BASALT – Fishing has been hot!

Right now the sweet spot on the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan is between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., the bankers’ hours. There is no real need to get out there too early; let the daytime temperatures warm up a bit. Water temps too will rise several degrees and, although this may not sound like a lot to you, in a trout’s world it is the equal of a 15- to 20-degree change in ours!

Midges are the predominant hatch at this time of the season, so anglers will be well-served with a variety of midge larva, midge pupa and midge dries! Although nymph fishing will provide the most consistent means to hook up daily, some exceptional dry fly fishing can be had, especially on the Fryingpan.

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This week midge hatches on the Fryingpan have produced some excellent dry fly fishing. The three hot dries to have are the hatching midge, Bill’s midge emerger and Morgan’s para midge. If you find it difficult to see these tiny dries, then trail them behind a larger parachute dry fly. Use this lead fly as a visual strike indicator. If you are not finding rising fish, then I bet you will find the fish quite responsive to nymphs. Medallion midges, Tidbit midges and gray Johnny flashes have been consistent producers for the past several days on the Pan. Flows have been increased this past week and mysis shrimp have been spilling out of Ruedi, so some very large fish have been caught over the past few days!

If you are more inclined to try the Roaring Fork, then the best fishing has been downstream between Basalt and Glenwood Springs. The water is warmer through this stretch and fish are more active than they are in the upper reaches.

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Dry-fly fishing will be marginal on the Fork, thus your best bets are to use enough weight to get your flies down to the fish’s level. Hot patterns have been prince nymphs and 20-inchers as your lead flies with rainbow warriors, freestone emergers and hoovers as your midge droppers.

For local hot spots, flies and supplies, check in with your local shop.