Crystal River
The Crystal River near Carbondale and Redstone, Colorado is an undammed freestone with browns, rainbows, brook trout and cutthroat.
- 47 miRiver length
- 5Game fish
- 21Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the Crystal
The Crystal River starts near Marble in Colorado and runs about 35 miles to the Roaring Fork River in Carbondale. It is undammed, so it follows the seasons. Runoff in late spring is big and muddy, then the river drops and clears for summer and fall.
Most of the river flows through White River National Forest or along Highway 133, so access is easier than on many Colorado rivers. Pullouts along the highway lead to pocket water, runs and deeper pools. The canyon near Redstone is scenic, and the water near Carbondale is open to the public in many places. Some stretches are private, including a paid fishing property near Redstone.
The Crystal holds brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish. It is a wading river. Anglers here fish small dries, drakes in summer and fall, and hoppers in late summer. Fall is a favorite season for many locals.
Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations before you go. The river crosses a patchwork of public and private land.
Crystal River above Avalanche Creek, near Redstone, CO
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Nearby gages
- Roaring Fork River near Emma, CO13.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 09081000
- Roaring Fork River below Maroon Creek near Aspen, CO19.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 09076300
- Roaring Fork River near Aspen, CO22.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 09073400
- North Fork Gunnison River near Somerset, CO22.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 09132500
- Fryingpan River near Ruedi, CO23.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 09080400
- Roaring Fork River above Difficult Creek near Aspen, CO24.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 09073300
- Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs, CO24.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 09085000
- Colorado River below Glenwood Springs, CO24.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 09085100
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Colorado Headwaters watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 11 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Crystal
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Wait out runoff
Spring melt makes the Crystal dirty and fast. Late summer and fall are when most anglers find the best wade fishing.
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Use the highway pullouts
Highway 133 follows the river for miles. Pullouts give quick access to many runs, so you can move until you find water you like.
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Fish the pockets
This is classic mountain freestone water. Work the seams behind boulders and the edges of faster currents.
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Watch for private water
A paid private preserve sits near Redstone, and other pockets are posted. Stay on public land and respect signs.
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Plan a Roaring Fork pairing
The Crystal joins the Roaring Fork in Carbondale. Many anglers split a trip between the two rivers.
Every access point on the Crystal, in your pocket.
- 21 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Crystal
Crystal River FAQ
Can you wade the Crystal River in Colorado?
Yes. The Crystal is mostly a wading river, and much of it is reached from Highway 133. Be careful in spring when flows are high and cold.
Where is the best place to fish the Crystal River near Carbondale?
Many anglers fish the stretch from Redstone down toward Carbondale, using highway pullouts and public parcels. The water near the Carbondale confluence with the Roaring Fork is also popular.
What is the best time of year to fish the Crystal River?
Late summer through fall is a favorite window. The river clears after runoff, and hoppers and drakes add dry fly options.
What flies work on the Crystal River?
Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail, Elk Hair Caddis and hopper patterns are good starting points. The main hatches include caddis in spring, green drakes in summer and fall, and hoppers in late summer. For what is hatching and working today, check the FlyFishFinder app.
What fish are in the Crystal River?
The Crystal holds brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish.
Are there special rules on the Crystal River?
Rules can differ by section, and a lot of the river crosses private land. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations before you fish.
