Roaring Fork River Fishing Report: Low Flows & Fall Flies | October 15, 2026

The Roaring Fork River has been fishing okay, with flows reported around 400 CFS. Mornings have been productive with midges and Tricos, while Baetis, also known as Blue-Winged Olives, have been a good option in the afternoon. If you are nymphing, consider an attractor pattern as your lead fly and focus on a natural presentation.

Report date: October 15, 2026. Local fishing update from Glenwood Springs Outdoors in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Roaring Fork River flows and floating conditions

Flows were reported around 400 CFS for this update. Water is low, and floats are getting bumpy, with shallow water and technical rowing to consider when planning a float trip. This flow figure is a dated report, not a live gauge reading or a reach-specific clearance for floating. Check current conditions for your intended stretch before heading out.

Morning fishing: midges and Tricos

Midges and Tricos have been productive in the mornings. Watch how trout are feeding before choosing between nymphing and a surface presentation. If fish are rising to Tricos, match the insects you see and aim for a drag-free drift. When trout are feeding below the surface, adjust your nymphing depth and weight to the water rather than expecting the same setup to work everywhere.

Afternoon fishing: Baetis activity

Baetis have been a good afternoon option. Watch for insect activity and rising trout, and match your fly to the feeding stage. An emerger is worth considering when trout are taking insects in the surface film; continue nymphing when feeding remains below the surface.

Three flies for the week

These three patterns give you an attractor nymph, a morning Trico dry fly, and an afternoon Baetis emerger to consider for the conditions described in this report. They are fly-selection suggestions, not a claim that each pattern produced the reported catches.

Jiggy UV Frenchie TB

The Jiggy UV Frenchie TB is an option for the attractor lead fly mentioned in this report. Its tungsten bead helps it reach depth, while the UV collar adds a hot spot to its pheasant-tail nymph profile. Dead-drift it under an indicator or on a tight-line setup, adjusting weight and depth for the low-water conditions.

Trico Comparadun

The Trico Comparadun provides a dry-fly option for the morning Trico activity. Use it when trout are feeding on Tricos at the surface, matching the size to the insects you observe. Focus on an accurate cast and a natural, drag-free drift.

Baetis Emerger CDC

The Baetis Emerger CDC imitates a Blue-Winged Olive struggling to break through the surface film. Consider it during the afternoon Baetis activity when trout are feeding on emerging insects rather than taking fully formed duns.

What is the best approach on the Roaring Fork this week?

Start by watching the water: midges and Tricos have been productive in the morning, with Baetis a good option in the afternoon. For nymphing, try an attractor lead fly. Keep your presentation natural, adjust to the shallow water, and plan carefully around the technical floating conditions described in this October 15 report.

Get flies and local advice before heading out

Stop by Glenwood Springs Outdoors for help choosing flies for your day on the Roaring Fork River. Confirm current conditions before your trip, especially if you are planning to float.

Available in store at Glenwood Springs Outdoors, 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO.