Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Frying Pan - Below Ruedi Reservoir - Colorado

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

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

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best 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.

Best 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.

Local Fish

  • 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 River

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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