Fishing Season: Year Round

Taylor River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

37

Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Taylor River at the Catch and Release (A.K.A. the C&R) is at 202 CFS. The C&R has been very productive; both nymphing and dry fly fishing. With last week's increase in flows, we have started to see quite a bit of bug movement, with daily Midge and BWO hatches along with some small caddis starting mid-morning and lasting a few hours. For the dry fly angler - Mole Fly, Parachute Adams, Furminski's BDE BWO, and Griffeths Knats have all been productive in sizes 20-24. Terrestrials such as Ant's and Beetle's have been getting attention as well. Nymphing will find the most success early in the day, and after the hatch has ended. Mysis Shrimp, Eggs, Baetis and Midge patterns working the best with some of our favorites being a Candy Cane Mysis, D-Midge, Juju Baetis, and classic Pheasant Tails. The Rainbow Trout are in the middle of Spawning Season! These fish are making the next generation of Taylor River Giants - avoid fishing to actively spawning trout and don't wade through cleared Gravel Beds. Size up your tippet, play fish quickly, and return them to the water as fast as possible to reduce stress on them during this critical time of year for our fishery. As always; respect, have fun and enjoy this incredible tailwater tailrace! Downstream of the C&R, the Taylor River is hovering between 350 - 480 CFS. Warmer overnight temperatures will increase the flows from our feeder streams, and colder nights slow down the flow. The canyon is plenty wade-able right now, and based on snowpack forecasts, should be throughout the entire summer. Nymphing and streamer fishing have been the most productive. We have been seeing midge, small caddis, and BWO hatches throughout the river, but fish are not quite looking up to take a dry. Our top flies have been HDA Variant #12-16, Olive & Black Perdigons #16-20, Frenchi #16-20, RS2 #18-24, Blindside Midge #20-22, and Montana Roe Trout Beads 6MM. Productive streamers have been Baby Gonga's, Sculpzillas, and Thin Mints. Rainbow and Cutthroat trout are in the middle of their spawn! Although it may not be as easy to spot Redds in the canyon, be diligent in avoiding wading through them. As always; have fun, respect, and enjoy this fantastic tailwater fishery!

Directions open in app

Map of Taylor River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Willowfly Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 5/26/25

Nymphing will be the most productive throughout the day, with midge, BWO, and caddis hatches occurring mid-day.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/26/25

Nymphing, Single Dry

Local Species Available Year Round

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Willowfly Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Bead Head Micro Midge Natural 18-22
Bead Head Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail Natural 18-22
Bead Head Barr Emerger Grey 18-22
Griffith's Gnat Peacock 18-24
Miller's Candy Cane Shrimp White 18-22
Mole Fly Brown 18-24
Adams Grey 20-22
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig Natural 18-22
Miller's D-Midge Grey 18-22
Black Beauty Black 20-22

Bead Head Micro Midge

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Item #80A3

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Willowfly Anglers's Recommended Gear

Description: About Taylor River

The Taylor River is fed from high up in the Colorado Rockies and drains into Taylor Reservoir at about 9,300 feet. The tailwater below the dam flows down through Taylor Canyon some 20 miles before it joins the East River to form the Gunnison River at Almont. The Taylor is a medium-sized river which contains deep pools and pocket water, and plenty of riffles and runs. The bottom releases from Taylor Reservoir provide constant and predictable flows, and consistent hatches throughout the season. The Taylor River contains a very high density of trout, including wild browns, rainbows, and cutthroat. Some rainbow trout are also stocked during the season. The upper section of the Taylor River just below the dam is designated catch-and-release (C&R) water. This is trophy trout water with a lot of fish in the 8 to 12-pound range, along with some much larger fish. These big wild trout enjoy a constant food source which includes a steady diet of mysis shrimp and midges. The C&R section can be very challenging and requires some technical angling skills. This section of the Taylor River can be fished year round. There is plenty of public access throughout Taylor Canyon. It can be a difficult river to wade, so many anglers use a wading staff for added safety. Chest waders are recommended. A 9-foot 5-weight fly rod is a good all purpose choice for the Taylor River. The peak season is from mid June to mid September, and fall fishing in Taylor Canyon can be spectacular.

Nearest Airport:

Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport

Hatches:

Midges, Winter Black Stonefly, BWO

Best Time to Fish:

11am - 4pm

Best Stretch:

CNR

Best Access:

C&R