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Roaring Fork Fishing Report 11/29/25 — With CRO Guide Brian Hilbert

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The Roaring Fork continues to fish exceptionally well as our warmer-than-usual fall stretches on. Flows are sitting low and clear at 410 cfs, creating ideal conditions for floating—rafts are the perfect craft for navigating this skinny late-November water. Despite the low flows, fishing remains outstanding for those willing to adjust to the early winter techniques.



River Conditions & Productive Setups


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With colder nights and dropping water, trout are beginning to slide into the deeper, slower “winter water”. That means long nymph rigs are the ticket right now.


CRO guide Brian Hilbert is running 5-foot nymph rigs anchored with a tungsten Philly Cheese Cranefly. From there, he recommends 5X fluorocarbon tippet to:


  • Red or olive midge larvae (size 22)

  • Daysaver Midge (size 22) in red, brown, or black



These small bugs are matching the micro-midge activity that’s dominating the food source in the Fork right now.


Other top producers include:


  • Sunnyside Up Egg - yellow or peach

  • Jigged Zebra Midge - black or brown

  • Two-Tone Zebra Midge - black/red


Hilbert’s “Daysaver Midge” in black is a must have winter pattern.
Hilbert’s “Daysaver Midge” in black is a must have winter pattern.

Takes can be extremely subtle in this clear, cold water—set on every twitch, pause, or hesitation. If something looks “off,” assume a fish made it so.


Hans Mylant’s “Sunnyside Up Egg” is an excellent anchor fly this time of year, Brian loves to carry this in a variety of colors and weights.
Hans Mylant’s “Sunnyside Up Egg” is an excellent anchor fly this time of year, Brian loves to carry this in a variety of colors and weights.

Streamer Bite


The “Thin Mint” is a Colorado staple and should be in every anglers fly box.
The “Thin Mint” is a Colorado staple and should be in every anglers fly box.

On cloudy days or anytime the sun is off the water, streamer fishing can get surprisingly productive. Brian likes:


  • Size 8 Thin Mint

  • Size 8 Black Wooly Bugger



Keep presentations slow and deliberate—winter trout aren’t chasing far, but they’ll commit to the right retrieve.




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Pro Tips From Brian



  • Stay Stealthy – Low, clear water means fish are spooky. Shorten your shadow, be stealthy and avoid unnecessary slapping of the water. (Cast less)

  • Depth is Everything – If you’re not ticking bottom occasionally, add weight. Getting in the strike zone matters more than fly pattern.

  • Watch Your Indicator Like a Hawk – Winter eats rarely look like “eats.” Set on anything unusual.

  • Fish the Warmest Part of the Day – Midday has been the most productive window as midge activity ramps up. (11:00am-4:00pm)

  • Cover Winter Water Thoroughly – Once you find the deeper, slower buckets, fish them with patience. There can be a surprising number of trout stacked in a single run.




Get Out There While It’s Good


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The extended warm fall has kept fishing excellent, and the Roaring Fork continues to reward anglers who adjust to the early-season winter patterns. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect day to get out—this is your sign.


For more fishing reports, on-the-water updates, and CRO adventures, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.


To book a trip with Brian or any of our CRO guides, give us a call—we’d love to get you out on the water.

📞 970-236-1937


Here are some photos from recent guide trips this week.



 
 
 
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