The Frying Pan river is probably one of Colorado's best known tailwater rivers, and hence also one of Colorado's busiest. Weekday or weekend prepare to see others on this fine river on the nicer days and as the days get shorter and colder, the crowds tend to dissipate a bit. This river, especially the public tailwater section below Reudi Reservoir, has tremendous fish and the patient fisherman always has the chance to catch a true trophy. Due to the constant flows from Ruedi Dam, the short 'Gold Medal' water is fishable year round. With a continuous supply of mysis shrimp, midges, and of course massive hatch of the big daddy of them all, E. Grandis or the green drake.
When fishing the Frying Pan you must always remember that these fish are well trained by some of the best anglers from around the world, so be prepared to work hard for the real big hogs. Also, since this river gets so much pressure, please remember to respect your fellow angler, share the water you are fishing and respect the fish with safe catch and release tactics.
When fishing the Pan we recommend checking out our pals at Taylor Creek Fly Shop to help figure out what the river has to offer. Recently the fishing has been off the charts on the Pan, so we recommend packing things up and heading to the Basalt area for some killer fishing. The brown spawn is settling down now, but the bows are gearing up, so watch your step when in the shallow riffles.
Current recomended flies: #22-# 24 blood midges, #22-#24 black beauties, #16 chartruese or orange hot flash tail egg, #22-#24 Burton's mysis, #20-#24 disco midge, #22-#24 mercury midge, #22-#26 red and black mike's midge, #22-#26 mighty mike midge, #20-#24 Craven's Jujubee Midge red or black, #20-#24 RSII's, #22-#26 BWO, #22-#24 barrs emerger both BWO, #22-#26 adams, #18-#22 brassie, #18-#22 merc. pheasant tails.
When you are looking to stock up on what is working locally you just can't beat the shops around the Frying Pan River. With an abundance of fly shops in the area you know you won't have to worry about forgetting anything on a trip to this famous river. When visiting the Frying Pan River please check out these local establishments to see what is happening on the river.
Many of the shops listed below service several other local rivers and streams including the Roaring Fork, Crystal and Colorado rivers.
Basalt area fly shops Frying Pan Anglers 132 Basalt Center Circle 970.927.3441
Glenwood Springs area fly shops Roaring Fork Anglers 2205 Grand Ave. 970.945.0180
guides that service the frying pan river
Looking to make the best of your fly fishing trip to the Roaring Fork Valley? Check out our list of guides that service this legendary river and several other local waters. Having a guide show you the ropes of a new river is a great way to help ensure the remainder of your trip is productive.
Alpine Angling 995 Cowen Dr. Ste. 102 Carbondale, CO 970.963.9245
Sometimes a tent just cannot compete with a soft bed and shower when on a fishing trip. Here is a list of local accomodations in the Roaring Fork Valley to help make your trip a little more posh.
Basalt area lodging Aspenalt Lodge 157 Basalt Center Circle 970.927.3191
