The Reudi Reservoir near Aspen is famous for its Mysis shrimp and their effect on trout in its Frying Pan River tailwater. Of the three tailwaters mentioned in this piece, the Frying Pan, or "Pan," offers the best chance to catch fish that weigh over seven pounds.

The Frying Pan River below Reudi Reservoir requires light tippets, small flies, and above all, careful presentations for success. Tim Heng of Taylor Creek Flyshop spotted this rainbow, made a careful approach, and hooked the fish on his fourth cast. The fish was landed on a #20 midge larva, and 5X tippet after a 10-minute fight.

The Pan is easy to wade (normal flows: 100 cfs), has ample access, and is loaded with rock shelves that provide structure and cover for large rainbows. The upper half-mile of the river just below Reudi Dam is where Mysis have the most impact on fish population and size. You can access this stretch at the base of the dam, and parking is available off Route 104. It is classified as Gold Medal Water (catch-and-release waters designated by the Colorado Division of Wildlife as one of the best waters in the state and managed as wild fisheries) and is open year-round.

The Pan gets crowded. Sometimes it seems every visitor to the neon streets of nearby Aspen or Basalt wants to fish the Pan for a chance to hook one of its hogs.