Right now
Live from USGS gauge 09080400 and National Weather Service.
What to tie on now
- Flies
- Mysis #16–18 at the Toilet Bowl, midges #22–24, Baetis
- Rig
- 7x and patience at the dam. Fish the lower river with a standard two-nymph rig.
Best flow range here: about 40 to 250 cfs. The live flow above tells you where today sits.
Flies checked against local shop reports on Nov 15. Ask at the local fly shop for what hatched this morning. They know before we do.
- Water
- Fryingpan tailwater below Ruedi Reservoir, down to Basalt
- Drive from Denver
- About 3.5 hours; best as an overnight
- Access
- Pull-offs along Frying Pan Road
- Best for
- Huge mysis-fed trout and great hatches
- Season
- Year-round
- Gauge
- USGS 09080400, Fryingpan River near Ruedi
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs generally fine on public stretches
Where to park
Base of Ruedi Dam
- From Basalt, Frying Pan Road runs about 14 miles up to the dam. Park near the base and take the short trail to the river.
- Pull-offs all along Frying Pan Road below the dam for the rest of the Gold Medal water.
Lots, fees and hours change. Check posted signs when you arrive.
Overview
The Fryingpan runs about 14 miles from Ruedi Dam to Basalt and is one of the most famous tailwaters in the West. Right below the dam, mysis shrimp grow outsized trout. Farther down, the river is known for its hatches, and big summer green drakes draw anglers from all over.
The Toilet Bowl vs the lower river
- Toilet Bowl (just below the dam): trophy fish eating mysis. Crowded and very technical. Bring 7x and patience.
- The lower river: more room and more willing fish, with standard nymph rigs and good dry-fly fishing during hatches.
Flows
Ruedi releases set the river. Winter flows are often low and clear, which makes for technical fishing. Summer and fall releases can run higher. Check the gauge before the long drive.
Hatches and flies
- Mysis #16–18 near the dam
- Midges #22–24 in winter
- Baetis in spring and fall
- PMDs and green drakes in summer
- Caddis in early summer
Planning the trip
From Denver, the Fryingpan works best as an overnight in Basalt. Fish the lower river on day one to get dialed in. If you want to try the Toilet Bowl, go early on day two, before the crowd arrives.
Know before you go
- Check the live gauge the morning you go. A release change can turn a good day into a slow one.
- Read the exact stretch's rules in the CPW Fishing Atlas, since special regulations vary within a river.
- Carry a current Colorado fishing license. Annual licenses run April 1 through March 31.
- Check the road: COtrip for I-70, US-285 and US-24 in winter.
- Pack for the season: in cold months, gloves, hand warmers, a thermos and traction for icy banks.
Where to eat and gear up
Stops in Basalt. Dog-friendly means leashed dogs on the patio; call to confirm, especially in winter.
| Stop | Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The Tipsy Trout | Dogs welcome on patio | Patio on the Fryingpan |
| Capitol Creek Brewery | Dogs welcome on patio | Patio + beer garden |
| Two Rivers Cafe | Dogs welcome on patio | Breakfast under a pergola |
| Taylor Creek Fly Shop | Fly shop / tackle | Oldest shop on the Pan |
| Frying Pan Anglers | Fly shop / tackle | Weekly Monday report |
Questions anglers ask
- What is the Toilet Bowl on the Fryingpan?
- The pool just below Ruedi Dam, where mysis shrimp grow very large trout. It's crowded and technical.
- Is the Fryingpan worth the drive from Denver?
- As an overnight or long weekend, yes. It's one of the best year-round tailwaters in the state.
- When does the Fryingpan fish best?
- It fishes year-round. Summer brings the famous green drakes, and winter is quieter, technical midge fishing.
- Are there dog-friendly restaurants near Fryingpan River?
- Yes. In Basalt, The Tipsy Trout, Capitol Creek Brewery, Two Rivers Cafe welcome leashed dogs on their patios. Patios are seasonal, so call ahead in winter.
- Where can I buy flies or tackle near Fryingpan River?
- Taylor Creek Fly Shop is the closest shop. Oldest shop on the Pan.
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