Fishing Season: Year Round

Taylor River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

56

Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Taylor River at the Catch and Release (A.K.A. the C&R) is at 291 CFS. The C&R has been fishing well; both with nymphs and dry flies. We are still seeing quite large midge hatches daily, with some BWO and Caddis mixing in. Nymphing will be your best bet to find trophy fish; with nymphs such as Juju Baetis, Slim Pheasant Tail, D-Midge Purple, Tron Emerger, and Flash Bang Midge. The Mysis bite has been off and on. When the trout are keyed in on them, Candy Cane Mysis, Charlie's Mysis, Tim's Mysis, and BTS Mysis have been our go to options. All of these have been best in sizes 20-24. When the fish start looking up pick out some Mole Flies, Film Critic BWO, Parachute Adams, Parachute Ant Black, and Corn Fed Caddis. Most of your takes will be on size 20-26 midge patterns, but fish will take an ant or caddis when presented well! Be aware of where you are wading, stay off of cleared gravel beds as the freshly fertilized eggs need a chance to develop into the next generation of Taylor River Giants! As pressure increases, be courteous to other anglers, have fun, and enjoy this phenomenal yet technical tailrace! The Taylor River in Almont is at 367 CFS. This will fluctuate with varying weather, but will continue to hold around 350-400 CFS for the next few weeks. The Canyon has been fishing well all around! We have been seeing quite a few Golden Stones, Medium Brown Stones, and Caddis hatching throughout the system, and are starting to see some PMD's hatch closer to Almont. Royal and Yellow Stimulators, Chubby Chernobyl's, Missing Link Caddis, and Puterbaugh Caddis have been our most successful dries. Streamer fishing is a blast right now, with patterns like the Swim Coach, Sculpzilla, and Thin Mints finding the most success. That being said, nymphing will be the most productive method throughout the entire day. Pat's Rubberlegs, Jigged Hare's Ear, Two Bit Hooker, Perdigons, and Prince Nymphs have been finding our guides success. As always, have fun, enjoy and respect this incredible 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 7/10/25

BUGS! Caddis and Golden Stoneflies are out and about. Be prepped for hopper dropper and dry fly fishing!

Techniques & Tips as of 7/10/25

Hopper Dropper, Double 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):
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Natural 12-18
Bead Head Soft Hackle Hare's Ear Nymph Natural 14-16
Higa's S.O.S. Black 14-16
Elk Wing Caddis Tan 14-18
Miller's Candy Cane Shrimp White 18-22
Mole Fly Brown 18-24
Stimulator Royal / Orange 10-16
Griffin's Euro Candy Caddis Natural 14-18
Miller's D-Midge Grey 18-22
Black Beauty Black 20-22

Tunghead Pheasant Tail

Adding tungsten beads to mayfly patterns is relatively new.

2.99

Item #144J

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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:

Caddis, Golden Stoneflies, PMD

Best Time to Fish:

11am - 4pm

Best Stretch:

CNR

Best Access:

C&R