Roaring Fork River
Colorado Fly Fishing
Roaring Fork River
- •Nymph rigs swung or drifted through seams where faster current meets slower water.
- •Dry flies along bank-edges and foam lines when midges/BWOs or caddis start emerging.
- •Streamer sweeps along drop-offs, deeper tails of runs or undercut banks when surface activity pauses.
Midges remain prevalent throughout much of the river, especially in calm pockets and slower margins. Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are showing in soft seams and under cloud cover, while occasional caddis or stonefly nymphs emerge near structure and bank edges later in the day.
Detailed Report
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.
Dries
Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, Parachute BWO #18-20, Traditional Adams #18-22
Nymphs
Twenty Incher #14-16, Prince Nymph #16-18, Jigged Tungsten Red-Tie Pheasant Tail #18-20
Streamers
Baby Gonga (olive/white) #8-10, Craven's Swim Coach (black/olive) #8-10, Autumn Splendor (brown/gold) #6-8
Other
Terrestrial Ant Pattern #10
- •Approach quietly and cast with precision—clear water means trout spook easily.
- •Focus your casts into the seam lines, foam edges and bank transitions where fast meets slow water.
- •If dry fly action fades, switch to nymphs or streamers rather than persisting endlessly with dries.
- •Use the lightest practical tippet and keep line off the water where possible—drag is your enemy.
Book a Trip on the Roaring Fork River
Let me guide you to the best spots based on current conditions.