The Frying Pan River of Colorado is one of the rivers I have enjoyed fly fishing on for over 40 years (I started back in the day when the famous Chuck Fathergill owned his outstanding fly shop in Aspen)  . It is the consistent flows that help make it a dependable trip (there are always exceptions) due to the lake at Rudi Dam filtering the water. Large trout in the Blue Ribbon area from the dam towards Basalt could easily give you the largest fish you have ever caught, quality hatches, clear cold waters and beautiful scenery make for a wonderful experience. The river travels through a gorgeous canyon, having carved its way through the Maroon Formation - a red sandstone with it's unique, rugged beauty.  There is public access along 90% of the road from the dam to Basalt.  The few private water areas are clearly marked.

"Born near the continental divide just northwest of towering Mount Elbert, which stands at 14,433 feet, The Frying Pan flows northwest towards the town of Meredith. Although the best fishing is found mainly below Ruedi Reservoir this area can be accessed and fished from Route 4 and Frying Pan Road. The river above Ruedi Reservoir is made up mostly of pocket water with a few runs and pools along the way. From Meredith the Frying Pan flows nearly due west through Ruedi Reservoir and eventually to the town of Basalt where it meets the Roaring Fork"  http://www.flyfishingconnection.com/fryingpan.html

My wife, Betty with a nice Frying Pan Trout

Most trout streams have their own particular beauty and the Frying Pan with a contrast of the red sandstones and evergreen pines and firs makes for a tranquil setting. Although the dominant fish in the Pan is Brown Trout, there are also Rainbows, Cutthroats, and an occasional Brookie. Year-round hatches mean you can fish in winter while your friends go skiing. A warm day in winter can be the same as a cold day in summer. The fish might be acting a bit different, but don't dismiss winter fishing. the fishing area in the tailwaters is Gold Metal, catch and release for the section from the Ruedi Dam downstream to the Roaring Fork for all fish except Browns. Maximum size for Browns is 14". Artificial flies and lures only. All Brown Trout over 14" must be returned to the water.  I used Orvis Zero Gravity #4 rods on the Frying Pan and found them to be perfect for this water.  Orvis has proven to be the product line I have been relying on for over 40 years of fly fishing around the world.

(Click Map for Details)

The river can be a little crowded in the summer, and some aggressive guides intruding into your pool, or asking you not to fish near "their area" where they have their clients.  This is one of the few places in my fishing over the world that I have encountered this attitude, and I was warned about it by a large number of local fishermen.  I suggest if you encounter this while being guided, that you mention to your guide (even though he is being protective of your interest), that you feel it is public water and the other anglers have the same right there that you all have.  Having a guide with you does not mean "possession of the water!"   On the other hand, being at a pool should not give us the right to stay there for six hours denying other fishermen the right to get a chance to fish it.  We should fish an area for a while, then move on up or down the river and let others enjoy the pool or run.  For many years we have had professional courtesy toward other fishermen on the water, and I hope we can continue to see this practiced in the world of fly fishing.  The English have taught us a lot in this respect, and we may need to import some of them along our banks to help restore this "gentlemen's policy" in the world of fly fishing.

Landing another nice brown near the "bridge pool" in the Gold Metal area near the dam.

The closest, and best fly fishing shop is Taylor Creek located in Basalt as one leaves out of the town toward the dam - located in the strip mall to the right.  This shop has an excellent inventory and large number of experienced guides.  I have found them to be very knowledgeable about what flies to use on the water and the quality of their flies are excellent.  The selection of products in their store is "top of the line" and you may just catch what you need on their sale rack.

Happy fly fishing.