Fishing Season: Year Round

Taylor River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 46°

Temp:

46°

Water Temp:

32

Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Taylor River at the Catch and Release (aka the CNR), is still at winter flows around 100 CFS. There will be the first bump in flows on the Taylor on May 1st. Fishing has still been quite productive, with daily winter stonefly and midge hatches. Blue Wing Olives are also on the way. Nymphing is going to be the best bet in the early mornings, and evenings, using a variety of midge, baetis, and egg patterns, all in sizes 18-26. Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Cutbows are currently spawning, so be mindful of Redds and avoid fishing to actively spawning trout. Downstream of the CNR, in Taylor Canyon, we are starting to see some runoff come in from the feeder streams with flows in Almont at 291 CFS. If you are planning to float the Lower Taylor stretch (5 Mile Bridge - Almont), hold off and float the Gunnison. There is a downed tree (strainer) all the way across the river, blocking all floating lines with this flow level. Otherwise the canyon has been fishing well. Although we are seeing some midge, caddis, and BWO hatches, nymphing has still been the most productive. Perdigons, frenchis, hare's ear, and midges in sizes 14-22 have been the most effective patterns. As always, enjoy, respect, and have fun on this amazing yet challenging 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 4/24/24

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 4/24/24

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