Frying Pan Fishing report

Hello all,

I Fished the mid section of the river this weekend and it is coming alive.. Midges behind prince nymphs or pts as usual flows are up but still clear. Do note that the Frying Pan River is one of the few rivers not affected (or affected much less severley) by runoff condidions during May and June. They recommend 7 X but I prefer 6X frogs hair as 7X just seems too small for the large trout that we have. It hurts my heart to leave flys in fish.


This particular Frying Pan River Fishing Report courtesy of Taylor Creek Flyshops

http://tayorcreek.com

Go see Will and the boys for great gear and advice.

April 28, 2009

UPPER FRYING PAN

FLOW: 219 cfsWATER CLARITY: Perfect! The water is clear and we are loving these flows! OVERALL RATING: 8.5 OUT OF 10 THE SHORT AND SWEET: It's all about the Baetis/BWO's right now. Look for good hatches to take place from noon up till 3pm. Small fluorocarbon tippets of 6X, 7X and even 8X are necessary. 6X and 7X is standard fare for nymphing on the Pan while 7X and 8X are needed for fishing dries especially in the soft/flat water. Flag Dun BWO's, No Hackle BWO's and CDC Comparaduns in sizes #20-#22 are ideal dry flies. Subsuface imitations should include the following: Poxyback Baetis, PT's, Biot Emergers, RS-2's and Barr Emergers. All in all, this is easily some of the best fishing in the West right now, plus the Frying Pan is very rarely affected by runoff conditions. If you really want to see just how good the Frying Pan is we strongly encourage you in joining one of our superb guides on this renowned tailwater.

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Midges (Gray and Black) #20-24, BWO's #20-22 (Gray,Olive, and Black) Mysis Shrimp (Clear and White) #16-20, Huevos (Yellow and Orange) #14-18, Sculpins/Streamers (Olive, White, Brown, Black) #6-10 IN DEPTH REVIEW: The fishing has been off the charts and because of that crowds are increasing especially on weekends. Keep in mind that 90% of the crowds will be tucked into the top mile or two below the dam, despite the fact that the remainder of the river is just as good (and probably even better). Look for most of your morning fishing to consist of nymphing the deeper sections of river. Small (#20-24) Baetis nymphs are best, with equally small Baetis emergers as droppers trailing behind. Keep in mind the Pan is a relitively small river, thus keep your indicator only about 4-6 feet above your split shot/weight. As the day progresses start focusing on fishing pocket water and below the riffles as the Baetis begin to get active. Right around the noon hour you should count on seeing plenty of fish up on the surface sipping BWO's and the random Midges. Just remember this, if the day is bright and sunny you will generally only find fish rising in any overhanging shade. Obviously, if the day is overcast.....well, count your blessings and enjoy fishing to hordes and pods of risers. After the hatch fizzles out concentrate on fishing deep again or going dry/dropper/dropper. The BWO's generally peak during late April and through May thus why the fishing is so good and only getting better. Egg and Mysis patterns are also effective. Eggs have been good throughout the entire river while Mysis have been fishing well in the Toilet Bowl and Flats. As always, don't rule out slinging some streamers when times are slow, or even for that matter at any time. Just be sure that you are covering water!

Appropriate Patterns Dries: Flag Dun BWO, No Hackle BWO, CDC Comparadun BWO, Para Quill BWO, Para. Emerger BWO, Sparkledun BWO, Spent Midge, Bills Midge Emerger, Hi Vis Griffiths, Sprout Midges Nymphs: Pheasant Tails, Poxyback Baetis, Barr Emerger BWO, Jujubees, RS-2's, Biot Baetis, Batwings, Johnny Flashes, Mojo Midges, Black Beauty Emerger, TC Red Midge Larva, Zebra Midges, Epoxy Mysis, Tims Mysis, Flashtail Hot EggStreamers: Tan and Olive Stingin' Sculpins, Black and Olive Slump Busters, Stingin' Clousers, Tan and Olive Ziwi's, EP Micro Minnow, Sculpzilla's, Mini Sculpins, Autumn Splendors Hints: 7X Tippet!!! For any of your dry fly fishing 7x is mandatory. At times, 8X will be needed if you are fishing flat water coupled with bright sun. Even when nymphing, we fish 6x going to our lead/point fly and 7x going to our dropper. For streamers, tippet size is irrelevant.

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