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.
The fish of the Frying Pan been trained by some of the best anglers around the world, so be prepared to work hard for not only the big bruisers but some of the dinks as well. 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.
Flows are low and slow and the river traffic has slowed to a crawl on this incredible Colorado tailwater making for some techincal but rewarding angling. Now is one of the best times of year to get up to the Basalt area and get a bend in the rod. 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, with great guides and highly knowledgeable shop staff, they'll help you get into the fish.
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
