Fishing Season: Year Round

Taylor River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

46

Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Taylor River at the Catch and Release section (AKA C&R) is at 77 CFS and it should remain for the winter. There is still some late-day bug activity at the C&R – primarily Red Quill, BWO, Midge and Mahogany duns. Dry fly fishing is technical, with size 20 – 24 flies being the mainstay. Mole Flies, Foam Wing RS2’s, Massacre Midge’s and Parachute Extended Bodies 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 20 – 26 size range. Black Beauties, Tron Emergers, Slim Flashback Pheasant Tails, RS2 and Jujubee Midges have been top producers. Don't hesitate to try out some eggs as well. Presentation is key this time of year – long light leaders and tippet along with yarn indicators will keep you from spooking fish. As always, have fun, and respect this incredible tailwater fishery! The Taylor River at Almont has been descending and currently around 160 CFS. Most of the lower canyon is iced up which will make wading access very difficult. You may find some sections of open water but be careful not to put yourself in harms way, the ice shifts quickly and is very unpredictable. As always, have fun and enjoy this fantastic fishery!

Directions open in app

Map of Taylor River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Willowfly Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 2/5/26

Overnight we are getting into freezing temps, and the flows have settled into winter levels. Wade fishing can still be good where ice hasn't begun to form. We expect to see the whole river (aside from below the dam) freeze up completely over the coming weeks. Be weary of moving/shifting ice and don't take any chances walking out onto sketchy ice.

Techniques & Tips as of 2/5/26

Nymphing and Streamers

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):
Flashback Baetis Nymph Natural 20-24
Bead Head Soft Hackle Hare's Ear Nymph Natural 16-22
Chuck and Duck Sculpin Black 04-08
Elk Wing Caddis Tan 16-20
Miller's Candy Cane Shrimp White 18-22
Mole Fly Brown 18-24
Stimulator Royal / Orange 14-20
Griffin's Euro Candy Caddis Natural 14-20
Miller's D-Midge Grey 18-22
Black Beauty Black 20-22

Flashback Baetis Nymph

BWO nymphs are flies you can depend on.

1.99

Item #80AT

Buy Now

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:

Caddis, Golden Stoneflies, PMD

Best Time to Fish:

11am - 4pm

Best Stretch:

CNR

Best Access:

C&R