Frying Pan River Fly Fishing Report Near Aspen

The Frying Pan River, below Ruedi Reservoir, is in fantastic shape this October. The river is flowing at a smooth 195 cfs, and the water is clear, cool, and brimming with trout that are keyed in on midges, BWOs, and the famous Mysis shrimp. As the hatches roll in waves, trout are happily rising to dry flies or gobbling nymphs in deeper runs. Whether you’re 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!

October 2024 Fly Fishing Report: Frying Pan River

Current Conditions

The Frying Pan River is running like a well-oiled trout factory this October! With gin-clear water and flows just perfect for fall fishing, the trout are eager to fatten up before winter. The browns are getting feisty as they prepare for the spawn, and the rainbows are happily cruising in the deeper runs, waiting for a well-presented fly. The combination of midges and BWOs hatching keeps both the nymphing and dry fly game strong. And let's not forget the stunning fall colors—if the trout don’t take your breath away, the scenery certainly will! Bring your A-game, and maybe a camera—you’ll want to remember this one.

• Flow Rate: 195 cfs (below Ruedi Reservoir)
• Water Temperature: 48°F
• Clarity: Crystal clear
• Best Times: Mid-morning to late afternoon

Hatches & Recommended Flies

Nymphs

• Mysis Shrimp (#16-18): Essential for targeting big trout near the dam.
• Zebra Midge (#20-24): Perfect for the slower sections, especially in the morning.
• Pheasant Tail (#18-22): This classic works well in riffles and deeper pools.

Dry Flies

• Blue-Winged Olive (#18-22): Effective on cloudy afternoons with active surface feeders.
• Parachute Adams (#20-22): A versatile dry fly that works well in both fast and slow water.
• PMD Sparkle Dun (#16-18): Excellent for the upper river during the afternoon hatch.

Streamers

• Sculpzilla (#6-8): Great for targeting big browns in deeper pools.
• Woolly Bugger (#6-10): A go-to for working the slower water or along the banks.
• Autumn Splendor (#6): Effective in early mornings or low-light conditions when trout are on the move.

Fishing Tactics on the Frying Pan River

• Nymphing: As the water cools, nymphing becomes even more effective. Mysis shrimp patterns paired with a small midge are perfect for targeting trout in the deeper pools near the dam.
• Streamer Fishing: Big browns are gearing up for winter, and streamers will provoke aggressive strikes. Focus on casting near structure or along undercut banks.
• Dry-Dropper Setup: A BWO or Caddis dry with a midge dropper is a great way to target both surface and subsurface feeders, especially in the afternoon.

Access Points

• Ruedi Dam to Mile Marker 8: The upper river is perfect for targeting larger fish, especially with Mysis shrimp patterns.
• Mile Marker 8 to Basalt: The middle river offers a mix of riffles and deeper pools, with excellent public access and fewer crowds.
• Lower Frying Pan (near Basalt): The lower section is ideal for hopper-dropper setups and targeting trout in more secluded stretches.