide them. If that’s you, here are some of the top fishing guides in Basalt.

Taylor Creek Shop

• 44 years in the business
• Located right at the bank of the Frying Pan river

Aspen Fly Fishing

• Offers fly fishing and clay shooting
• Offers trips in the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, and Colorado rivers

Alpine Angling

• Offers trips on all the four rivers
• Can also arrange fishing trips on private rivers like BarZX and Giannetti Spring Creeks

A Note on Fishing License

All the shops I’ve researched require anglers to get their fishing license a few days before their trip to save time on their actual fishing day. Licenses are available online and come in three options: one-day, five-day, or annual.

Where to Stay If You Go Fishing in Basalt Colorado

There are lots of hotels and inns near Basalt but if you want the full experience, it’s best to stay at one of the lodgings and luxurious single family homes near the rivers.

If you pick a cabin with private river access, you’ll have exclusive access to fish in that area even if you don’t have a guide with you.

Here are some options:

Taylor Creek Cabins

• Located about 6 miles up the Pan River Valley, at the confluence of the Pan and Taylor Creek
• Has private access to the river that’s just a few minutes away from the cabins
• Single family self-contained home with 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen, a phone, and satellite TV

Aspenalt Lodge

• Located at the meeting point of Frying Pan and Roaring Fork rivers

Frying Pan River Lodge

• Perfect for guests looking for multi family accommodations, has 4 riverside lodges, a cabin, and a home
• Located directly at the Pan

Basalt CO Homes for Sale Near Gold Medal Rivers

Homes for sale on the Roaring Fork River

1. 1649 Emma Spur, Basalt, CO, 81621

Single family home for sale at $2,295,000

3 beds, 3 bath, 2,366 sq ft

Rare, 5+ acre property located in Emma, Colorado at the confluence of East Sopris Creek Road Basalt and the Roaring Fork River. The ultimate Colorado host ready to welcome adventurous friends. In addition to a charming 2-bedroom, and log cabin, there is a newly built, detached guest suite and two-car garage. All of these homes for sale are surrounded by expansive decks to take in the sounds of the creek rushing by.

Surrounded by mature landscaping the property is set on a large, flat meadow with a pond that can be stocked with native fish. Includes water rights from the Homestead Supply Ditch and access to the Roaring Fork River (ideal for fishing enthusiasts). All of this with the convenience of an outstanding real estate location close to shopping, dining and nightlife of Aspen, Basalt, Willits and Carbondale.

Contact us for more pictures and listing information.

2. 315 Hooks Spur Rd, Basalt, CO, 81621

Single family real estate with 5 bed, 6.5 baths, 9,613 square feet.

For sale at $11,500,000

Cross River Ranch is living at its finest, offering a transcendent lifestyle many wish they could experience – horses, Gold Medal river access, serenity and opulence – through the private gate and sweeping drive unfolds a modern interpretation of a timeless classic.

The refined rural estate features a noteworthy home of impeccable design and attention to detail by DHR Architecture, exceptional craftsmanship by local builder Koru, and luxurious finishes curated from around the globe to ensure its status as an alluring home for today and well into the future.

Set on 45 acres of real estate with flat pastures and hay fields, 3/4 of a mile of Roaring Fork River frontage including a private island, direct access to equestrian, hiking & Rio Grande trails, heated barn, & year-round privacy – this is paradise!

Contact us for more pictures and listing information.

3. 23284 Two Rivers Rd SUITE 15, Basalt, CO 81621

1 bed, 1 bath, 458 Sq.Ft. suite

Are big 5 bedroom single family homes for sale not for you? If you just want a place for yourself, this remodeled studio gives you access to Old Town Basalt living and the roaring rivers of Basalt.

Walk two blocks and enjoy restaurants and shops in charming old town Basalt, explore the number of hiking and biking trails, fly fish gold medal rivers, or sit on your back porch and enjoy the sounds of the Roaring Fork River. Basalt CO homes for sale near the Pan.

Contact us for more pictures and listing information.

4. 650 E. Sopris Dr, Basalt, CO 81621

Single family real estate with 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,108 square feet

For sale at $995,000

Beautiful mountain vacation home in Old Town Basalt. Luxury real estate within walking distance to the Pan for fishing and downtown Basalt for dining, shopping and beautiful scenery.

This home has recently been updated with luxury finishes and exquisite dining room. Master bed and bath on upper with views. Kitchen has granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

Contact us for more pictures and listing information.

5. 4959 Frying Pan Rd, Basalt, CO 81621

Basalt CO land for sale: 21.04 Acres of real estate

For sale at $2,150,000

GREAT OPPORTUNITY to build a legacy home, or subdivide into lots of at least 2-acres. You can sell the acres for sale as is, or build single family homes for sale in some of them on this 21 acre real estate property in the beautiful Frying Pan River Valley just 4.8 miles from downtown Basalt.

Enjoy this 21 acre site with great views and beautiful two acre pond with lots of trees. Plenty of water rights (see summary under documents) for housing and irrigation.

The property is currently improved with 3 cabins and 5 mobile home pads that produce gross rental income of $75,600 annually with net income after expenses of about $45,000. There’s plenty of space so you can build your own single family home without fear of your tenants invading your privacy.

Rural Residential zoning allows for up to 10 two acre lots (see zoning summary in documents).

Enjoy snowmobiling, hiking, mountain biking right outside your door with boating and sailing at Ruedi Reservoir just a few miles up the road.

6. 400 Meadow Ln, Basalt, CO 81621

4 bed, 5 bath, 4,868 sq ft

Single family real estate for sale at $2,350,000

With the Pan River just a quick jaunt down the private staircase from the backyard, this roomy, 4,734 sq ft home offers private, cul-de-sac-living and is near Basalt downtown, just a few minutes walking distance. Built by JD Black, this 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath real estate home had the lower level upgraded in 2018, including a bedroom with en-suite bath, a workout/recreation room with wet bar and a naturally temperature controlled wine/storage room.

The light and bright main floor living room flows easily into the dining nook, opening up onto an expansive deck for easy indoor/outdoor entertaining, all while soaking in the sounds of the river and views of Basalt Mountain and the valley. The master suite offers views of Mount Sopris off the deck, built-ins and a walk-in closet.

Located on the Pan river with multiple decks and river access to one of the top fly fishing rivers in the US. 5-minute walk to downtown Basalt. Amazing views of the Frying Pan and Mnt. Sopris & Basalt Mnt.

7. 855 Frying Pan Road, Basalt Colorado

5 bed, 2 baths, with 2,945 sq ft of real estate

Single-family home for sale at $2,600,000

Just a half mile from Basalt Located at the northern boundary of Basalt, bordering on public lands, this 24 +/- acre parcel consists of 2 trailer pads, a 3000 sq. ft. residence, and a 4,500 sq. ft. warehouse and shop. The single-family real estate has 5 bedrooms and 2 baths and includes 2 outbuildings and a barn.

There are views of Mt. Sopris and the southern, residential part of the real estate features towering pine trees. On the northern portion, there is even a small pond, with senior water rights and a spring!

If you’re looking for single-family homes for sale with water rights and a mountain view, this is a good candidate.

Owned by one family for generations, it’s rare to see a legacy homes for sale like this on the market. With the appropriate zoning changes, there are numerous possibilities which could include multi-family residences, additional single family residences or expansion/remodel of the existing warehouse.

Move right into this remodeled one-bedroom condominium or lease the property for instant real estate income.

What are You Looking for in Basalt CO Homes?

What are you looking for in riverside property homes for sale? Gold medal fishing? A couple of acres with room to build?

Maybe a cozy yet luxurious home that’s near enough the river but an accessible neighborhood not too secluded from the downtown shops?

Some of the homes for sale and land for sale in Basalt CO, but we also have multi-family homes for sale. Message us with your requirements so we can comb through our real estate listings of homes for sale

Check out the CO homes for sale here and the different fishing guides. Basalt is a great area to fish all year round, and your family will find plenty to do outdoors, too.