Fishing Season: Year Round

Taylor River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

36

Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Taylor River below Taylor Park Reservoir, A.K.A. the C&R, is now at winter flows at 85 CFS. They will remain here until spring. Be diligent and aware of Redds, as some Brown trout are still in their spawning areas and Rainbow's are starting to move into them as well. Avoid fishing to actively spawning trout, and don't wade in areas with clean gravel beds. The C&R has been very productive throughout the day, primarily nymphing, with some sporadic Midge hatches in the afternoon. As the overnight temperatures begin to get below the 20's, hatches will be pushed back later into the day. Top Secret Midge, D-Midge, Flashback Pheasant Tails, RS2's and Zebra Midges have all been productive nymphs, along with Candy Cane Mysis, Charlies Mysis, and Tim's Mysis shrimp. All of these in 18-24 sizes. If you are looking to throw dries, Mole Flies, Parachute Adams, CDC Comparaduns, and Griffiths Knats are all great options. As always; have fun, enjoy, and be courteous to other anglers at this fantastic tailrace! Downstream of the C&R, the Taylor is frozen over. There are a few patches of open water here and there, but be extremely careful when wading. Ice shelves are incredibly dangerous to walk on, and can break off and float downstream.

Directions open in app

Map of Taylor River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Willowfly Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 2/17/25

Focus your fishing on afternoons; and be sure to layer up!

Techniques & Tips as of 2/17/25

Nymphing, Single 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):
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, BWO

Best Time to Fish:

11am - 4pm

Best Stretch:

CNR

Best Access:

C&R