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The Roaring Fork has shifted into full late fall rhythm. Clear water top to bottom. Cold mornings. Slow but honest fishing that rewards patience more than power. Flows are steady from Basalt through Carbondale and pick up a bit as the river nears Glenwood. Trout are stacking deep in the long glides and softer edges, and midday warmth gives the best feeding window.
This is a week for subtle rigs, deeper presentations, and putting in the time on each run.
When the Fork goes quiet you are getting close. Slow down and the river will open up.
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Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: Roughly 200 to 250 cfs near Basalt and around 300 to 350 cfs near Glenwood
- Water Temperature: 38 to 44 degrees
- Air Temperature: Lows in the mid 20s highs in the mid 40s
- Clarity: Very clear
- Crowds: Light, especially midweek
- Best Times to Fish: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
5 Day Weather Forecast
Cold mornings and calm sunny afternoons throughout the valley. Light winds. Stable flows. Ideal for deep, slow presentations and sight-friendly conditions.
Current Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs and Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges #20 to 24 | All day consistency in slower seams |
| Secondary | Blue Winged Olives #18 to 22 | Short mid morning burst windows |
| Tertiary | Scuds and Sowbugs #14 to 18 | Abundant in lower sections and year round |
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide setup: Ten foot 4x leader to a number 16 Egg or number 18 Scud lead fly. Twenty inches of 5x to a number 20 Black Beauty. Add one small split shot eight inches above the lead fly. Use a medium foam indicator set one and a half times the depth.
Focus on deeper buckets and long glides where trout hold tight to the bottom. Adjust weight little by little until your drift slows into the strike zone without dragging.
Pro Tip: Watch for tiny pauses not big stops. Fish take light this time of year and most eats look like hesitation not a grab.
Top 10 Flies for the Month
| Fly Pattern | Size | Color Variation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Beauty | #20 to 22 | Black | Most reliable producer right now |
| Top Secret Midge | #22 | Brown Cream | Best second fly in tandem rigs |
| RS2 | #20 | Grey Olive | BWO emerger for mid morning windows |
| WD 40 | #20 | Brown | Cold water standby |
| Pheasant Tail | #18 | Natural | Year round confidence fly |
| JuJu Baetis | #20 | Purple Red | Subtle flash works in deep runs |
| Egg Pattern | #16 | Peach Pink | Strong option below brown redd zones |
| Scud | #16 | Orange Grey | Lower river staple |
| Mini Leech | #12 | Olive | Good for deep canyon pockets |
| Thin Mint Bugger | #10 | Olive Brown | Swing or strip in low light hours |
Tips Fly Fishing the Roaring Fork
- Seasonal Tip: Focus on the deepest wintering holes. Trout are piled in together.
- Dry Fly: Only expect surface action on warm calm afternoons.
- Nymphing: Short drifts. Controlled depth. Slow movements.
- Streamer: Slow deep strips or long swings. No fast ripping this time of year.
Access Points
- Basalt Town Stretch consistent water depth and great winter structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Catherine Store Area long deep runs for nymphing ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Carbondale to Glenwood larger river with excellent winter holding lanes ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Watch for private land between open stretches. Respect posted signs. Stay clear of any remaining redd areas. Move slowly to avoid pushing fish off deeper holding lanes.
FAQ on This Spot
Q: What are the current flows and clarity like
A: Flows are around 200 to 250 cfs up valley and close to 300 to 350 cfs near Glenwood with clear water throughout.
Q: When is the best time to fish
A: Late morning through mid afternoon when sunlight warms the water slightly.
Q: What flies are working now
A: Midges small BWOs scuds and eggs with Black Beauties and RS2s leading the pack.
Q: Can I wade or float this time of year
A: Both are good options. Wading shines in Basalt and Carbondale. Floating is best on the lower Fork if flows remain stable.
Q: What species should I expect
A: Browns rainbows and cutbows with a rainbow heavy mix as you get closer to Glenwood.
Q: Any gear considerations
A: Fluorocarbon tippet and careful weight adjustment make the biggest difference. Subtle drifts beat aggressive setups.
Stop Here After the River
Skip the busiest taprooms and head to Carbondale Beer Works. It is relaxed local and never pretentious. The crowd is a mix of river guides climbers and valley regulars. Grab a Colorado Kolsch and the green chile pork sandwich. It is one of the best warm up meals you can get after a cold day working deep seams on the Fork.