October Roaring Fork Fly Fishing Report: Chasing Trophy Trout with Aspen Angling

It’s October 9th, and if you aren’t out on the water, you’re missing the best window we’ve had all season. The Roaring Fork has finally found its rhythm after a low-water summer. With flows hovering around 115 CFS below Maroon Creek, the river is clear, technical, and demanding, but that’s exactly where the big boys hide. I’ve been putting my new Clackacraft drift boat through the paces lately, and let me tell you, there is no better way to hunt those big rainbows and big browns than from the front of a boat. When we’re drifting the stretches from Aspen down toward Basalt, you need to be precise. The hatches are getting thin as the nights get crisp, but the Blue Winged Olives are showing up on those cloudy afternoons, and the midges are thick at first and last light. I’m running my Sage fly fishing setups with a healthy dose of 6x fluorocarbon; keep your flies tiny and keep them shiny. If you're nymphing the deeper, cooler pockets, think small pheasant tails or zebra midges—if it's not tiny, they won't look at it. If you’re lucky enough to catch a BWO hatch, get a size 20 or 22 pattern on there and watch your drift. The fishing between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs is turning on too, as those trout start looking for a big meal before the freeze. We’ve seen some monster trophy trout moving into the transition zones, and they are hungry. Whether you are hitting the water for a solo mission or bringing the crew for a bachelor or bachelorette party looking for a unique Colorado adventure, a guided float is the only way to cover the necessary ground. My Hardy fly fishing rods are rigged and ready, and we’re finding fish in the usual haunts—every riffle and pool I’ve known for thirty years is producing if you put in the work. Don't be fooled by the folks talking about warm water—upstream of Glenwood is crystal clear and running cold. It is prime time for scenic float fishing in the Roaring Fork Valley. Stop staring at the thermometer and start looking for rising fish. If you want to get into some of the best water in the Aspen area fly fishing scene, give us a shout. Book your guided trip with Aspen Angling Company today—the big browns aren’t going to catch themselves.