The origin of the "Fryingpan" name is uncertain, but the most colorful story is that of a group of prospectors who fled hostile Utes only to run into another encampment, whereupon one prospector remarked that they had come "out of the frying pan and into the fire." The Fryingpan valley was home to Native American hunting parties, miners, railroaders, ranchers, and recreationists since it was first explored in 1880.
The Fryingpan River is a renowned Gold Medal trout fishery whose designation stretches 14 miles from Ruedi Dam to its confluence with the Roaring Fork River in the town of Basalt. This river boasts healthy rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout populations, providing year-round fishing opportunities.
HISTORIC FRYINGPAN RIVER STUDIES | 2015 COMPREHENSIVE FRYINGPAN ASSESSMENT
FRYINGPAN-ARKANSAS PROJECT | RUEDI RESERVOIR | FRYINGPAN E-FLOW TOOLS
