Free Resource · Updated 2026

Frying Pan River Fly Hatch Chart

The Frying Pan below Ruedi Reservoir is a world-class tailwater with clear water, large trout, and year-round hatches. It is one of the most technical fisheries in Colorado, drawing experienced anglers from around the country for its consistent Midge and BWO fishing.

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout Tailwater Ruedi Reservoir, Basalt Current Month Highlighted

About Frying Pan River

The first two miles below the dam are the most productive and most pressured. The river runs cold and clear all year, which keeps the trout fat and the hatches consistent. The fish here see a lot of flies and have become discriminating. Presentation and size are more important than pattern selection most days.

Midges hatch every day of the year on the Frying Pan. In winter they are the primary food source and the fish feed on clusters and adults when conditions allow. A size 24 to 26 Zebra Midge or Mercury Midge is the standard winter setup. Patience and fine tippet matter more than anything else.

Summer brings PMDs and some Caddis activity that adds variety to the technical midge and BWO fishing. The PMD hatch is the most consistent dry fly opportunity of the year. Fall BWOs are exceptional and the river does not get crowded the way it does in summer.

See the full Colorado Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Colorado's top trout streams.

Check Conditions Near Frying Pan River

What to Fish

Frying Pan River Key Hatches

Midge

Year-round

Midges define the Frying Pan. Even on summer days with PMDs and Caddis in the air, trout are often eating midges in between. In winter it is the only game in town. Go smaller than you think you need to and use 6x or 7x tippet. The big fish in this river did not get big by being easy.

Recommended: Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge #22-26

Blue-Winged Olive

March to May, September to November

BWO hatches on the Frying Pan are among the best in Colorado. The fall hatch from September through November can produce exceptional dry fly fishing. Fish a size 20 RS2 in the film or a small Parachute Adams on top. The trout in the first two miles below the dam can be large and picky.

Recommended: Parachute Adams, RS2 #18-22

Pale Morning Dun

May to August, peak June to July

The PMD hatch is the best large dry fly opportunity on the Frying Pan. Fish rise steadily through mid-morning on good days. A size 16 PMD Sparkle Dun or Comparadun fished on a long, light leader is the standard approach. The fish here are selective so presentation beats pattern.

Recommended: PMD Sparkle Dun #16-18

Caddis

May to September

Caddis provide some of the fastest dry fly action on the Frying Pan. Evening caddis hatches in June and July bring fish up more aggressively than the technical midge and BWO fishing that defines the river. A size 16 Elk Hair Caddis or X-Caddis fished down and across works well.

Recommended: Elk Hair Caddis #16-18