Roaring Fork River
Colorado Fly Fishing
Roaring Fork River
- •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.
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