Fishing Season: Year Round

Taylor River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

51

Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Taylor River at the Catch and Release section (AKA C&R) is at 200 CFS and it should remain at that flow through the end of June. We are starting to see dry flies! small caddis along with the normal small midges – Dry fly fishing is technical, with size 16 – 22 flies being the mainstay for now. Mole Flies, Foam Wing RS2’s, Massacre Midge’s, Missing Link 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 16 – 22 size range. Black Beauties, Extended body BWO, Slim Flashback Pheasant Tails, RS2 and Jujubee Midges have been top producers. Don't hesitate to try out some eggs as well. Long light leaders and tippet along with yarn indicators or small 'bobbers' will keep you from spooking fish. Spawning season for the Rainbow and Cutthroat is over, however, keep an eye out for Redds or spawning beds and do your best to not walk through them. . Enjoy the wonderful spring days! The Taylor River at Almont is currently sitting at 287 cfs. With the warm temperatures lately, the canyon is fishing well. Target the mid to late-day window (10am on) for best results. We've had recent reports of a fairly substantial Caddis hatch during that time and some anglers have reported great success fishing subsurface emergers during said hatch. stonefly nymphs such as Pats Rubberlegs (sz 8-12) are effective attractors as we watch the stonefly hatches move up the river! Some of our favorite flies during this time of the year are Blowtorch (sz 16-12) Two Bit Hookers in light or dark olive (18-12) HDA Variant (16-14), Firecracker Caddis, and caddis emerger patterns such as soft hackles or cripples are also seeing action. A few of our favorite dry flies currently are the Missing Link Caddis, Parachute Adams, Infinity Golden Stone, and Royal Wulff. Keep an eye out for the Green Drakes as they will soon be on the Taylor! Thanks for keeping em' wet!

Directions open in app

Map of Taylor River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Willowfly Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 6/10/26

Sunny with strong wind, particularly in the afternoons. Possibly some rain Saturday night and Sunday. Expect the river to remain the same

Techniques & Tips as of 6/10/26

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):
Holy Grail Natural 20-24
CDC Caddis Natural 14-16
Chuck and Duck Sculpin Black 04-08
Sparkle Dun Tan 16-20
Miller's Candy Cane Shrimp White 18-22
Mole Fly Brown 18-24
CDC Emerging Caddis Royal / Orange 14-20
Griffin's Euro Candy Caddis Natural 14-20
Miller's D-Midge Grey 18-22
Black Beauty Black 20-22

Holy Grail

One of the most versatile nymphs for trout, the Holy Grail takes more fish in more situations.

2.49

Item #722H

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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:

Caddis, Golden Stoneflies, PMD

Best Time to Fish:

11am - 6pm

Best Stretch:

CNR

Best Access:

C&R