Colorado ·
Roaring Fork River Fly Fishing Report - September 6, 2026
ROARING FORK RIVER
ReportSEP 6 — 13, 2026
🌊
Flow
1090CFS
COLORADO RIVER BELOW GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO
🌡️
Water Temp
—
Updated 2026-09-05
☀️
Weather
55–87°F
Mostly Clear
💧
Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
Flow has dropped noticeably from last week's 1,550 CFS to 1,090 CFS at the Colorado below Glenwood Springs gauge (3.55 ft), tightening clarity and concentrating fish in predictable seams and deeper slots. Drought conditions persist across the watershed, so expect lower-than-average flows throughout the system — wade carefully and target shaded, oxygenated water.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Juju Baetis Tungsten #22
22
Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22
22
Black Zebra Midge(TBH) #20
20
Olsen's Peacock Blowtorch Barbless #22 - 24
22-24
Bionic Ant 2.0 - Black #16
16
Bionic Hopper - Tan #12
12
Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan #20
20
Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Olive #12
12
Egan's Silver Bullet - Baetis #14
14
Top Secret Baetis #16
16
Tungsten Split Case Nymph - PMD #20
20
Egan's GTI Caddis - Olive #12
12
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) | 20-22 | Moderate | 10 AM - 1 PM |
| Caddis (Tan/Olive) | 16-20 | Moderate | 5 PM - 7 PM |
| Midge | 20-24 | Heavy | 7 AM - 10 AM |
| Terrestrials (Ants/Hoppers) | 12-16 | Moderate | 11 AM - 4 PM |
| PMD | 18-20 | Light | 12 PM - 2 PM |
Best Time Window
- 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Early midge and BWO nymphing in deeper slots before full sun hits the water and fish go lockjaw.
- 11 AM - 3 PM: Terrestrial time — work hopper and ant patterns tight to shaded, grassy banks while the sun is high and fish are looking up.
- 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Evening caddis flush in riffles and runs — best dry fly opportunity of the day, especially ahead of Sunday night's incoming moisture.
Guide's Tip
From the benchWith flows down to 1,090 CFS and clear water, fish are spooky — approach every run from downstream, stay low, and make your first cast count. Focus your morning on the deeper, shaded slots with small midges and Baetis nymphs fished on a tight, drag-free drift at the exact depth of the fish. As the sun climbs and temps push toward the mid-80s, shift to terrestrials along grassy, undercut banks where big browns are looking up. Evening is your best shot at dry fly action — position yourself at the head of a riffle and let the caddis hatch come to you.
Main Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Mountain Whitefish
