Frying Pan River
Colorado Fly Fishing
Frying Pan River
- •Small dry-dropper setups with size 20–24 dries and emergers
- •Light nymph rigs in deeper tailouts
- •Single RS2 or Midge Emerger below a small indicator
- •Sight fishing to rising fish in slicks and back eddies
- •Streamers along shaded banks during the last hour of daylight
Blue-winged Olives (BWOs) continue to dominate through the afternoon, especially on cloudy days. Midges are consistent in slower water, providing a steady food source throughout the day. Sporadic October Caddis can be seen along the banks near dusk, but the main activity remains small mayflies and midges.
Detailed Report
The Frying Pan is in excellent shape for fall fishing. Flows are steady around 110 CFS, keeping the river clear and cool. Consistent BWO hatches have produced great dry fly fishing from about noon until 3 PM, particularly in the upper river below the dam. Early mornings are best approached with small midge nymphs and emergers fished lightly weighted. As the sun warms the water, trout move into riffles and seams, feeding confidently on small mayflies. Sight fishing opportunities are abundant — stealth and accurate presentations make all the difference in these clear conditions. Streamer fishing in the evening has started to pick up. Browns are staging in deeper pools and undercut banks, responding well to smaller, natural-toned streamers stripped slowly or swung through tailouts. With water temps in the high 40s, trout are active but selective — perfect conditions for technical anglers.
Dries
CDC BWO #20–22, Griffith's Gnat #22–24
Nymphs
RS2 #20–22, Black Beauty #20–22, Midge Emerger #22–24
Streamers
Mini Dungeon (tan or olive) #8–10, Woolly Bugger #10–12
Other
Orange Egg #16, Ant #14–16
- •Approach with stealth — the fish are spooky in clear fall flows.
- •Match your tippet size to fly size (6X or lighter for small dries).
- •Focus on seams and slow tailouts during afternoon hatches.
- •When the hatch fades, swing small soft hackles to pick up extra fish.
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