Fishing Season: Year Round

Taylor River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

34

Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Taylor River below Taylor Park Reservoir, A.K.A. the C&R, is at 87 CFS. It is expected to hold at these flows until April 1st, 2025. As we approach spring here in Almont, Rainbow trout will be moving into their spawning areas. Be diligent and aware of Redds; avoid fishing to and wading across cleared gravel beds. These will eventually be the next generation of Taylor River giants, and we want to respect their spawning cycle. The C&R has been fishing well, primarily nymphing. Be on the lookout for late afternoon hatches, as we are seeing some BWO and Midge activity starting up. Span Juan Worms, Candy Cane Mysis Shrimp, D-Midge, Flashback Pheasant Tails, RS2's, Juju Baetis, and Black Beauties have all been productive flies in size 18-24. If you do end up catching a hatch, be prepared with Mole Flies, Parachute Adams, or your favorite small midge dry in size 20-22. As always; have fun, enjoy, and be courteous to others at this fantastic tailrace! Downstream of the C&R, the Taylor is thawed, but the stream gauge is still iced over. We are estimating the flows to be anywhere from 90-120 CFS. Even though the river is open, please be careful wading as there are still large ice shelves surrounding the banks of the river; they are quite unstable this time of year with large temperature fluctuations. Fishing has been quite productive, both nymphing and streamer fishing. Target slow, deep pools; as the trout have yet to move out of their winter holding areas. The fish are quite opportunistic this time of year, eating a wide variety of flies. Some top producers for us have been a Chartreuse Mop Fly, Squirmy Worm, Blowtorch, Frenchie, Baby Gonga Olive, Thin Mint, Myers Mini Leach. If you are struggling to find success, size down your flies, and extend the overall depth of your nymph rig. As always; have fun, enjoy, and respect this incredible tailwater 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 3/20/25

Nymphing will be the most productive. Try a streamer to cover more water and get some aggressive takes.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/20/25

Nymphing, Streamers, 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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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