Roaring Fork River
Colorado Fly Fishing
- •Deep nymph rigs in soft winter water
- •Peg eggs and egg–midge combos
- •Small baetis nymphs (RS2s, WD-40s)
- •Slow, natural streamers in low light (blue and olive)
Slower dry fly action this time of year. Midges dominate most of the day with consistent activity in slower seams and deep pockets. Baetis are still present, especially on soft, cloudy afternoons, providing short windows of surface activity in the upper river. Eggs and midges are a major food source right now with browns spawning and fish keying in on the drift.
Detailed Report
The Roaring Fork is in a true late-fall pattern. Lower, clearer flows are concentrating trout into deeper water, making soft seams, pockets, and tailouts the most consistent targets. Cold mornings push the bite into midday, where fish feed steadily on midges, baetis, and drifting eggs. This is prime egg season, so running a pegged egg up front with a midge or baetis trailer is extremely effective. Make sure to bring peg eggs — peach, apricot, and light pink are all producing well. Presentation depth is the most important factor right now; if you're not occasionally ticking bottom, add length or weight. Streamer fishing is limited but still worth trying in low light windows with small, natural sculpin-style patterns. Expect most success from noon to late afternoon when water temps rise slightly and fish move to feed. With clarity high, stealth and accurate drifts are key. Overall, the Fork is fishing consistently for anglers who adjust to winter holding water and focus on depth control, small bugs, and precise presentations.
Dries
BWO Sparkle Dun #20–22, CDC Comparadun BWO #20–22, Griffith's Gnat #20–24, Parachute Adams #18–20
Nymphs
RS2 (black/gray/olive) #20–22, WD-40 #20–22, Zebra Midge #20–22, Juju Baetis #18–20, Barr's BWO Emerger #20–22, Eggs #16-22
Streamers
Thin Mint #8–12, Mini Dungeon (olive) #8–10, Slump Buster (natural/olive) #8–10, Baby Gonga #8–10, Mini Sculpin/Leech patterns
- •Peg eggs are extremely effective — always carry extras.
- •Add length or weight until you occasionally touch bottom.
- •Focus on softer, deeper winter water for consistent action.
- •Midday warmth produces the best activity.
- •Pair your egg with a midge or baetis trailer for the perfect combo.
Book a Trip on the Roaring Fork River
Let me guide you to the best spots based on current conditions.
Past Reports
The Roaring Fork is currently offering excellent fall fishing conditions. With the flow dropping into accessible levels and clarity high, you'll find trout staging in transition zones—seams where fast water spills into slower, behind boulders, and near undercut banks. In these clear waters, presentation is everything. In narrower canyon stretches, fish are hiding just behind rocks or in pockets of slower water adjacent to current. Short casts, careful mend, and letting your flies drift naturally through those seams are key. In wider stretches, runs adjacent to current, deeper tails and edges near boulders are productive. Dry-fly opportunities start to increase when bugs begin to drift, particularly later morning into the evening when light softens or cloud cover moves in. When the surface activity fades or bugs drop off, shift to streamers or larger flies and target deeper zones or drop-outs where fish may move into ambush positions. Stealth is essential due to the clarity: approach quietly, keep line management tight, and avoid casting into obvious fish lies. With the season turning, trout are still feeding actively, but they're more cautious—so finesse pays dividends.
Read MoreThe Roaring Fork is showing classic fall behavior. With flows at ~480 cfs, water is cool and clear. Trout are active but selective. In the early hours, they hold tight in deeper seams, pocket runs, and behind structure. Begin with micro-nymph rigs and finesse your presentation to avoid spooking fish. As sunlight creeps in, fish spread into riffle edges, shelf seams, and softer currents. Dry-dropper rigs become more effective—let your BWO or midge dry float above a delicate emerger. Stay ready to adjust your depth or fly size based on drift and fish response. During hotter midday sun, fish may retreat to shade, undercuts, or broken current lines. If the dry fly window weakens, drop to emergers or soft hackle patterns. On overcast days, the dry fly window can extend, and trout may rise consistently. Evening brings the better streamer chances. Browns and aggressive trout move toward structure—cast slim, natural streamers near undercuts, along banks, and just off seams. Gentle twitches or slow pulses often outfish aggressive strips in these low-light conditions. Fish behavior is more opportunistic now—they rotate among current breaks, seams, and structure depending on drift and hatch activity. Don't fixate on one style. Be mobile, watch for rises, and switch flies or depths promptly.
Read MoreThe Fork has settled into its autumn groove. Cooler nights push trout deep in the morning, but as the sun rises, fish spread into riffles and shelf lines. Browns are staging and show more aggression daily. Start heavy with a two-fly nymph rig early, then shift to dry-droppers or small dries midday. Evenings are for streamers—cutbanks and shadowed edges can produce explosive takes.
Read MoreThe Fork is alive with early-fall energy. Flows around 500 CFS offer ideal wading and float conditions and water temps in the low-50s keep trout happy. Morning fishing starts strong with double nymph rigs and small Baetis patterns in deeper runs. As the day warms, switch to dry-dropper setups through riffle edges and pocket water. Afternoons see steady BWO activity on cloudy days and some Caddis near banks. By evening, the streamer bite heats up with fish moving into structure and shallows.
Read More