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 (aka the C&R) is now at spring flows of 202 CFS. This will continue to be bumped up gradually through the middle of June. With the increase of flows over the last two weeks, the Rainbow and Cutthroat trout have moved to the heat of the spawn, and there are ever-increasing amount of Redds at the C&R. Be ready for Midge and Blue Wing Olive hatches mid-day, carrying a dedicated dry fly rod is recommended. In the morning and late afternoon, nymphing will be your best bet, with flies imitating Blue Wing Olives, Midge Pupa's and eggs. With deeper water comes longer leaders and more weight. Be sure to get your flies down, and as always at the C&R, presentation is key. This technical tailrace can get quite busy; respect other anglers, have fun, and enjoy this incredible yet challenging fishery. Downstream of the C&R, in Taylor Canyon, flows are hovering around 300 - 350 CFS depending on the weather. Bugs are starting to move around, with many Midge, Blue Wing Olive, and Caddis hatching in the afternoons. The water temp is still quite cold, so expect fish to be feeding on nymphs and emergers rather than adults. Hare's Ear, Caddis Pupa, Perdigons, Frenchie, and Dark Olive Two Bit Hooker's are all good bets to find success. The Strainer (Downed Tree) on the Lower Taylor stretch has been removed, so feel free to start floating! As always, have fun, respect, and enjoy this technical tailwater.

Directions open in app

Map of Taylor River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Willowfly Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 5/8/24

Focus your fishing on afternoons for the best shot at hatches and feeding trout.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/8/24

Nymphing, Streamers, and dries (if you see rising fish).

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

Image Not Found

Item #80A3

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:

Winter (little black) Stonefly, Midges, Blue Wing Olive, Caddis

Best Time to Fish:

11am - 4pm

Best Stretch:

C&R

Best Access:

C&R