Frying Pan Anglers celebrates 40th season in Basalt

In the heart of Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, Frying Pan Anglers is commemorating its 40th season — a milestone that underscores the shop’s enduring legacy since its founding in 1986 by Roy Palm. 

Situated at 231 Midland Ave. in downtown Basalt, Frying Pan Anglers has long served as a trusted resource for fly-fishing enthusiasts seeking to explore the Frying Pan, Roaring Fork, Colorado, and Crystal rivers. Its presence has become foundational to the region’s fishing culture, providing expert guidance, essential gear, and an open-door ethos that has attracted anglers of all experience levels.

In 2023, stewardship of the shop passed to Taylor Thackston, a Virginia Tech alumna with a degree in animal and poultry sciences. After guiding locally for two years, Thackston embraced the opportunity to lead Frying Pan Anglers, bringing with her a reverence for tradition and a youthful drive to evolve the fly shop into something more accessible and inclusive.

“I purchased the business in 2023 and moved from Virginia. Like everyone else, I came here for the fishing, and couldn’t bring myself to leave,” she said. “I planned for a three-month vacation and stayed for a lot longer. I managed and guided at Frying Pan Anglers for two years and was offered the business afterwards. It was something I couldn’t walk away from.”

Under her direction, the shop has deepened its commitment to welcoming anglers of all backgrounds and skill levels, aiming to dismantle outdated stereotypes of exclusivity in fly-fishing culture.

“This is like a ski shop in a lot of ways. Everybody came here from somewhere else. Even our guides who have been here for 30 years came from somewhere else,” she said. “We all found our special spot in the valley and realized how special the fishing is here, so hearing everyone’s backgrounds and stories, working together toward the same goals with the same core values — fishing and conservation — is really cool.”

She emphasized that Frying Pan Anglers is unique in its openness, aiming to make fly-fishing education approachable and engaging.

“A lot of people think of fly shops, and they think they need a passcode to find out where to go fishing and the working fly,” she said. “My staff and I — I am a 26-year-old angler and entrepreneur — so we have a young crowd, mixed in with our more experienced fly fishing guides. We are trying to break the traditional narrative. We want the fly shop to be like a library where people are not afraid to ask questions or for resources.”

Among the shop’s most storied figures is veteran guide Harry Portland, who began guiding in 1999 and has become a fixture of the valley’s fishing scene. Residing off-grid along the upper Fryingpan River without internet or a cellphone, Portland exemplifies a purist’s devotion to the river and its rhythms.

“I have guided for multiple shops in the valley over the years, but I stuck with Frying Pan Anglers because I just like the shop in general,” Portland said. “Every day is a new day, and I really enjoy working with all of the different people we have come into the shop.”

His deep knowledge of seasonal hatches and river conditions has become a resource for clients seeking both success and serenity on the water.

“Fly fishing is essential to the Roaring Fork Valley. It’s something that happens year-round, and has been a part of this valley long before skiing was even being considered,” Portland said. “People think fly fishing is something new, but it was here before the ski areas, and will probably be after the ski areas.”

He noted that hiring a guide significantly enhances the experience, particularly for couples or beginners.

“We are going to get you into the right spot, and get the trip going how people want to do it. It’s especially great when fishing with a significant other, because that can be a lot of stress trying to teach them on your own,” he said with a laugh. “A lot is going on while fly fishing, and we can get people into the right spots where they can actually see the fish, and we know the exact spots where the hatching is occurring.”

Portland added that understanding river cycles is essential, as factors such as weather, water temperature, and time of year can dramatically affect fish behavior.

Frying Pan Anglers offers an expansive suite of services to support all levels of angling expertise. These include walk-and-wade tours, float trips, alpine lake excursions, private instruction, and even wintertime ice fishing. 

The shop also provides a weekly river report every Monday, a fully stocked retail selection with rods, reels, fly lines, and apparel, and a dedicated guide school that cultivates future professionals.

“We want people to come in to ask about river flows, what hatches are happening — we do a river report every Monday,” Thackston said. “We want to break that narrative of the intimidation factor and come in to share our passions.”

She added that hiring a guide is not just about catching fish — it’s about deepening one’s understanding of the craft.

“We have a great pool of guides who are very instructive and patient. I always recommend getting a guide. That is four to eight hours with a professional, on the water, where you can pick their brain and practice,” she said. “You can watch YouTube videos or read books all you want, but practicing by doing is a great way to jumpstart your passion.”

For Thackston, the heart of fly fishing lies in its infinite potential for growth and discovery.

“There is no such thing as a grand master with fly fishing. Some people have been fishing a lot longer and are super knowledgeable, but there is always something to learn; there’s always a new fly pattern, and a new way to set up your rod,” she said. “Fly fishing is really awesome because it’s really involved, and you can get as involved or not involved as you want. There is so much education that can happen, and needs to happen, that you can get lost in it and have an amazing experience.”

As Frying Pan Anglers marks four decades of service, it remains a stalwart of the Basalt community, defined not just by its longevity but by its unwavering commitment to education, conservation, and the transformative joy of casting a fly on a wild Colorado River.

To learn more about Frying Pan Anglers, visit http://www.fryingpananglers.com. To book a guided trip, Thackston said they prefer clients call directly to ensure they are matched with the most suitable guide and receive personalized assistance.