The Monster Bows of Memorial Day

Fresh outta college and bumming around his homewaters, Woody stuck this behemoth Frying Pan River Rainbow on 5-27-10.

The Frying Pan River and it's world famous rainbow trout that grow to epically large proportions, are being seen and hooked in solid numbers. For the past three days now at least one massive rainbow has been landed daily along the upper river near the dam at Ruedi Reservoir. This includes two, 29" inch fish and one, 28" inch fish. Your shot at landing that "fish-of-a-lifetime" is now! This never lasts long and the timing and weather are perfect. Props to Jason, Kristen, and Woody for their stellar catches. Feels like the days-of-old on the Frying Pan anymore....we're lovin' it! For the past few years now, record setting snow packs have been making this holiday weekend more challenging for anglers as water flows of 250-500 plus cfs were common.

After a normal snow pack this past winter (09'-10'), water flows are expected to remain near 110 - 150cfs nearly through the month of June. These lower flows make fish wary, especially the big boys and girls. Sight fishing is critical to being successful up here; a keen eye will definitely give you significantly more shots at fish. Light fluorocarbon tippets of 6x and 7x are always recommended. Look for fish to key in on midges early in the day, while midday offers up the best baetis fishing. Attractor patterns like mysis shrimp and eggs are also fishing well.

Hot flies: TC Hippie Mysis 16-18, TC South-of-the-Border Mysis 16-18, BTS Mysis, TC Flashtail Mini Eggs 14-18, Pandemic Baetis 20-22, TC Black Poxyback Baetis 20-22, TC S.T.D. Baetis 18-20, Barr Emerger BWO 20-22, TC Boogers 18-20, Flag Dun Black/Olive 20-22, Roy-Boy's 18-20, HOH Spent Midge 22, TC Bills Midge 20-24, P-Tails 18-22, RS-2's 20-22.

-Poke your head in the shop and we'll get you dialed in on the best flies. Remember, TC Fly Shop has more custom/local flies for the Frying Pan and the Roaring Fork Valley than all other fly shops combined. Our staff of contract fly tiers have originated many of your favorite patterns and continue to push the envelope with new, trick flies yearly. Stop by the shop and find your new and old favorite fly patterns!


When you stick that pig, remember to fully revive the fish the fish prior to releasing it. That same fish has probably been caught by anglers before you and hopefully after you.

To our troops and vets, we thank you for your service. It's because of you that we can earn a living as fly-fishers. Kirk Webb and the crew at Taylor Creek.