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The Fryingpan has shifted into the mode serious anglers respect: cold water, clear flows, and trout that expect perfection. Releases from the dam have dropped into the 40-60 cfs range in the upper tailwater section, and clarity is high—so every cast matters. With the summer hatches behind us, midges, BWOs and tiny bugs rule the day.
This is a river where technique beats volume. Get ready to fish slow and precise.
When the “easy” bugs vanish, the smart ones keep fishing.
Listen to the Audi Overview
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: Around 43 cfs in the upper tailwater section (recent report) Orvis Fishing Reports+2Taylor Creek Fly Shops+2
- Water Temperature: Approximately 40 °F
- Air Temperature: Highs near the 40s °F, lows in the 20s °F
- Clarity: Very clear
- Crowds: Moderate near access points, lighter with more hike
- Best Times to Fish: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
5 Day Weather Forecast
Stable conditions ahead: crisp mornings, bright and calm afternoons, minimal wind. The consistent weather means fewer surprises—ideal for careful drifts and sight-friendly water.
Current Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs and Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges #20-24 | Most consistent food source now |
| Secondary | Blue Winged Olives #18-22 | Short bursts on warmer afternoons |
| Tertiary | Scuds / Mysis‐Shrimp cues | Tailwater staples in deeper runs |
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide setup: Run a 10-foot 5× leader to a #18 Scud or #16 Egg pattern lead fly. Trail ~20 inches of 6× tippet to a #22 Black Beauty. Use a micro-shot ~8 inches above the lead fly and a small foam indicator set to about 1.5× depth. Fish deep runs and seams where trout hold tight.
Pro Tip: On the Pan you’ll rarely win by casting far—win by keeping drag off and depth right.
Top 10 Flies for the Month
| Fly Pattern | Size | Color Variation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Beauty | #20–22 | Black | Tailwater staple |
| Top Secret Midge | #22 | Brown / Cream | Perfect trailer fly |
| RS2 | #20 | Grey / Olive | Works during BWO windows |
| WD-40 | #20 | Brown | Proven emerger |
| Pheasant Tail | #18 | Natural | Solid all-purpose nymph |
| JuJu Baetis | #20 | Purple / Red | Midday confidence fly |
| Egg Pattern | #16 | Peach / Pink | Key for post-spawn water |
| Scud | #16 | Orange / Grey | Lower river staple |
| Mini Leech | #12 | Olive / Black | For deep shaded seams |
| Thin Mint Bugger | #10 | Olive / Brown | Swing or strip late day |
Tips Fly Fishing the Fryingpan
- Seasonal Tip: With flows low and clarity high, fish tight to structure and focus on minimal disturbance.
- Dry Fly: Expect little surface action except warm calm windows—don’t count on it.
- Nymphing: The go-to method. Depth and presentation matter more than pattern.
- Streamer: Works best early morning or late day, or when clouds build; keep retrieves slow.
Access Points
- Tailwater below Ruedi Dam (upper section) – hike in for less pressure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Mile Marker 8 downstream (mid section) – reliable access run ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Lower tailwater near Basalt – accessible but often more crowded ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Artificial flies and lures only. Many sections are catch-and-release for browns or have special rules—check the latest regulations before you go. With water low, stay off redds, stay careful with wading, and minimize your footprint.
FAQ on This Spot
Q: What are current flows and clarity like?
A: Flow is around 43 cfs in the upper tailwater and clarity is excellent, high sight-fishing visibility.
Q: When is the best time to fish this stretch?
A: Midday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when light warms the water and insect activity peaks.
Q: What flies are producing right now?
A: Midges and small nymphs dominate; go with Black Beauty, RS2, WD-40, Scud, Egg patterns.
Q: Can I wade or should I slow drift or float?
A: Wading is ideal in this section—careful access, low flows, easy to cover good water slowly.
Q: What species can I expect here?
A: Rainbows, browns and cutthroats are all present—this section is known for larger trout.
Q: Any gear tips?
A: Use 4- or 5-weight rods, fluorocarbon tippet (6× or 7×), keep slack minimal, drifts tight.
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.
