Fishing Season: Year Round

Taylor River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

53

Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Taylor River at the Catch and Release section (AKA C&R) is at 55 CFS. We are expecting hold there for the winter. Dry fly fishing is very technical, with size 18-24 flies being the mainstay. The sought after dry fly hatches (drakes, caddis, stone flies, PMD) are done, with the Blue Wings seeming to move into their place. Mole Flies, Foam Wing or CDC Wing RS2’s, Massacre Midge’s, Timmy emerger, Adult midges and Parachute Adams are all great patterns to work with if you want to dry fly fish. Nymphing will remain your most productive method as the hatches are sporadic and vary from day to day. Great presentation is key; with flies in the 18-24 size range such as, Black Beauties, KF Flashers, Slim Flashback Pheasant Tails, and Bling Midges have all been top producers. Don't hesitate to try out some surprising patterns as well; A size 18-22 rainbow warrior can have surprising results! Long light leaders and tippet along with yarn indicators or small 'bobbers' will keep you from spooking fish. Spawning season for the Brown Trout is just around the corner, so keep an eye out for Redds or spawning beds and do your best to not walk through them. Enjoy the beautiful Fall days before they are gone! The Taylor River at Almont is currently sitting at 101 CFS. With the recent flow drop water conditions have stabilized. We've had recent reports and experience of mixed hatches including Trico, and BWO's, which will continue to proceed up the Taylor and getting towards the top. Anglers are reporting great success fishing subsurface emergers during the hatch. Some of our favorite nymph patterns during this time of the year are Jigged Pheasant Tails (sz 16,18) Two Bit Hookers in light or dark olive, HDA Variant, Frenchie's and Spanish Bullets. Emerger patterns such as soft hackles or cripples are also seeing action. A few of our favorite dry flies currently are the Bionic Ant, Parachute Adams, Timmy Emerger, Chubby/Stubby Chubby, and Extended body Blue Wing Olives. A micro Peanut Envy, or Baby Double Gonga in black or olive have been great streamers as well this year. Thanks for keeping em' wet!

Directions open in app

Map of Taylor River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Willowfly Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 10/7/26

Partly Cloudy, with a few rainy days in the forecast.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/7/26

Nymphing, Dries, 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):
Hairwing Western Green Drake Natural 20-24
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig Natural 16-20
Sparkle Dun Tan 16-20
CDC Emerging Caddis Royal / Orange 14-20
Miller's Candy Cane Shrimp White 18-22
Mole Fly Brown 18-24
Miller's D-Midge Grey 18-22
Flash Back Pheasant Tail Slim Black 18-22

Hairwing Western Green Drake

Rough water demands this high-floating Hairwing Western Green Drake mayfly pattern.

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, Drakes, Golden Stoneflies, PMD

Best Time to Fish:

11am - 6pm

Best Stretch:

CNR

Best Access:

C&R