Gunnison (below Taylor) Fishing Forecast
Gold medal water
Open year-round
Gold Medal Water (Almont to US 50; below Crystal Dam). Year-round
Today's Fishing Conditions
Challenging
Updated 2:11 AM
37°F
-999999 CFS
11 PM - 1 AM
Zebra Midge
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
freestone
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Skwala
Stonefly
Early season stonefly, hatches on warm afternoons
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Midge
Midge
Year-round in tailwaters, winter staple
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(Now) | 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 | 46-56°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
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.
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.
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.
Local Knowledge
The Black Canyon is a bucket-list destination requiring commitment. The Taylor Dam section is more accessible but technical. Gunnison and Almont are the gateway towns.
Local Tips
Gunnison is a classic mountain town. The Black Canyon is one of the most challenging and rewarding fishing experiences in Colorado. Plan carefully.
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
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
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
200 - 600 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
44° - 56°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Colorado Trout Rivers
South Platte (Cheesman)
Animas
Fryingpan
Arkansas River
Colorado River
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