The “Pan” begins in the mountains east of
Basalt, then flows west to Reudi Reservoir; below the dam, the river flows
through a beautiful, red stone canyon to the town of Basalt, where it joins the
Roaring Fork River. Above Reudi, the Pan splits into two forks.
Water:
Above the reservoir, the river is a tumbly, rumbly river, full of pockets and
very large boulders; below the dam, the river takes on a variety of textures,
many of which are found in close proximity. Long pools are mixed with deep runs
and powerful riffles. The lower river is fishable year round; there may be a few
times that muddy water will be a problem after a heavy rain, but the area above
Seven Castles Creek usually remains clear and fishable.
Access:
On the upper river, access is available from several county roads or by hiking
in some areas; on the stretch below the dam, there are a number of pullouts
along Frying Pan Road; watch for
posted areas on all parts of the Frying Pan. Some ranchers/landowners employ
hired “guns” to protect their claim to this river. The lower river has more
limited access every year. Be patient as you look for a spot to fish and give
the other guy plenty of room; hope they will do the same for you.
Fish:
the Pan is home to all four species of Colorado trout as well as a healthy
population of hybridized rainbows. Fish above the reservoir vary in size, but
nice trout may be taken while picking pockets in these stretches. The lower
river holds some very large trout - some over 10 pounds! The average fish is
probably a 14-16 inch brown trout; many rainbow trout inhabit this stretch as
well as a few very nice brook trout and very few cutthroat trout.
Bugs:
the insect variety in the lower Pan is fabulous, particularly in mayfly, caddis
fly and midge species. Tremendous hatches of insects are possible and likely
during much of the year. Winter will find midges; Spring and Fall offer great
BWO and midge fishing; summer months provide hatches of a variety of mayflies,
including PMD’s and the famous Green Drake, as well as blizzard hatches of
caddis flies.
Flies:
The fish on the lower Pan can be very selective; having plenty of patterns to
imitate the bugs of the season is important; size can be very important. For the
beginner or novice angler, using a large dry fly such as a Royal Wulff or
H&L Variant during Green Drake season can be very effective when fished in
fast pocket water. Larger fish are generally caught while dredging nymphs
through deep pools while sight fishing. The rule here is to change patterns
until you find the one that will work; be very careful with presentation. Light
tippet material is often call for due to the pressure the fish receive from
anglers intent on landing a “hog”.
Techniques:
On the lower river, fish can be very selective. Rise forms are usually very slow
and deliberate; good presentation is essential most of the time. Patience is
called for while trying to find a place to fish. Once a good spot is found, stay
put; there are probably fourteen others who would like your spot! Patience and
good fly presentation may be rewarded with beautiful, large trout.
Seasons:
The lower pan fishes well year around. During blizzards in the winter there are
often blizzard hatches of midges; during light rain and snows during spring and
fall there can be great BWO hatches; during the long, hot days of summer, great
hatches of caddis, PMD and Green Drakes will keep the dry fly enthusiast busy.
Rating:
The pan is arguably one of the premier trout streams in the world. The access on
the lower river can be a problem due to crowds, but patience will be rewarded.
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