Fryingpan River Winter Fly Fishing Report: Tips, Flies, and Conditions

Updated: 12/04/2025

The Fryingpan below Ruedi is right where winter likes it, with steady tailwater clarity and predictable flows offering one of the most stable cold-season fisheries in Colorado. Week over week, trout have slid deeper into slow mid-channel troughs, feeding selectively on tiny midges and the occasional baetis emerger. The river is glassy and technical, rewarding patient drifts and long leaders rather than aggressive rigging. Clouds help, but even under bluebird skies fish are eating as long as the presentation is perfect. Expect classic low and slow winter nymphing with small windows of surface activity from mid-day midge clusters.

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Conditions Summary

Flow: Stable winter release, clear and consistent
Water Temp: Mid 30s
Air Temp: Low to mid 40s
Clarity: Crystal clear, classic Pan sight fishing
Crowds: Moderate around well known pools
Best Window: 11 am to 3 pm

Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing, because trout are feeding in slow, deep seams and require precise tiny-midge presentations to stay hooked in cold tailwater flows.

Weather

Basalt Weather
Cold mornings, brief warm-ups, and the classic Fryingpan canyon chill returning quickly when the sun drops behind the rim.

Top Flies in Your Box This Week

• Black Beauty 20 to 24
• Mercury Midge 22 to 24
• Barrs Emerger BWO 20 to 22
• RS2 Gray 22
• WD40 Chocolate 20 to 22
• Craven Juju Midge 20 to 22
• Sparkle Wing Baetis 20
• Beadwing Midge 22
• Tailwater Sow Bug 18 to 20
• Mini Leech Natural 12

Pro Rig of the Week

Below Ruedi Ultra Technical Two Fly Winter Rig

Leader: 10 to 11 ft 5x to 6x fluoro
Top Fly: Mercury Midge 22
Dropper: RS2 Gray 22
Indicator: Tiny airlock or yarn for ultra subtle takes
Weight: One micro split shot 6 to 8 inches above top fly
Target Water: Deep, even currents below the Dam Pool, Rocky Point, Bend Pool, and any long glide with visible fish holding mid-column

Hatch Chart for December

Access Points

Toilet Bowl and Dam Pool

Crowded but reliable winter holding water with unmatched clarity and consistent fish behavior.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bend Pool

Gentle currents make for ideal winter sight nymphing with long leaders and small flies.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rocky Point Access

A mix of pocket water and deeper channels offering good winter depth without heavy pressure.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

School Bus Run

Open structure and softer seams provide excellent winter holding zones.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stop Here After the River

After your session on the Pan, stop at Mountain Heart Brewery. It’s a community-minded spot off the main drag, not crowded and full of locals who appreciate river mud. Order a Sherpa Porter and the Roast Beef it hits just right after a day of earning your drift.

Local Regulations and Notes

Winter closures are not in effect
Flows are consistent but colder than normal
Watch for thin ice along shaded banks

FAQ

Q: Is dry fly fishing possible right now?
A: Yes, brief midge clusters can produce mid-day risers in calm sections.

Q: How long of a leader is required in winter?
A: Ten to eleven feet is ideal for spooky fish in clear water.

Q: Are streamers worth trying?
A: Only very small leeches worked tight to deep structure.

Q: Is the Toilet Bowl still crowded?
A: Yes, but downstream sections offer space and softer water.

Q: What tippet size works best?
A: 6x fluoro for midges and emergers.

Q: Can the Fryingpan fluctuate quickly?
A: Flows are generally stable, but check releases after storms or system adjustments.