Frying Pan River
Colorado Fly Fishing
Frying Pan River
- •Tiny midge and baetis nymphs (#20–24)
- •Long 12–14 ft leaders for dry fly BWOs
- •Egg–midge or egg–RS2 combos (egg season is strong here too)
- •Light nymph rigs in deeper slow pools
Midges dominate throughout the day, especially in slow pockets and deeper pools. BWOs become the star attraction when cloud cover settles in — long, soft hatches that bring trout to the surface in steady feeding rhythms. Eggs remain part of the menu as browns finish spawning, and fish are sliding into deeper pockets to feed on them. Mysis are still present only in the upper 1–2 miles. ** Please note: The City of Aspen has shut down the hydropower plant until Nov 14th, making area immediately downstream of the dam, the "toilet bowl area" unfishable during this time. **
Detailed Report
The Frying Pan is fishing exceptionally well for late fall. Clear, cold flows at 44 CFS are creating ultra-technical conditions that favor anglers who fish small, subtle, and precise. Nymphing with midges and baetis patterns remains consistent throughout the day, with trout holding tight in softer, deeper water. The true magic of the Pan right now comes with cloud cover. When the sky goes gray, BWOs hatch for long, stable windows — producing the iconic slow, rhythmic rising behavior the Pan is famous for. These are the moments where long leaders, fine tippet, and tiny dries or emergers truly shine. Egg season is absolutely in play. Browns are still finishing up their spawn, and trout are feeding heavily on drifting eggs. A peg egg paired with a small RS2 or Top Secret Midge is extremely effective.
Dries
BWO Sparkle Dun #20–22, CDC BWO Emerger #20–22, Griffith's Gnat #20–24, CDC Loop Wing BWO #20–22
Nymphs
RS2 #20–24, Black Beauty #20–24, Top Secret Midge #20–24, Barr's BWO Emerger #20–22, Mysis #16–18
Streamers
Small Thin Mint #10–12, Mini Sculpin patterns
Other
Peg eggs (peach, apricot, orange), Glo Bugs #16
- •Approach with stealth — the fish are spooky in clear fall flows.
- •Cloudy days = legendary BWOs — don't leave the river.
- •Go long on leaders (12–14 ft) with 6X–7X tippet.
- •Eggs + tiny midge trailer is a top-performing combo.
- •Present your fly first — not your leader or indicator.
- •Sight-fish whenever possible in clear, low water.
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