Frying Pan River
Colorado Fly Fishing
Frying Pan River
- •Slim nymph rigs through seams and slower margins just below the reservoir dam.
- •Dry flies drifting in softer current zones when BWOs or midges emerge mid-morning through afternoon.
- •Streamers in shaded banks or deep runs when bug activity slows or light drops.
Blue-Winged Olives and midges dominate in the calmer or overhanging sections of the Frying Pan. Afternoon caddis may show along shaded banks and under riparian vegetation, and terrestrials may begin to factor as the day warms and evening approaches.
Detailed Report
The Frying Pan is looking very fishable in fall mode. With flows around 160 cfs and excellent clarity, trout are more accessible than they were during high-water periods. Holding zones like seams where current slows, tailouts of riffles and pockets near structure are producing well. The water temperature in the mid-40s means trout are active but slightly more methodical, so consistent drift and good presentation matter. Early morning and evening provide the best windows, though mid-morning through early afternoon sees strong dry-fly potential when bugs are on the water. Nymph rigs in the slower margins can start producing before the dry fly show begins. Later in the day, when hatches fade or light lowers, shifting to streamers in deeper water or bank-edge structure often triggers opportunistic strikes. Because the water is clear, keep your approach stealthy: light tippet, minimal disturbance, and casts that target likely lies—not just the fastest current. Focusing on bank edges, seams and subtle structure rather than main flows pays off. The consistency of the tailwater makes it ideal for mixing tactics in one outing: begin with dries, then drop to nymphs and switch to streamers as needed.
Dries
Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, PMD Spinner #16-18, Blue-Winged Olive Parachute #18-20
Nymphs
Tungsten Bead Pheasant Tail #16-18, Jigged Hot-Orange Bead Nymph #18, San Juan Worm #12
Streamers
Baby Gonga (olive/white) #8-10, Slump Buster (black/olive) #8-10, Thin Mint (chartreuse/olive) #6-8
Other
Terrestrial Ant Pattern #10
- •Use the lightest tippet you're comfortable with—clear tailwater means trout can inspect offerings closely.
- •Don't just cast into fast water—focus on seams, bank transitions and slower pockets near current.
- •Be ready to switch tactics (dry → nymph → streamer) rather than sticking rigidly to one method when the action changes.
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