Date: May 18
Conditions: Air temp in the low 50s, on-and-off rain. The water started high and dropped throughout the day. Heavier flows, some color, but very fishable.
The Day: Took two recent college grads out for what turned into a technical but rewarding day. The fish were feeding, but bites were sensitive. We hooked plenty and only landed a handful, which tells you everything. These fish weren’t missing flies. They were mouthing them and spitting quickly if the drift wasn’t perfect.
Water: Flows began elevated in the morning and gradually came down as we worked the river. That drop seemed to help. Heavier water meant we had to work harder for each fish, but the ones we got to the net were solid.
Tactics: It was more about the drift than the bug. If you weren’t dead-drifting through the seams and soft edges, you weren’t getting eats. Presentation trumped pattern all day.
Flies: They were opportunistic. We saw a smattering of everything get eaten:
- Midges: Tiny, #20-24. Zebra midges and RS2s in black/olive.
- Mayflies: Mid-sized BWOs, #16-18. Barr’s emergers and jujus were key.
- Stoneflies: Big stones, #8-12. Pat’s Rubberlegs in coffee/black got attention.
- Caddis: #14-16. Peeking caddis and soft hackles.
- Junk: Worms and eggs still pulled fish in the off-color water.
Notes: Classic spring day on the Roaring Fork. We worked hard in the heavy flows, took some rain, and laughed through the missed sets. The grads stuck with it, learned to mend like pros, and earned every fish they touched. Days like this are why you hire a guide.
Tip for tomorrow: Stay heavy, stay patient, and trust your drift. If you think you got a subtle take, set. Fish are there, and they’re eating.
