Fryingpan Fishing Forecast
Pan-sized rainbows
Open year-round
Gold Medal Water (Ruedi Dam to Roaring Fork). Year-round
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 11:53 PM
41°F
58 CFS
2 AM - 4 AM
WD-40
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout
freestone
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Skwala
Stonefly
Early season stonefly, hatches on warm afternoons
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Midge
Midge
Year-round in tailwaters, winter staple
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| March(Now) | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| April | 42-52°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| May | 48-58°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| June | 54-64°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| July | 58-68°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| August | 60-70°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Access Points & Parking for Fryingpan
Ruedi Dam
Tailwater section immediately below dam.
Seven Castles
Popular access to productive water.
Basalt
Town access to confluence area.
How to Fish Fryingpan: Tips & Tactics
The Frying Pan is one of Colorado's premier tailwaters with prolific midge and mayfly hatches. Fish are large and selective. Match the hatch precisely and use light tippet.
Best Times of Day
The green drake hatch in July is legendary - fish during hatches for best surface action. Midge fishing is productive year-round, especially midday. Evening hatches can bring selective rising fish.
Recommended Techniques
Sight fish to rising trout when possible. Long, drag-free drifts are essential. The mysis shrimp pattern is unique to this river - fish it deep below the dam.
Water Conditions
Stable dam releases create consistent conditions. Water stays cold year-round. Optimal flows are 80-200 CFS. Higher releases can improve fishing.
Fly Selection
Mysis shrimp patterns are essential below the dam. Mercury midges and RS2s produce year-round. Green drakes in July and PMDs through summer.
Local Knowledge
The Frying Pan receives significant pressure. Fish early or late for best results. The mysis shrimp from Ruedi Dam create large, selective trout.
Local Tips
Basalt has excellent fly shops and guide services. The Pan is worth the effort for trophy-class trout.
When is the Best Time to Fish Fryingpan?
Spring
Midge fishing is excellent as other rivers run off.
Summer
Green drake hatch in July. PMDs and caddis through the season.
Fall
Brown trout spawn. Excellent fishing with fewer crowds.
Winter
Year-round fishing. Midges hatch daily.
Recommended Equipment for Fryingpan
Rod
9-foot, 4 or 5-weight.
Line
Floating line for most situations.
Leader & Tippet
9-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Water stays cold year-round from the dam.
Essential Flies
Fryingpan Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Two fish limit below Ruedi Dam. Artificial flies and lures only.
Special Regulations
Gold Medal water. Catch-and-release in some sections.
Bait Restrictions
Prohibited - artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current regulations.
Always verify current regulations with Colorado fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Fryingpan
Local Fly Shops
- Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Basalt
- Frying Pan Anglers - Basalt
- Roaring Fork Anglers - Glenwood Springs
Guide Services
- Taylor Creek Guide Service
- Frying Pan Anglers Guides
- Roaring Fork Outfitters
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
80 - 200 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
42° - 55°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Colorado Trout Rivers
South Platte (Cheesman)
Gunnison (below Taylor)
Animas
Arkansas River
Colorado River
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