Aspen, CO winter fly?

[jcotrel1]

Does anyone have any recommendations on good public winter fly fishing spots near Aspen, CO? I have an opportunity to go for a few days (probably mid February) for only the cost of the plane ticket. Last time I fished out there, I wasted a lot of money on a guide. I could have done a better job myself.


Thanks,
Jim

[Byron haugh]

Well, leave Aspen and go down to Basalt and fish the upper Frying Pan. You should catch some large, beautiful trout!

[planettrout]

Check the regulations but unless otherwise stated, most of the Pan and Fork are open all year...

http://wildlife.state.co.us/SiteColl...fork_color.pdf

PT/TB

[Paddy80701]

ACCESS THE UPPER ROARING FORK AT "WOODY CREEK" RIGHT IN ASPEN. Use " Snow flies". At the upper frying pan "toilet bowl" use Mysis shrimp patterns and small (20-22) PTN,GRHE, Prince Nymph. Check out the Colorado fishing network on the internet !
TIGHT LINES. PADDY

[kglissmeyer]

Here is a killer mysis shrimp pattern that I use locally. I know it is a bit larger than most mysis patterns, but it does the trick where mysis are present:

KG's South Fork Mysis


Hook:DaiRiki 125 size 16
Thread: 8/0 Clear Mono
Bead: 3/32 silver
Abdomen/Tail:Pearl Krystal Flash -
over-wrapped with clear mono tying thread
Thorax: Pearl Ice Dub

[CoachBob]

Paddy is pretty much right on but, in February expect very little of the Roaring Fork to be fishable due to ice. You can fish the upper Frying Pan regardless of temperature, but everyone knows this so don't get there after 9am if you want a decent spot. The best locations are near the turn of the waterway above the handicap access. Mysis are the key and the skimpier the pattern the better.I watched a fisherman take many with a fly dressed with only a few strands of polar hair and some red thread. High sticking is the most productive.
You must rent a car if you are in Aspen because you first go down mountain about 20 miles to basalt then back up about 14 miles the other side of town to the upper Frying Pan.