Frying Pan River
160cfs/below Ruedi Reservoir
Conditions- Flows were recently increased 50cfs on July 3rd which makes for much more favorable conditions for the hatches and fish. PMDs are now the primary hatch along the river – lighter numbers of BWOs and midges are still of relevance below the dam. The past week has yielded some midday hatches of green drakes below mile maker 4. It’ll be a few weeks yet for this hatch to appear closer to the dam. Look for the majority of the hatches to take place from noon-3pm. Light tippets of 6x are standard fare. Downstream drifts and lightly twitched or bumped dry flies often entice these wary fish.
The fly shop is loaded to the gills with a ton of new fly tying merch, new rods and reels, new logo apparel and so, so much more. Swing by and help support your local independent fly shop!
Our guides know the Frying Pan River intimately – let us give you the highlight of your vacation!
From the Colorado Parks & Wildlife:
“Due to high densities in most the river, harvest is encouraged for brown trout ≤14” to relieve competition for resources and increase growth for other trout. Harvest of Brown Trout under 14 inches is encouraged, because in many locations, like “Old Faithful”, brown trout average less than 10 inches and 94% of the fish are under 14 inches.”
In this day and age, where we taught generations the virtues of catch and release angling, is it possible to teach them the virtues of responsible harvest? I certainly hope so.
Flies-
Dries: Para Quill PMD, Flag Dun PMD, Melon Quill, CDC Biot Comparadun, Mole Fly, Almost Dun, Wild Turkey Emerger, Para Quill BWO, Polywing Midge Adult, Zelon Midge, Caddis Variant, Stimi’s, CDC Rusty Spinner
Nymphs: 2Bit Hooker, PTs Olive, Split Back BWO, Epoxyback Baetis, BTS Baetis, CDC RS2s, Mayhems, CDC RS-2, Guides Choice HE, CDC PTail, Barr Emerger PMD, Poxyback PMD, Halfback PMD
Streamers: PSL’s, Sculpzillas, Jig Thin Mint, Conehead BiteMe Bugger
