Taylor River Fishing Forecast
Mysis shrimp tailwater producing Colorado record Snake River cutthroat at 31 inches
Open year-round
Year-round. Mysis-fed trout grow large
Today's Fishing Conditions
Challenging
Updated 8:47 PM
45°F
62 CFS
3 AM - 5 AM
WD-40
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Quick Facts
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout
tailwater
40°F - 48°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Prime BWO season begins. Overcast days best.
March Hatches
Mysis Shrimp
Crustacean
PRIMARY FOOD SOURCE. Trophy trout 20+ lbs on Mysis. Jujubee Mysis, Bead Head Mysis.
BWO
Mayfly
Extended BWO season in cold water. Overcast days prime. 6X tippet.
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round scud fishing. Pink, gray, olive.
Midge
Midge
Year-round midge fishing. Zebra Midges, Jujubaetis.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38-45°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds, Sowbugs |
| February | 38-46°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds |
| March(Now) | 40-48°F | BWOs, Midges, Early PMDs |
| April | 42-50°F | BWOs, Midges, PMD nymphs |
| May | 45-52°F | BWOs, PMDs, Caddis |
| June | 48-55°F | PMDs, Caddis, Tricos starting |
| July | 50-58°F | PMDs, Tricos, Caddis |
| August | 50-60°F | Tricos, PMDs, Hoppers |
| September | 48-56°F | BWOs, Tricos, Streamers |
| October | 45-52°F | BWOs, Midges, Streamers |
| November | 42-48°F | BWOs, Midges, Scuds |
| December | 38-45°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds, Sowbugs |
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.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Cutthroat Trout
Spawn months: May, June, July
Spring spawners. Timing varies by subspecies and elevation - coastal populations spawn earlier (Feb-Mar), inland populations later (May-July). Eggs develop for 6-7 weeks before hatching.
Access Points & Parking for Taylor River
Taylor Park Reservoir
Upper river access above the reservoir.
Taylor Canyon
Canyon section with excellent water.
Harmel's
Historic ranch access.
Almont
Lower river near East River confluence.
How to Fish Taylor River: Tips & Tactics
The Taylor River is one of Colorado's most scenic trout streams, flowing through a spectacular canyon. Large rainbow and brown trout thrive in the cold, clear water.
Best Times of Day
The Taylor fishes well throughout the day during summer. Caddis and stonefly hatches bring surface activity. Fall brings excellent streamer fishing.
Recommended Techniques
Match the prolific caddis hatches. Nymphing with stoneflies and caddis larvae is effective. Streamers work well for larger fish. Dry-dropper rigs are productive.
Water Conditions
Flows are influenced by Taylor Park Reservoir. Summer offers stable conditions. The canyon provides shade and cool temperatures.
Fly Selection
Caddis patterns are essential on the Taylor. Stonefly nymphs produce year-round. Hopper patterns in late summer. Woolly Buggers for streamer fishing.
Local Knowledge
The Taylor is a popular destination - expect company on weekends. The canyon provides beautiful scenery. Private water offers guided experiences.
Local Tips
Almont and Gunnison provide services. The Taylor Canyon is one of Colorado's most beautiful drives. Combine with fishing the Gunnison.
When is the Best Time to Fish Taylor River?
Spring
Fishing improves as temperatures warm. Stoneflies emerge.
Summer
Prime season with caddis and stonefly activity.
Fall
Excellent streamer fishing. Brown trout become aggressive.
Winter
Limited access due to weather. Some sections fishable.
Recommended Equipment for Taylor River
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight is standard.
Line
Floating line for most fishing. Sink-tip for streamers.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Slippery canyon rocks require care.
Essential Flies
Taylor River Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations.
Special Regulations
Some sections have special regulations.
Bait Restrictions
Check current regulations by section.
Notes
Private water requires permission or guide booking.
Always verify current regulations with Colorado fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Taylor River
Local Fly Shops
- Willowfly Anglers - Almont
- Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Basalt
- High Mountain Drifters
Guide Services
- Willowfly Anglers
- Harmel's Ranch Guide Service
- Taylor River Outfitters
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
200 - 500 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
48° - 60°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Colorado Trout Rivers
South Platte (Cheesman)
Gunnison (below Taylor)
Animas
Fryingpan
Arkansas River
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