Fryingpan River
The Fryingpan River near Basalt, Colorado is a Gold Medal tailwater below Ruedi Dam, with big browns and rainbows and easy road access.
- 55 miRiver length
- 4Game fish
- 40Access points
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Fryingpan River
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About the Fryingpan
The Fryingpan River runs from Ruedi Dam down to Basalt, where it meets the Roaring Fork. A paved road follows the river most of the way, so access is easy and the fishing pressure shows it. It is Gold Medal water and one of the best known tailwaters in Colorado.
The river is cold, clear and steady because the dam controls the flow. Anglers know named spots like The Flats, The Bend Pool and the water just below the dam. Lower down near Basalt the river picks up more of a freestone feel.
The Fryingpan holds brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and cutthroat. Big fish are the draw, and they have seen a lot of flies.
You can fish here all year. Midges and blue-winged olives are around through the cold months. Pale morning duns, caddis and the famous green drake hatch bring the best dry fly action in summer. Mysis shrimp patterns are a local staple.
Most people wade. Higher dam releases make wading harder. Much of the Gold Medal water is catch and release with fly and lure restrictions, so check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife rules before you go.
Fryingpan River near Ruedi, CO
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Nearby gages
- Lime Creek near Thomasville, CO3.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 09079450
- Last Chance Creek near Norrie, CO4.2 mi away Not reporting USGS 09078475
- Hunter Creek Feeder Conduit near Aspen, CO8.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 09073720
- Hunter Creek Conduit Bypass near Aspen, CO8.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 09073721
- Roaring Fork River below Maroon Creek near Aspen, CO9.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 09076300
- Roaring Fork River near Aspen, CO10.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 09073400
- Roaring Fork River above Difficult Creek near Aspen, CO12.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 09073300
- Roaring Fork River above Lost Man Creek near Aspen, CO15.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 09072550
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
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Tips for fishing the Fryingpan
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Know the release before you leave
Ruedi Dam releases change the river fast. Check flows first because higher water makes wading hard and changes where fish hold.
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Use the road to your advantage
Fryingpan Road follows the river, so you can scout several spots before you commit. Walk a little away from the pullouts to find less pressured water.
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Go small and stay quiet
Fish here see a lot of anglers. Fine presentations and quiet wading usually beat big flashy flies.
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Learn the green drake window
The green drake hatch pulls anglers from all over. Mornings and evenings can get busy, so plan to arrive early or fish the days around it.
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Read the sign at each access
Some water is public and some is private along the road. Respect posted land and stay below the high water mark where it is allowed.
Every access point on the Fryingpan, in your pocket.
- 40 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Fryingpan
Fryingpan River FAQ
When is the best time to fish the Fryingpan River in Basalt?
The river fishes year round. Midges and blue-winged olives cover the cold months. Summer brings pale morning duns, caddis and green drakes.
Where can I fish the Fryingpan River near Basalt?
Fryingpan Road follows the river from Basalt to Ruedi Dam. Popular water includes the area below the dam, The Flats and The Bend Pool, and several spots closer to Basalt and the Roaring Fork.
Can you wade the Fryingpan River?
Yes. Most anglers wade, and the river is very walkable at normal flows. Higher dam releases make wading harder, so check the flow first.
What flies work on the Fryingpan River?
Midges, blue-winged olive patterns, pale morning dun comparaduns, and green drake parachutes are all classics. Mysis shrimp patterns and the Pheasant Tail nymph are common choices. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working today.
What fish are in the Fryingpan River?
The river holds brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and cutthroat trout. The browns and rainbows are the big fish people come for.
Are there special regulations on the Fryingpan River?
Yes. Much of the Gold Medal water has catch and release rules and fly or lure restrictions. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations for the exact stretch you plan to fish.
