Frying Pan River (Ruedi) — October Fly Fishing Report: BWOs & Technical Drifts

The Frying Pan River, below Ruedi Reservoir, is a fantastic trout stream. Whether fishing the upper river near the dam or exploring the lower stretches, you’re in for an exciting day of technical but rewarding fishing. Don’t forget those streamers—the browns are bulking up before the winter slowdown!

The Frying Pan is flowing at 170 CFS below Ruedi, crystal-clear, and in prime fall shape. This tailwater stays consistent when freestones fluctuate, making it a fall gem. Blue Winged Olives are the bread-and-butter hatch, joined by midges and the occasional October Caddis. Fish are selective—classic Frying Pan style—so long leaders, tiny flies, and delicate drifts are mandatory. Expect pods of rising trout in slicks when clouds settle in.

• Flow Rate: ~170 CFS — steady and perfect for technical fishing
• Water Temp: ~40 °F, cold and consistent from Ruedi release
• Clarity: clear — trout are spooky, sight-fishing opportunities excellent
• Best Times: late morning through afternoon (BWOs); evenings for streamer probing
• Primary Hatches: BWOs, midges, occasional October Caddis
• Crowds: medium — always a favorite in fall, especially the Flats
• Confidence: 50% — trout picky, but steady if you match the hatch
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ — rewarding but technical fall fishing

 

 

Midges — ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blue Winged Olives — ⭐⭐Frying Pan River (Ruedi) — October Fly Fishing Report: BWOs & Technical Drifts⭐
October Caddis — ⭐
Caddis (tan #16–18) — ⭐

Note: The “Pan” demands precision—think #20–24 BWOs and midges on long tippets.

 

 

Dries

• Blue Wing Olive (#18–20) — parachute or sparkle dun
• Griffith’s Gnat (#20–22) — clusters for midge pods
• CDC Comparadun BWO (#20–22)

Nymphs / Emergers

• RS2 (gray/olive, #20–24)
• WD-40 (#20–24)
• Barr’s Emerger BWO (#20–22)
• Flashback Pheasant Tail (#18)
• Two-Bit Hooker (#16) — Pro pick

Streamers

• Brown Bugger (#10)
• Mini Leech (black/olive #12)

• Flat water: sight-cast to risers with BWOs or Griffith’s Gnat.
• Dry-dropper: small BWO dry with RS2 or WD-40 18–24” below.
• Midge drift: go 6X/7X tippet, slow seams, subtle presentation.
• Streamer probe: deeper bends below Ruedi can hold aggressive browns.
• Rig Note: 12–14 ft leaders, 6X/7X fluorocarbon tippet for stealth.

• The Flats (mile 0–1): classic sight-fishing water, pods of risers.
• Baetis Bend: consistent BWO water with gentle seams.
• Toilet Bowl: classic below Ruedi dam, but heavily pressured.
• Miles 2–6: mix of riffles and deep slots, ideal for nymphing.

1. Is 170 CFS wadeable? Yes, very manageable and ideal for technical fishing.
2. Best hatch right now? BWOs, especially under cloud cover.
3. What about midges? All-day food source—tiny patterns essential.
4. Streamer bite worth it? Yes, especially lower river bends.
5. What leader setup? 12–14 ft, 6X–7X fluorocarbon.
6. Crowds? Medium, especially in the upper Flats.
7. Best daily window? 11 AM–3 PM for BWOs; dusk for streamer swings.
8. Best beginner spot? Lower river riffles—less technical than the Flats.