Roaring Fork River Fishing Report – November 13, 2026
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As we move into the cooler months, the leaves have almost done falling while the sun sinks lower in the sky. The days on the river are quiet now Few fishermen are about even though it is one of the prettiest times of the year. The big browns are enjoying the last of the hatches gearing up for the spawn and enjoying the lack of interruptions from floating traffic. Fishermen who enjoy the solitude are able to find plenty of it now that the tourist traffic is gone.
Mid-November is treating the Roaring Fork kindly, and a simple fall nymphing approach is still the most reliable way to catch fish. Worms, eggs, Baetis and midges continue to produce, and with the spawn getting started the bigger browns are more aggressive, which has made streamer fishing a solid option too.
What's working on the Roaring Fork
Stick with the same productive groups: worm patterns, eggs, Baetis and midges. You do not need a complicated box right now. Rotate through those categories, fish them well, and keep a streamer handy when you want to cover water or look for a larger brown.
Respect spawning fish and seasonal closures
Spawning season is underway, so be extra careful about where you wade and fish. Some stretches are closed to protect spawning fish. Review the current regulations and any posted closures for the water you plan to visit before you leave the shop.
Give fish on their spawning beds, or redds, plenty of space. Do not target spawning fish and do not walk through redds. There is still plenty of open water on the Roaring Fork where you can have a good day while fishing respectfully.
Three flies for the week
These three flies fit the pattern groups in this report. They are suggestions for your box, not a claim that these exact patterns accounted for the fish we are hearing about.
- BB San Juan Worm – Purple: A worm-pattern option to match one of the productive groups in this week's report.
- Flashtail Egg Light Roe: An egg-pattern option for open water away from spawning fish and redds.
- Biot Midge – Olive: A midge option to round out your fall selection alongside worms, eggs, and Baetis.
Stop by Glenwood Springs Outdoors for help putting together your Roaring Fork River fly selection.
Available in store at Glenwood Springs Outdoors, 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO.