Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Temp:
46°
Water Temp:
32
Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week
The Taylor River at the Catch and Release (aka the CNR), is still at winter flows around 100 CFS. There will be the first bump in flows on the Taylor on May 1st. Fishing has still been quite productive, with daily winter stonefly and midge hatches. Blue Wing Olives are also on the way. Nymphing is going to be the best bet in the early mornings, and evenings, using a variety of midge, baetis, and egg patterns, all in sizes 18-26. Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Cutbows are currently spawning, so be mindful of Redds and avoid fishing to actively spawning trout. Downstream of the CNR, in Taylor Canyon, we are starting to see some runoff come in from the feeder streams with flows in Almont at 291 CFS. If you are planning to float the Lower Taylor stretch (5 Mile Bridge - Almont), hold off and float the Gunnison. There is a downed tree (strainer) all the way across the river, blocking all floating lines with this flow level. Otherwise the canyon has been fishing well. Although we are seeing some midge, caddis, and BWO hatches, nymphing has still been the most productive. Perdigons, frenchis, hare's ear, and midges in sizes 14-22 have been the most effective patterns. As always, enjoy, respect, and have fun on this amazing yet challenging tailwater fishery!
Directions open in app
Water Flow Data
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby
Willowfly Anglers5-Day Outlook as of 4/24/24
Focus your fishing on afternoons for the best shot at hatches and feeding trout. With warm weather in the forecast, expect higher flows in the lower section of the Taylor.
Techniques & Tips as of 4/24/24
Nymphing, Streamers, and dries (if you see rising fish).
Local Species Available Year Round
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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 |
Willowfly Anglers's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
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Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
WF Trout Fly Line