Roaring Fork Rainbows & Independence Pass IPA 30Sep17

Decent morning on the Roaring Fk River. I put in 10 miles east of Basalt at Wilson Jaffe Pk and fished upstream from the Upper Woody Ck bridge. I rigged as recommended with prince nymph and pheasant tails, but caught the most on black WD40 (river "felt" like the Gore so I trailed it) and mercury RS2. Caught about 4 like these and lost about 5, including the only brown I know I had on line. The fish were fat and strong and ran hard and smart to break off on rocks and logs and one even used my waders, sheesh. All were ~16-17" I'd say - super fun but a bit frustrating. River bottom was slippery and despite the level <1 ft most wading spots, I used a staff a lot - this section of river seemed excellent with plenty of hiding spots for these good fish. The 2 miles of river I fished was near the airport and the number of personal jet flyovers was amazing... so much wealth in Aspen - but I do get the attraction of the Roaring Fk Valley - very pretty, great town and associated assets like BellyUp, great natural resources. I fished so little of this spectacular river I can imagine many days spent to learn it. Rain about 2pm made it cold and uncomfortable so I went in to Aspen for lunch and to try the only brewery in Pitkin County, Aspen Brewing Company. Decent IPA called Independence Pass but not a very creative brew list - it was packed inside due to the rain - I was definitely the oldest guy (again, as the concert was this way too).