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
Water Flow Data
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby
Willowfly Anglers5-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
-
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
-
Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
-
Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
-
Best Fly Fishing Rod:
5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
-
Best Floating Fly Line:
WF Trout Fly Line
-
Best Sinking Fly Line:
Coldwater Intermediate