UPPER ROARING FORK- ASPEN DOWNSTREAM TO BASALT
FLOW: 84 cfs below Maroon Creek
WATER CLARITY: Clear and low with significant ice
OVERALL RATING: 5 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Midges
THE LOW DOWN: The upper Fork above Basalt has remained low and clear- the browns are now all post-spawn. Ice is beginning to build up here.
In a nutshell we are fishing the upper river with some "sneaky factor"- as in small flies and fine tippets. Except for a bit in the afternoon, the dry fly action has slowed down significantly and the nymphing has gotten very good as long as you are fishing small bugs.
Small flies like RS2s and Pheasant Tails have been productive, and stripping a streamer can be fun, too. You'll see some late afternoon midge action on calm and cloudy days also.
*Ice is building significantly in this section, be aware of ice dams breaking loose. Fish with someone, and always be looking upstream.
HATCHES: Midges 20-24
APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:
DRIES: Morgan's Para Midge 20-22, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, HOH CDC Spent Midge 22-24, Sprout Midge 20-24, Skittering Z Lon Midge 20-22
NYMPHS: BLM 18-20, Tungsten Bead Baetis 20, BTS Baetis 20-22, Sparklewing RS2 20-22, Freestone Emerger 20, BH Polywing Emerger 20, Kingrey's Cap'n Hook 20-22, Bead Wing Midge 20-22, Rojo Midge 20-22
STREAMERS: Autumn Splendor 6, Zuddler 6, Slumpies 6-8
HINTS: Skip the blah water and focus on the deeper open runs and pools.