Frying Pan River Fishing Report – October 24, 2026
Share
Report date: October 24, 2026 | Frying Pan River, Colorado
The Frying Pan River continues to fish well and is our recommended option for anglers in the Roaring Fork Valley following this week’s rain. Flows dropped a couple of days before this report, so expect lower water and more technical fishing. Blue-winged olive (BWO) and midge hatches are still providing opportunities for anglers concentrating on small insects and careful presentations.
Frying Pan River conditions: lower flows after the drop
While much of the Roaring Fork Valley has been affected by rain this week, the Frying Pan remains the river we would focus on right now. The recent flow reduction calls for a more deliberate approach. Take time to watch the water, make careful casts, and adjust your presentation to the lower flows.
Hatches to focus on: blue-winged olives and midges
Both BWO and midge hatches are still fishing well. Focus on smaller insects and precise presentations rather than covering water quickly. Watch how trout are feeding before choosing between a surface pattern and a subsurface fly.
Three flies for the week
These three suggested patterns match the BWO and midge activity described in this report. They are fly-box recommendations, not a claim that each individual pattern was tested this week.
- BWO Comparadun: A low-riding dry fly to consider when trout are taking blue-winged olives at the surface. Aim for a natural, drag-free drift through the feeding lane.
- RS2 - Olive: A small subsurface option to consider during BWO activity when fish are feeding below the surface. Concentrate on a controlled dead drift in the lower water.
- Zebra Midge - black/silver: A midge nymph option for the ongoing midge activity. Adjust your rig’s depth and weight to the water you are fishing rather than relying on the same setup throughout the day.
Planning your Frying Pan fishing trip
For this week’s conditions, prioritize the Frying Pan, be ready for technical lower-water fishing, and bring BWO and midge patterns. This report reflects observations for October 24, 2026; conditions can change after publication.
Stop by Glenwood Springs Outdoors at 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO, for help selecting flies for your trip. Check back next week for another Frying Pan River fishing report.