The Roaring Fork is a special river to me, for it is my mother river -- the beginnings of my fishing experiences. My father, E.T. Evans, bought riverfront land in the early 1950s, which he still owns today. It is here I learned about trout. Thanks Dad.

The Fork never disappoints me: Classic mountain water with runs and pockets and pools; seasonal variations with year-round fishing; abundant insect life; and challenging wading. Clear, cold, free and independent, just like the mountains that feed her and typical of the attitude of the trout that inhabit its waters, the Roaring Fork rocks.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Although Aspen has a reputation as an expensive ski resort, trout anglers can find some good values there and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. There are many choices and price ranges for food and lodging in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt and Aspen. Summer lodging is reasonably priced, there are plenty of family-style places to eat, and a fishing license doesn't cost more here than anywhere else.

Due to the abundance of quality rivers in the area, sporting goods and fly-fishing shops and other services are in every town, offering tackle, guided trips or just good advice:

• Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association --
www.glenscape.com; 970-945-6589

• Carbondale Chamber of Commerce --
www.carbondale.com; 970-963-1890

• Basalt Chamber of Commerce --
www.basaltchamber.com; 970-927-4031

• Aspen Chamber Resort Association --
www.aspenchamber.org; 970-925-1940

• Roaring Fork Anglers, Glenwood Springs --
www.alpineangling.com; 970-945-0180

• Roaring Fork Outfitters, Glenwood Springs -- 970-945-5800

• Alpine Angling, Carbondale --
www.alpineangling.com; 970-963-9245

• Frying Pan Anglers, Basalt --
www.fryingpananglers.com; 970-927-3441

• Taylor Creek, Basalt --
www.taylorcreek.com; 970-927-4374

• Oxbow Outfitting, Aspen -- 970-925-1505

• Pomeroy Sports, Aspen --
www.pomeroysports.com; 970-925-7875