Fishing Season: Year Round

Taylor River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

32

Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Taylor River at the Catch and Release (aka the CNR), will be bumping to 200 CFS on Tuesday, May 1st. There have been daily Blue Wing Olive, and Midge Hatches mid-day. Be prepared with a dry fly rig, as the hatch has only been lasting around 30 minutes to an hour. In the morning and evening, nymphing will still be the most productive, with flies imitating Blue Wing Olives, Midge Pupa's, and dead egg patterns. With the flows increasing, be sure to lengthen up your leaders, and increase your weight to get down. Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Cutbows are currently spawning, so be mindful of Redds and avoid fishing to actively spawning trout. As always at this technical tailrace; be respectful to other anglers, have fun, and enjoy this challenging fishery! Downstream of the CNR, in Taylor Canyon, flows have been fluctuating daily, depending on temperatures in the high country. Here in Almont, the Taylor has been hovering around 300-500 CFS. With the increase of flows, wading can be challenging, but is still very do-able. If you are considering floating the Lower Taylor stretch, hold off and float the Gunnison, as there is a river-wide strainer blocking all floatable lines. We are starting to see some hatches, with Blue Wing Olive, Caddis, and Midges fluttering around in the afternoon. Nymphing will still be your best bet, using cased caddis, caddis pupa, and BWO imitations in sizes 12 - 18. Have fun, respect, and enjoy 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 4/30/24

Focus your fishing on afternoons for the best shot at hatches and feeding trout. With warm weather in the forecast, expect higher flows in the lower section of the Taylor.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/30/24

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

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Item #80A3

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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:

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

Best Time to Fish:

11am - 4pm

Best Stretch:

C&R

Best Access:

C&R