Roaring Fork River

Weekly Report

Although flows currently sit below the historical average, fishing on the Roaring Fork has been productive due to cool water temps and consistent bug activity. Roaring Fork flows gradually dropped this week and currently sit in the mid 500 cfs range, which is a comfortable level for wade and float (raft) anglers. Trout are spreading out as the day progresses and water temperatures change. Due to cooler morning temps, trout are favoring soft water sections (banks, outer seams, pools and slow runs). After 11 am, switch your focus to faster moving water where dissolved oxygen and emerging bugs are more abundant. Think riffles, transitions, pockets and runs. Accounting for changes in depth and velocity is key when transitioning to new water, so be sure to adjust your split shot and indicator placement when nymphing. If you’re fishing a hopper dropper, consider adding a split shot above your dropper or leading with a tungsten bead nymph. Dry fly and streamer action has been consistent during low light hours. Afternoon surface feeding has been hit or miss but with overcast skies and light rain in the forecast, we should see more consistent surface action during the early afternoon BWO hatch. Aside from BWOs, opportunistic trout are still looking to feed on hoppers along the banks. Top dry fly patterns include Griffiths Gnat’s, Parachute Adams, Sparkle Duns, Chubby Chernobyls and Morrish Hoppers. Mercury Midges, purple Zebra Midges, Darth Baetis, Sparkle Wing RS2s, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, red Copper Johns, Pat’s Rubber Legs and Squirmy Worms are productive sub-surface patterns.

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