Roaring Fork Valley Fishing Report: What’s Working the First Week of November
November is quiet season in the Roaring Fork Valley, and the rivers are low, cold, and still fishing well for anglers who slow down. Flows jumped across the valley on November 1 and 2, and the freestones are already dropping back. Here’s our Roaring Fork Valley fishing report for the first week of November on the Roaring Fork, Frying Pan, and Colorado rivers. Roaring Fork River What’s working on the Fork this week? As of November 3, the upper river below Maroon Creek was running about 150 CFS, the middle river near Emma about 295 CFS, and Glenwood Springs about 720 CFS, down from a 1,000 CFS peak on Monday. Water temperatures are in the mid-40s on the lower river. Blue-winged olives (sizes 18 to 22) and midges (18 to 24) are the main hatches, and cloudy afternoons are best. Most fish are eating below the surface, so lead with a stonefly or worm and trail a small flashy nymph like a Rainbow Warrior or RS2 through the riffles and tailouts. Brown trout are spawning, so watch for posted closures at the mouths of Three Mile and Four Mile creeks and stay off the redds. Frying Pan River How should you fish the Pan in early November? The Frying Pan is holding steady at about 43 CFS out of Ruedi. That’s skinny water, and the upper few miles below the dam have been running a little cloudy. Midges and blue-winged olives come off from about 10 to 2, and Mysis shrimp stay on the menu in the first mile below the dam. Go with long leaders and 6X to 7X tippet. When you’re nymphing, depth matters more than the fly. If you aren’t ticking bottom now and then, add weight or lengthen your leader before you change patterns. The middle and lower river see less pressure and are worth exploring. Lower Colorado River Is the Colorado worth floating in November? If you want a shot at a big brown, yes. The Colorado below Glenwood Springs is running about 1,490 CFS and dropping after peaking near 1,940 on November 1. Stonefly nymphs with a small BWO dropper are the steady producers, and streamers stripped along banks and structure are moving the biggest fish. It’s big water with a lot of private land, so a float trip is the best way to cover it. Planning Your November Trip What should you expect from the weather? Expect highs in the mid-40s to low 50s and lows near 30, with plenty of sun through Thursday. Friday looks cooler and cloudier, which could bring the best BWO hatch of the week. The best window is late morning through mid-afternoon, once the water warms. Dress in layers, bring warm gloves, and plan for short days. The upside is that you’ll have a lot of water to yourself. November rewards anglers who slow down, fish deep, and dress for the cold. See our trip options and rates to plan a late-season day on the water. When you’re ready, reach out to Gone Fishing Colorado and book your November trip.