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 100 CFS. The C&R has been very productive; both nymphing and dry fly fishing. With the slight increase in flows, we have started to see quite a bit of bug movement, with daily Midge and Winter Stonefly hatches starting mid-morning and lasting a few hours. For the dry fly angler - Mole Fly, Mole Midge, Parachute Adams, Sprout Midge, and CDC Comparaduns have all been productive in sizes 20-24. 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 180 CFS - 225 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
Water Flow Data
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby
Willowfly Anglers5-Day Outlook as of 4/30/25
Nymphing will be the most productive throughout the day, with midge and winter stonefly hatches occurring mid-day.
Techniques & Tips as of 4/30/25
Nymphing, Single Dry
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
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Coldwater Intermediate