Frying Pan - Below Ruedi Reservoir - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Frying Pan – Below Ruedi Reservoir - Water Flow Chart
Frying Pan – Below Ruedi Reservoir - Weather report & radar
Frying Pan – Below Ruedi Reservoir - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | 11am – 4pm | 18-26 | Black Beauty, Miracle Midge |
| February | Midges | 11am – 4pm | 18-26 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge |
| March | Midges | 11am – 4pm | 18-26 | Zebra Midge, Miracle Midge |
| April | Midges, BWO | 9am – 2pm | 18-22 | RS2, Juju’s Baetis |
| May | BWO, Caddis | 9am – 2pm | 16-20 | Rogue Foam Stone, Hares Ear Nymph |
| June | Green Drakes, Pale Morning Dun | 9am – 2pm | 10-14 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Copper John |
| Red Quill, Caddis | 8am – 2pm | 16-20 | Rogue Foam Stone, Stimulator | |
| July | Green Drakes, Pale Morning Dun | 9am – 2pm | 10-14 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Copper John |
| Red Quill, Caddis | 8am – 2pm | 16-20 | Rogue Foam Stone, Stimulator | |
| August | Green Drakes, Pale Morning Dun | 9am – 2pm | 10-14 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Copper John |
| Red Quill, Caddis | 8am – 2pm | 16-20 | Rogue Foam Stone, Stimulator | |
| September | Midges, BWO | 9am – 2pm | 18-22 | RS2, Juju’s Baetis |
| October | Midges, BWO | 9am – 2pm | 18-22 | RS2, Juju’s Baetis |
| November | Midges | 11am – 4pm | 18-26 | Black Beauty, Miracle Midge |
| December | Midges | 11am – 4pm | 18-26 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge |
Frying Pan – Below Ruedi Reservoir Access Points
The Frying Pan River below Ruedi Reservoir is a goldmine for fly-fishing enthusiasts, providing access to a variety of fish species. Here are some of the best access points.
- The Toilet Bowl: Known as the river’s most fertile spot, it lies just below the dam. Boundless food supply ensures fishes grow big here.
- The Flats: This grassy flat is perfect for catching large trout, especially in spring and fall.
- The Bend Pool: A naturally occurring elbow in the river, it provides ample opportunity to catch several species.
- MM10 Bridge: Located at Mile Marker 10 on Frying Pan Road. Upstream from this bridge is private, downstream is public and teeming with fish.
- The 7 Castles: A great spot offering deep pools and rocky areas, perfect for experienced fly-fishers.
Frying Pan – Below Ruedi Reservoir Fishing Spots
Fly fishing on the Frying Pan River, especially below the Ruedi Reservoir, offers incredible spots for avid fishermen. Each spot presents unique opportunities for various fishing styles and fish species.
- The Toilet Bowl: This spot, located right below the dam, is renowned for its large fish, but it can be crowded due to its popularity.
- The Flats: Offering a quarter-mile of public fishing, the Flats has a wide variety of fish species from browns to rainbows.
- Seven Castles: Accessible with a hike, this spot is less crowded and presents a beautiful, serene fishing environment.
- Dead Man’s Curve: Just miles downstream of Ruedi Reservoir, this area provides a peaceful fishing setting and a reasonable selection of wild trout.
- Frying Pan Campground: A particularly suitable spot for beginners due to its calm waters and decent fish population.
Frying Pan – Below Ruedi Reservoir Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout – One of the most common species found in the Frying Pan, Brown Trout are challenging to catch due to their feisty nature and evasive maneuvers.
- Rainbow Trout – Noted for their vibrant colours and swift movements, Rainbow Trout offer an exciting catch for fly-fishermen.
- Brook Trout – This freshwater fish is popular amongst anglers and offers a pleasant fight.
- Greenback Cutthroat Trout – A native of Colorado, it is one of the most sought-after species due to its rarity.
- Mountain Whitefish – Although not as colorful as other species, Mountain Whitefish present a substantial challenge, which makes reeling them in a satisfying achievement.
- Colorado River Cutthroat Trout – Noted for their aggressive bite, this is a valuable catch for any fly-fisherman.
- Snake River Cutthroat Trout – Another native species of the region, Snake River Cutthroats put up a vigorous fight, adding to the thrill of the catch.
- Yellow Perch – Smaller than the trout species, Yellow Perch are still a rewarding and persistent species to chase.
About the Frying Pan – Below Ruedi Reservoir
The Frying Pan, a precious 14-mile fly-fishing stream nestled in Colorado’s mountains, sits below the Ruedi Reservoir. This famed wonder draws fishing enthusiasts from all over, thanks to its bounty of rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout.
Dating back to the 1960s, when the Bureau of Reclamation constructed the Ruedi Dam, the Frying Pan River was a marvel of engineering and conservation created to control floods and irrigate the valley. Remarkably, this resulted in a cold, controlled, and nutrient-rich tailwater – a paradise for trout.
- The name “Frying Pan” comes from a local legend in which a prospector survived an attack by using a frying pan.
- Since 1968, by virtue of its rich ecological value, the Frying Pan River has been designated as a Gold Medal trout fishery – the highest ranking in Colorado.
So take a trip down to the stunning Frying-Pan River, and experience a piece of Colorado’s angling history. You might just land the catch of a lifetime!
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