Coloradofreestone
Gunnison (below Taylor) Fishing Forecast
The Gunnison (below Taylor) is a Colorado freestone where flows and clarity swing with storms—meaning the bite window can flip in a single afternoon. Anglers target rainbow trout and brown trout across riffles, seams, and undercut banks in this region, with prime dry-fly and nymph windows typically clustering in April through October. USGS gauge 09124500 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days. Local tactics angle: The Gunnison River below Taylor Dam is one of Colorado's premier tailwaters. Large rainbow and brown trout thrive in the cold, nutrient-rich water. The Black Canyon section is legendary. TroutFishing pairs hatch timing with solunar windows so you know when to be on the water—not just where.
Spring-fed Gunnison (below Taylor) is flowing at 180 CFS CFS with surface temps near 47°F°F — 5/10 today. Top pick: a WD-40.
Open year-round
Gold Medal Water (Almont to US 50; below Crystal Dam). Year-round
Forecast and on-page guide updated October 24, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.
Today's verdict
Gunnison (below Taylor)
Fair
Updated 4:37 PM
47°F
180 CFS
5 PM - 7 PM
WD-40
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October Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
October Caddis
Caddis
Large fall caddis, evening emergence
October Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Brown trout pre-spawn activity. Streamer fishing peaks.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| March | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| April | 42-52°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| May | 48-58°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| June | 54-64°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| July | 58-68°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| August | 60-70°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October(Now) | 46-56°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
freestone
46°F - 56°F
What Makes the Gunnison (below Taylor) Unique?
Signature hatch or window
BWO (Mayfly) is a headline hatch to watch in October. Peak activity often tracks 38–55°F water temps.
Distinctive access
Taylor Dam: Immediately below Taylor Dam with trophy potential.
Rules anglers miss
Artificial flies and lures only. Size and bag limits apply.
When is the Best Time to Fish Gunnison (below Taylor)?
Spring
Excellent fishing with midge and BWO hatches.
Summer
PMD and caddis hatches. Fish early to avoid afternoon heat.
Fall
Trophy season for large browns. Streamers become effective.
Winter
Year-round tailwater fishing. Focus on midges.
Recommended Equipment for Gunnison (below Taylor)
Rod
9-foot, 5-weight for technical fishing. 6-weight for streamers.
Line
Floating line for most situations.
Leader & Tippet
12-15 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet for technical fishing.
Waders
Breathable waders. Cold water year-round.
Essential Flies
How to Fish Gunnison (below Taylor): Tips & Tactics
The Gunnison River below Taylor Dam is one of Colorado's premier tailwaters. Large rainbow and brown trout thrive in the cold, nutrient-rich water. The Black Canyon section is legendary.
Best Times of Day
Year-round fishing is excellent due to stable tailwater flows. Midge hatches occur throughout the day. PMD and caddis hatches bring surface activity in summer.
Recommended Techniques
Match the prolific midge and mayfly hatches. Long leaders and fine tippet are essential. The Taylor tailwater section is technical. The Black Canyon offers remote wilderness fishing.
Water Conditions
Tailwater flows from Taylor Dam create stable conditions. Water clarity is excellent. The Black Canyon section requires hiking and commitment.
Fly Selection
Midge patterns are essential year-round. Mysis shrimp from the dam create selective fish. PMD and BWO patterns for mayfly hatches. Streamers for larger fish.
Access Points & Parking for Gunnison (below Taylor)
Taylor Dam
Immediately below Taylor Dam with trophy potential.
Almont
Confluence of Taylor and East Rivers.
The Black Canyon
Access to the legendary canyon section.
Gunnison Forks
Lower river access.
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
200 - 600 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
44° - 56°F
Ideal for active trout
Gunnison (below Taylor) Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Gold Medal water with special regulations.
Special Regulations
Artificial flies and lures only. Size and bag limits apply.
Bait Restrictions
Prohibited - artificial only.
Notes
Black Canyon is wilderness - plan for remote fishing.
Always verify current regulations with Colorado fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Gunnison (below Taylor)
Local Fly Shops
- Willowfly Anglers - Almont
- High Mountain Drifters - Gunnison
- Gunnison River Fly Shop
Guide Services
- Willowfly Anglers Guides
- High Mountain Drifters
- Gunnison River Outfitters
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Gunnison (below Taylor) — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the Gunnison (below Taylor)?
Brown trout pre-spawn activity. Streamer fishing peaks.
What flies should I bring to the Gunnison (below Taylor)?
For the Gunnison (below Taylor) (freestone), carry: Midge, Mysis Shrimp, PMD, BWO, Woolly Bugger.
What water temperature is best for trout on the Gunnison (below Taylor)?
On the Gunnison (below Taylor), trout hold between 44° and 56°F. In summer, expect temps to swing with air temperature — fish early.
Do I need a fishing license for the Gunnison (below Taylor)?
Yes — you need a valid Colorado fishing license to fish the Gunnison (below Taylor). Local season: Open year-round.. Daily limit: Gold Medal water with special regulations..
What hatches should I watch for on the Gunnison (below Taylor) in October?
BWO is the signature hatch on the Gunnison (below Taylor) in October. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.
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5/10 today · Fair