Roaring Fork River Report 12-18-18

December 18, 2018

UPPER ROARING FORK- ASPEN DOWNSTREAM TO BASALT     
                  
FLOW: 135 cfs below Maroon Creek (Woody Creek Canyon) 

WATER CLARITY: Low and clear. Very wade-able water.

OVERALL RATING: 6 out of 10

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT:  Midges, BWO nymphs, sculpins

THE LOW DOWN: It's early winter in the Roaring Fork Valley, and we are loving it!  The upper river sees very light pressure this time of year, it's pretty quiet around the Valley until Aspen and Snowmass get busier.

We have now transitioned from larger fall bugs to smaller flies and lighter tippet. Tiny and shiny is typically a good way to go when nymphing. Baetis nymphs and midges seem to be the main food source right now, and we are seeing sporadic hatches on the overcast days.

When fishing the upper Fork, especially at these low flows, sight fishing can be key. Also make sure to wear some studded boots or bring a walking staff, fishing from the middle of the river opens opportunities for multiple drifts and picking off every pocket a trout could hold. 

HATCHES: Midges 22-24

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:  

DRIES: Morgan's Para Midge 20-22, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, HOH CDC Spent Midge 22-24, Sprout Midge 20-24, Skittering Z Lon Midge 20-22

NYMPHS: BLM 18-20, Tungsten Bead Baetis 20, BTS Baetis 20-22, Sparklewing RS2 20-22, Freestone Emerger 20, BH Polywing Emerger 20, Kingrey's Cap'n Hook 20-22, Bead Wing Midge 20-22, Rojo Midge 20-22

STREAMERS: Weir's Sculpin 6, Autumn Splendor 6, Zuddler 6, Slumpies 6-8 

HINTS: Streamer fishing has been on fire, especially on the overcast days.

MIDDLE ROARING FORK- BASALT DOWNSTREAM TO CARBONDALE 

FLOW: 245 cfs in Basalt 

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear

OVERALL RATING:  6 out of 10

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Midges, BWO nymphs, sculpins

THE LOW DOWN: Fishing has been pretty darn good around Basalt, primarily nymphing with small baetis nymphs. Seems the deep pools are holding lots of fish so make sure to play around with depth and get those nymphs down!   

Check out the public accesses around old town Basalt, behind Crown Mountain Park or near Catherine's Store for some terrific fishing.

HATCHES: Midges 20-24

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS

NYMPHS: BLMs 18-20, Prince Nymphs 18-20, Pheasant Tails 18-24, Freestone Emerger 20, BH Polywing Emerger 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, Sparklewing RS2 20-22, Tailwater Assassin 20-22, Imposter 20-22, Lil Foamy 18-20, Neon Nightmare 20-22

DRIES: Bill's Midge Emerger 20-22, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Hatching Midge 20-22, Morgan's Para Midge 20-22

HINTS: 5x and 6x tippet seems to the way to go this time of year.

LOWER  ROARING FORK- CARBONDALE TO GLENWOOD 

FLOW: approximately 425 cfs in Glenwood Springs

WATER CONDITIONS: Low and clear

OVERALL RATING: 7 out of 10 

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Midge adults, BWO nymphs, sculpins

THE LOW DOWN: The fishing is starting to heat up on the lower stretch. With colder mornings, no need to rush to the river early, 10 AM seems to be a good start time. BWO nymphs and midges seem to be what the fish are wanting most. Leading with a worm and trailing something tiny and shiny has been productive.

BWO nymphs are the name of the game. Make sure to downsize on tippet, the Fork is low and clear. 

HATCHES:  Midges 18-26

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS: 

NYMPHS: Tung PT 18-20, BLMs 18-20, Freestone Emerger 20, RS2s 20-22, Polywing Emerger 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, Thread Body Baetis 18-20, Soft Hackle BWO 20-22, Imposters 20-22

DRIES: Hatching Midge 20-22, HOH CDC Spent Midge 22-24, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Morgans Midge 18-20, Sprout Midge 18-20, Skittering Zelon Midge 20-22, Griffiths Gnat 20

HINTS: The float fishing has been excellent on warmer days.

Upper Roaring Fork: http://www.dwr.state.co.us/SurfaceWater/data/detail_graph.aspx?ID=ROABMCCO&MTYPE=DISCHRG

Middle Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09081000

Lower Roaring Fork: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09085000

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