On the Fly: Fryingpan weekend

Just this past Sunday we decided to drive up the Fryingpan River. Although I always have several rods rigged and ready to go, there was no real intention to fish this day. Even though I secretly had hopes of finding some rising fish at some point to make a few casts, we really were headed up toward Ruedi to walk the dogs along the river.

Along our way up the canyon, a good group of bighorn sheep crossed the road in front of us, and some impressive rams were among them. Of course the camera was at home.

Surprisingly, for as warm as it was, we did not encounter any anglers until “Old Faithful.” Turning into Rocky Fork day-use area, we got the dogs out and headed toward the dam. Several anglers were on the river, and since it was mid-afternoon (the most productive time of day right now), we witnessed several anglers hooking up and landing fish. Although the light was fairly flat, if you looked hard enough with good polarized glasses, you could see actively feeding fish. There were a few rising fish; however, the most active fish were feeding on nymphs sub-surface. Sometimes spending a few hours just walking and watching what goes on along the river can be both entertaining and educational.

Driving down-river back to Basalt, a bald eagle cruised up-river, the bighorns were still grazing the same hillside, and we crossed paths with a few of our guides headed up-river to fish. They reported good fishing the next morning. Midges were the principal flies of choice and foam-topped RS2s, medallion midges, shuckin midges and rojo midges were the ticket.

Good fishing abounds throughout the Roaring Fork Valley right now; the warm weather has been the key factor. So whether you need to know where to go or what to use, stop by your local fly shop and check out what’s happening.

This column is provided by Taylor Creek Fly Shops in Aspen and Basalt. Taylor Creek can be reached at 970-927-4374.