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The Frying Pan River, below Ruedi Reservoir, is a fantastic trout stream. Whether fishing the upper river near the dam or exploring the lower stretches, you’re in for an exciting day of technical but rewarding fishing. Don’t forget those streamers—the browns are bulking up before the winter slowdown!
When the Flows Drop and the Fish Don’t: Fall Fly Fishing the Fryingpan Below Ruedi
Meta Description
Flows are low and cold below Ruedi Reservoir as fall releases taper off — BWOs are hatching mid-day, trout are spooky, and closures remain in effect for safety. Here’s how to fish it right now.
When the gates at Ruedi close, the river whispers instead of roars.
The Fryingpan is in that late-fall calm — technical water, smart trout, and a few die-hards in puffy jackets whispering about 6X heartbreaks.
If you like precision over power, it’s your time.
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Conditions Summary
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Flows have dropped to ~42 CFS ↓, with releases from Ruedi Reservoir significantly reduced to conserve storage ahead of winter. Water temps remain cold but steady, and trout are podded up in deep slow pools.
Midges and BWOs are the main menu — fish are picky but predictable if you keep it clean.
- Flow: 42 CFS ↓
- Water Temp: 38–44 °F
- Air Temp: 23–60 °F forecast this week
- Clarity: Crystal clear
- Pressure: Light midweek, heavier on weekends
- Best Times: 10:30 AM – 3 PM
- Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐
- Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer Score: ⭐⭐
Conditions Note:
The Fryingpan is running low and slow after Ruedi Reservoir drawdown.
Expect spooky trout and hyper-clear water — small tippet, long leaders, and precise drifts are essential.
BWOs dominate cloudy days, while midges keep fish feeding under the film.
Ruedi Reservoir Release & Closure Update
As of October 28, 2025, Bureau of Reclamation has reduced releases from Ruedi Reservoir to near-minimum winter flows (~40–45 CFS).
⚠️ Temporary closures remain posted along several sections immediately below the dam due to:
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Low water hazards and unstable bank conditions near the tailrace.
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Scheduled maintenance access zones by Reclamation crews.
Anglers should avoid fishing or wading within ¼ mile of the dam until CPW reopens the area.
Access remains open downstream from the dam parking lot to the confluence with the Roaring Fork, but expect very low water and localized pressure.
Always check Reclamation’s Ruedi Operations Updates or CPW Current Closures.
Hatch Chart (Late October–Early November)
- Blue-Winged Olives #20–22 | 11 AM–2 PM | Soft hatch window; film emergers most effective.
- Midges #22–26 | All day | Double midge rigs outperform in deeper, slow-moving water.
- Scuds & Mysis Shrimp #18–20 | All day | Tailwater staples below the dam.
Top Flies for the Week
Dry Flies
- Parachute BWO #20 — Best rig: single on 6X, 12 ft leader — How: drift across soft tailouts in midday light.
- CDC BWO Emerger #20 — Best rig: dropper off a small yarn indicator — How: swing gently through foam lines.
- Griffith’s Gnat #24 — Best rig: single on 7X — How: twitch subtly when trout sip near the seams.
Nymphs
- Mysis Shrimp #18 — Best rig: lead fly under small indicator — How: dead-drift through slow tailouts near the dam.
- WD-40 (Gray or Olive) #22 — Best rig: trailer 8–10" behind Mysis — How: lift at the end of the drift to imitate emerging BWOs.
- Black Beauty #24 — Best rig: two-fly midge setup — How: steady, clean drifts mid-column in calm pools.
Streamer
- Mini Leech #12 (Olive or Black) — Best rig: single on 4X — How: drift and slow twitch through deeper troughs in afternoon shade.
Tips for Fishing the Fryingpan
- Bring patience and 6X–7X tippet — trout see everything.
- Focus on deep pools below bends; avoid shallow riffles.
- Target late-morning light when water warms just enough to wake them up.
- Sight-fish to feeding trout; stealth beats casting distance.
- Cover water slowly — quality over quantity here.
Access Points
Dam Parking Lot (upper section): ⚠️ Partial closure near the release structure — check signs.
Mile Marker 4–6: Slower water, sight-fishing opportunities with BWOs mid-day.
Mile Marker 8 (Baetis Bend): Classic fall water; long flat runs with selective browns.
Confluence with Roaring Fork: Slightly more color and depth — best spot for small streamers.
Local Regulations & Notes
Artificial flies and lures only.
Catch-and-release strongly encouraged.
Avoid walking near redds — browns are in full spawn mode.
CPW closure signage near Ruedi Dam is enforceable — respect access limits.
FAQ
Q: Why are flows so low?
A: Reclamation reduced releases to ~42 CFS for winter storage management at Ruedi Reservoir.
Q: Is the upper section open?
A: The immediate tailwater section remains under temporary closure for safety; lower access areas remain open.
Q: Are fish still feeding mid-day?
A: Yes — small BWOs and midges remain consistent 11 AM–2 PM.
Q: Can I fish Mysis below the dam?
A: You can further downstream; upper access remains limited.
Q: What’s the best all-day setup?
A: Mysis Shrimp #18 → WD-40 #22 on 6X fluoro with micro shot.
Q: Worth bringing streamers?
A: If you’re downstream near the confluence — yes, slow swing leeches or small buggers.
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