The Fryingpan is one of the best-known tailwaters in the West, and it's worth the longer drive. The road follows the river for 14 miles from Basalt to Ruedi Dam, with pull-offs the whole way. Here's a two-day plan.
Right now
Live from USGS gauge 09080400 and National Weather Service.
- Drive
- About 3.5 hours from Denver via I-70 and Glenwood Springs (Independence Pass closes in winter)
- Water
- Gold Medal tailwater from Ruedi Dam down to Basalt
- Fish
- Big rainbows and browns; some very large fish below the dam
- Best months
- Year-round; summer and fall have the best dry-fly fishing
- Fees
- None to park along Frying Pan Road
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs fine along the river; several dog-friendly patios in Basalt
The plan
Day 1: Drive and the lower river
- MorningLeave early. Stop at a Basalt fly shop for the report and flies when you roll in.
- AfternoonFish the lower and middle river from the pull-offs along Frying Pan Road. Pick a run and fish it well; there are fish in every seam.
- EveningDinner on the river in Basalt.
Day 2: Below the dam
- MorningDrive up Frying Pan Road to Ruedi Dam. Park at the base and walk the short trail to the river. Fish mysis patterns right below the dam, where the biggest fish live.
- MiddayWork back downstream and stop at pull-offs with nobody in them.
- AfternoonHead home, or stay one more night.
Adjust for the season
- Spring: Midges and blue-winged olives, and good fishing before the summer crowds.
- Summer: Green drakes and PMDs bring great dry-fly fishing. The busiest season, so start early.
- Fall: Fewer people, active browns and blue-winged olives on cloudy days.
- Winter: The tailwater stays fishable. Mysis below the dam and midges lower down. The pool right below the dam sometimes closes for maintenance, so check with a shop.
Where to park
Base of Ruedi Dam
- About 14 miles up Frying Pan Road from Basalt. Park at the base and take the short trail to the river.
Frying Pan Road pull-offs
- Pull-offs line the road from Basalt to the dam. Watch for private land signs.
All public access along the river is signed. Between signs, assume it is private.
Fly shops
- Taylor Creek Fly Shop Fly shop and guide service in Basalt. Wade and float trips. Directions
- Frying Pan Anglers Fly shop and guide service. Licenses and rentals. Directions
Where to eat after
- The Tipsy Trout Patio on the Fryingpan. Dogs welcome outside. Directions
- Two Rivers Cafe Breakfast and lunch. Dogs at the outdoor tables. Directions
- Brick Pony Pub Casual pub. Dogs welcome at outdoor tables. Directions
- Craft Coffee House Coffee before the drive up the river. Dog-friendly sidewalk patio. Directions
If the river is blown out
The Fryingpan rarely blows out because it's a tailwater. If flows are too high to wade, or the dam pool is closed, ask a shop about the Roaring Fork in Basalt or book a float.
Want a guide?
A local guide puts you on the right water fast, and a float covers miles you can't wade. Tell us your dates and we'll match you with a local guide.
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