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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.
The Roaring Fork is finally starting to shake off winter’s grip, and it’s showing in all the right ways. Flows are up, hatches are waking, and the fish are hungry. If you’ve been itching to get back on the water, now’s the time to dust off the waders, tie on a fresh 5X, and ease into spring.
Expect midges in the morning, BWOs after lunch, and the occasional caddis bouncing through the lower river. Nymphing remains your most consistent ticket, but dry fly windows are opening up on overcast afternoons. Want to swing for the fences? Streamers at first light or after a rain might surprise you.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Conditions Summary
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- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 – Productive fishing with seasonal hatches emerging)
- Flow Rate: 600–800 CFS
- Water Temperature: 50–55°F
- Air Temperature: 65–72°F
- Clarity: Clear
- Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
- Fishing Pressure: Moderate, with increased activity on weekends
- Wind: Mild in the mornings, with potential gusts in the afternoons
📈 River Flow Chart
Source: Colorado DWR Stations / US Geological Survey
🪰 Roaring Fork River Hatch Chart
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| March | Midges, Blue Winged Olives | RS2 (#20–22), Zebra Midge (#20–24) |
| April | Blue Winged Olives, Caddis | Barr’s Emerger (#18–20), Elk Hair Caddis (#16–18) |
| May | Caddis, Stoneflies | Stimulator (#14–16), Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10–12) |
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Top 3 Flies for the Month
- Dry Fly: Blue Wing Olive CDC Emerger (#20–22) – Best on cloudy afternoons in soft seams and back eddies.
- Nymph: Barr’s Emerger (#18–20) – Deadly under a small indicator or dry-dropper during midday BWO hatches.
- Streamer: Mini Dungeon (#6–8) – Early morning or post-rain, swing it through deeper runs and shady banks.
🎣 Tips Fly Fishing on the Roaring Fork
- Seasonal Tip: As water temperatures rise, trout become more active. Focus on transitional zones where fast water meets slow, as fish often hold in these areas.
- Dry Fly: Look for rising fish in the afternoons, especially during Blue Wing Olive hatches. Present flies upstream and allow a natural drift over feeding lanes.
- Nymphing: Utilize a double nymph rig with a heavier point fly and a smaller dropper. Adjust indicator depth to target fish holding near the bottom.
- Streamer Fishing: During early mornings or cloudy days, streamers can entice larger trout. Cast across and slightly downstream, retrieving with varied speeds.
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Access Points
Hooks Bridge (near Basalt):
- Description: Gravel pull-offs, solid access to middle river riffles and deeper slots.
- Why Fish Here: Close to town but less pressured than spots upstream. Ideal for dry-dropper rigs or spring nymphing.
- Location: Google Maps
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Catherine Store Bridge (Carbondale):
- Description: Great mix of fast pocket water and slow inside bends.
- Why Fish Here: Public access, productive runs, and great for wading.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Two Rivers Park (Glenwood Springs):
- Description: Where the Roaring Fork meets the Colorado. Wide, deep water with easy access and parking.
- Why Fish Here: Consistent hatches and the potential for larger fish staging from the Colorado.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥 Hot Spots
- Behind Carbondale High School: Shaded banks and deep runs hold big fish year-round.
- Hooks Lane Pool: Reliable hatches and less foot traffic.
- The Cone at Glenwood: Mixing currents and soft seams — ideal for dry-dropper setups.
🛑 Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights
- Artificial flies and lures only in designated stretches
- Respect private property — stay within the high-water mark
- Catch-and-release encouraged
- No fishing from bridges or railroad property
❓ FAQ on this Spot
1. Do I need a float to fish the Roaring Fork in April?
Not at all — this river is wader-friendly, especially around Basalt and Carbondale.
2. What's the best time of day to fish?
Late morning through early afternoon is your sweet spot as water temps rise and insects become more active.
3. What kind of rod and setup should I bring?
A 9' 5-weight covers most situations here. Bring a sink-tip or streamer line if you're hunting bigger fish.
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