Roaring Fork River Fly Fishing Report

The Roaring Fork River is the place to be this October! With flows around 410 cfs in the middle section and cool, clear water, the trout are active and hungry. Fall weather is ushering in the season of aggressive brown trout, especially on streamers. You’ll find great hatches of BWOs, caddis, and midges, keeping the fish feeding throughout the day. Whether you’re drifting flies through riffles or targeting the deeper runs with nymphs, the fishing conditions are top-notch, and the fall colors make it even more enjoyable.

October 2024 Fly Fishing Report: Roaring Fork River

Current Conditions

The Roaring Fork River is firing on all cylinders this October! With cool water temps around 52°F and steady flows at 410 cfs, the trout are in full fall feeding mode. The brown trout are getting aggressive ahead of their spawn, making streamers your best friend. Plus, BWOs and midges are hatching like crazy, so whether you’re nymphing or tossing dries, you’re in for a good time. The river’s got it all—riffles, runs, and deep pools—so there’s no shortage of action. Add the stunning fall foliage, and it’s the kind of fishing day that makes you want to call in “sick.”

• Flow Rate: 410 cfs (Basalt section)
• Water Temperature: 52°F
• Clarity: Clear
• Best Times: Late morning to early afternoon

Colorado Division of Resources River Flow Stream Station Report

Hatches & Recommended Flies

Nymphs

• Pheasant Tail (#16-18): This is a solid choice for the riffles and deeper pockets, imitating mayflies.
• Zebra Midge (#20-22): A great option in slower pools when the trout are feeding deeper.
• Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10-12): Ideal for deeper sections where the trout are holding close to the bottom.

Dry Flies

• Blue-Winged Olive (#18-22): Expect solid action on BWOs, especially in the afternoons.
• Parachute Adams (#16-20): Always a versatile option, working well in both fast and slow water.
• Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16): Great for dry-dropper setups in the faster-moving sections.

Streamers

• Sculpzilla (#6-8): Perfect for targeting the big browns hiding in deeper water.
• Woolly Bugger (#6-8): This classic streamer works wonders when stripped through the deeper pools.
• Autumn Splendor (#6): A fantastic option for the aggressive fall browns preparing to spawn.

Fishing Tactics on the Roaring Fork River

• Nymphing: With cooler water temps, nymphing will be effective all day. Pheasant Tails and Zebra Midges are key, especially in the deeper runs and riffles.
• Streamer Fishing: Fall means streamer season! Target the undercut banks and deeper pools, stripping streamers like Sculpzillas and Woolly Buggers for aggressive strikes from larger trout.
• Dry-Dropper Setup: A Caddis or BWO dry fly paired with a Pheasant Tail or Zebra Midge dropper is perfect for covering multiple depths of feeding fish.

Access Points

• Upper Roaring Fork: The section between Aspen and Basalt is great for wading, with plenty of public access and deep runs.
• Middle Roaring Fork (Basalt to Carbondale): Known for its larger trout, this area has excellent public access for both wading and floating.
• Lower Roaring Fork (Carbondale to Glenwood Springs): This stretch is ideal for float fishing, with consistent flows and lots of opportunity for big fish.

This October 2024 Roaring Fork River Fly Fishing Report highlights the river’s ideal fall fishing conditions. With aggressive browns and beautiful fall scenery, now’s the time to grab your gear and hit the river!