Fly Fishing the Fryingpan River

Reudi Reservoir, above Basalt, Colorado, is famous for its Mysis shrimp and their effect on trout in its Fryingpan River tailwater. The Fryingpan is classified as Gold Medal Water (catch-and-release waters designated by the Colorado Division of Wildlife) and one of the best waters in the state managed as wild fisheries.

I had spent an hour wading in the river shooting various scenes of fisherman. In mid summer this popular stretch is usually covered with guides and clients testing their skills, but nearly vacant this morning. The popularity of this section is due to the cold water release from Reudi Reservoir, less than a quarter mile upstream, that contains an abundance of the tiny Mysis shrimp that trout feed on.

While warming my feet on shore I caught sight of two fisherman - one with his pole bent and shaking, the other gesturing his hands on to the next course of action. A full 10 minutes later Goeffrey Smith of Tulsa, Oklahoma (left in photo) landed this 22" Brown. I was lucky that Mike Thomas, a fishing guide from Taylor Creek Outfitters in Basalt, asked me to take a few photos of his client's prize with his camera. They held on to the fish for a few extra moments to let me shoot my pan, then gently let their prize swim away.

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USA-Canada / USA-Colorado

Lat: 39° 21' 45" N
Long: 107° 50' 21" W

→ maps.google.com [EXT]

Precision is: Unknown / Undeclared.

Canon 20D, Sigma 8, hand held