Fryingpan River Tactics: Stalking Trophy Trout in October's Low Flows

It is October 21st, and the Fryingpan is running at a miserly 45 CFS. Don’t let that low flow number scare you off, though. I’ve spent 30 years on the water in the Roaring Fork Valley, and I can tell you that when the water gets skinny, the true trophy trout start acting like they own the place. Yeah, the upper four miles are running a bit cloudy due to some shifting at the dam, but the fish don’t seem to mind the sediment—they just want to eat. Right now, it is all about those Blue Winged Olives and midges. If you are standing there with a heavy hopper rig, you are just practicing your casting. Tie on a size 20 or 22 BWO emerger and keep your presentation dead-drift perfect. These fish are spoiled, and they have seen every fly in the catalog. You need to be precise, or you are going home empty-handed. I have been putting my clients on some serious big rainbows and big browns lately, but you have to work for them. When I’m out in my new Clackacraft drift boat, I’m looking for the subtle tail-outs where those fish are sipping midges during the first light. While the Fryingpan is my home turf, don't forget that this is the best time of year for scenic float fishing across the region. Whether you are hitting the Eagle below Edwards or looking for big fish on the Roaring Fork near Basalt, the Aspen area fly fishing scene is firing on all cylinders. And for those planning a bachelor or bachelorette party, skip the bars and get your crew out on a drift boat. There is nothing like a day of driftboat fishing to clear the head and prove who actually has the touch. I usually bring my Sage fly fishing rods for the precision work and Hardy fly fishing reels for when those big browns decide to make a run for the wood. The sun is harsh right at midday, so focus your energy on the mornings and those golden hours right before the sun dips behind the ridge. If you want to stop guessing and start catching, come see us at Aspen Angling Company. I will get you into the right riffles and show you why this valley is the premier destination for serious anglers. Book a trip with me, and let’s put you on the fish of a lifetime.