Fryingpan River Fishing Report — August 22, 2026

Flows on the Fryingpan are still all over the place this week — managers have continued adjusting releases and that inconsistency makes it hard to plan a trip or predict what you'll find when you get there. Conditions can look completely different from one day to the next, and even morning to afternoon.

A word of caution: wading on the Pan at these flows can be genuinely dangerous. Fluctuating releases can raise water levels quickly and without much warning. If you're wading, be conservative, know your exits, and never turn your back on the river. When in doubt, stay on the bank or fish from shore.

That said, fish are still there and can be caught — you just need to be ready to adapt. Focus on slower, softer water away from the main current seams, and be willing to move if a spot isn't producing. Smaller nymphs fished deep have been the most consistent approach, and don't overlook the banks and eddies where fish stack up to wait out the changes.

What to Throw on the Fryingpan Right Now

• Mysis Shrimp — Size 18–22 — A Fryingpan essential, especially near the dam and Toilet Bowl where Mysis flush out of Ruedi Reservoir. One of the most reliable patterns on the Pan year-round.
• Pheasant Tail Nymph — Size 16–18 — A Fryingpan staple. Fish it deep on a tight line when flows are up and fish are holding low.
• RS2 — Olive — Size 18–22 — One of the most consistent producers on the Pan, especially near the Toilet Bowl and in slower tailouts. Works as a dropper or under an indicator.
• Zebra Midge — Size 20–24 — When fish get selective between hatches, a Zebra Midge in black/silver or red/black is hard to beat. Always have a few.
• Green Drake Dry Fly — Size 10–12 — Green Drakes have been showing on the Pan. When the hatch kicks off, rising fish are everywhere — be ready with a Comparadun or CDC pattern.
• PMD — Pale Morning Dun — Size 16–18 — A reliable mid-morning producer. Match with a Parachute PMD or Sparkle Dun when fish are sipping in the slower seams.
• Blue Wing Olive — BWO Comparadun — Size 18–22 — BWOs come on strong on overcast days and in cooler morning hours. A go-to on the Pan when conditions are right.
• San Juan Worm — Size 10–12 — With flows fluctuating, a San Juan Worm is a great search pattern to find active fish in off-color or higher water.

We're keeping a close eye on the release schedule and will update conditions as things change. Stop by Glenwood Springs Outdoors at 831 Grand Ave, Glenwood Springs for the most current read on what's happening out there before you head out.