Fishing Season: Year Round

Taylor River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

34

Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week

The C&R is at flows of 550 CFS, and will continue to taper down throughout July. Nymphing deep, will be the most productive way to target this stretch until fish start looking up for drys around the middle of the day. Top flies have been Miller's Candy Cane Mysis, Charlie's Mysis, Tim's Mysis, Juju Baetis, Zebra Midge, Bling Midge, RS2, and Pheasant Tails. All in size 18-24. With the larger flows, be sure to size up your tippet and use plenty of split shot to get into the zone. The Gunnison and East are still running high, creating more pressure here at the Catch and Release. As always have fun, be courteous to other anglers, and enjoy this technical tailrace! Downstream of the CNR at Almont, we are seeing flows hovering around 900-1200 CFS, varying daily depending on the overnight temperatures and rainfall. Floating is going to be the best way to cover ground, and nymphing/streamer fishing have been the most productive. Getting down to the zone is the name of the game, DONT be afraid to use some extra split shot. Pat’s Rubberlegs, Rainbow Warrior’s, Hare’s Ear, Baby Gonga, and Sculpzillas are all good options. The river is extra pushy, and most of the normal holes have been blown out. If you are looking to wade on the Taylor, the C&R or the Taylor upstream of the reservoir are both great options. We are starting to see Caddis and Golden Stonefly hatches throughout the Taylor. If you are looking to throw dries, target evening fishing.

Directions open in app

Map of Taylor River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Willowfly Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 7/19/24

Focus your fishing on afternoons for the best shot at hatches and feeding trout.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/19/24

Nymphing, Streamers, and dries (if you see rising fish).

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, Blue Wing Olive, Caddis

Best Time to Fish:

11am - 4pm

Best Stretch:

C&R

Best Access:

C&R