Taylor River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Taylor River at the Catch and Release section (AKA C&R) is at 225 CFS and it Will remain at that flow through the end of July. We are starting to see dry flies! caddis along with the normal small midges – Dry fly fishing is technical, with size 16 – 22 flies being the mainstay for now. Golden Stones are sporadically being seen in the Upper Taylor so they we be at the C&R any day. Mole Flies, Foam Wing RS2’s, Massacre Midge’s, Missing Link and Parachute Extended Bodies and the Timmy Emerger have all been productive flies for us. Nymphing will still be your most productive method as the hatches are sporadic and vary from day to day. Great presentation is key, with flies in the 16 – 22 size range. Black Beauties, Extended body BWO, Slim Flashback Pheasant Tails, RS2 and Jujubee Midges have been top producers. Don't hesitate to try out some surprising patterns as well; Pats Rubber Legs can be a great pattern when the stone fly hatch is on! Long light leaders and tippet along with yarn indicators or small 'bobbers' will keep you from spooking fish. Spawning season for the Rainbow and Cutthroat is over, however, keep an eye out for Redds or spawning beds and do your best to not walk through them. Enjoy the wonderful spring days! The Taylor River at Almont is currently sitting at 280 cfs. With the warm temperatures lately, the canyon is fishing well. Target the mid to late-day window (10am on) for best results. We've had recent reports of a fairly substantial Caddis hatch during that time and some anglers have reported great success fishing subsurface emergers during the hatch. We also have just had the Green Drakes move onto the Taylor River, so be prepared to swap to the dry fly right around 10:30 or so. Some of our favorite flies during this time of the year are 20incher (sz 14-10) Two Bit Hookers in light or dark olive (18-14) HDA Variant (16-14), Firecracker Caddis, and caddis emerger patterns such as soft hackles or cripples are also seeing action. A few of our favorite dry flies currently are the Missing Link Caddis, Parachute Adams, Para Drake CDC, and Royal Wulff. A micro Peanut Envy, or Baby Double Gonga in black or olive have been great streamers as well this year. Thanks for keeping em' wet!

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