Taylor River Fishing Forecast
The Taylor River anchors Colorado trout culture for anglers who want a forecast that respects real hydrology—not a generic “fish today” badge. Species mix centers on brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout, with tactics shifting from weighted nymphs in cold water to dries and terrestrials as afternoons warm during April through October. Because it is tailwater-influenced, the Taylor River rewards anglers who read release schedules and carry both indicators and tight-line rigs. USGS gauge 09109000 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days.
Spring-fed Taylor River is flowing at 71 CFS CFS with surface temps near 55°F°F — 6/10 today. Top pick: a Stimulator.
Open year-round
Year-round. Mysis-fed trout grow large
Forecast and on-page guide updated September 8, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 11:58 PM
55°F
71 CFS
4 AM - 6 AM
Stimulator
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September 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.
September Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Fall BWOs return. Excellent dry fly.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38-45°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds, Sowbugs |
| February | 38-46°F | Midges, BWOs, Scuds |
| March | 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(Now) | 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 |
Quick Facts
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout
tailwater
48°F - 56°F
What Makes the Taylor River Unique?
Signature hatch or window
Mysis Shrimp (Crustacean) is a headline hatch to watch in September. Peak activity often tracks 40–50°F water temps.
Distinctive access
Taylor Park Reservoir: Upper river access above the reservoir.
Rules anglers miss
Some sections have special regulations.
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
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.
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.
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.
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
200 - 500 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
48° - 60°F
Ideal for active trout
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
Other Rivers You Might Like
Popular forecasts outside Colorado—great for trip planning and comparing conditions.
Other Colorado Trout Rivers
South Platte (Cheesman)
Gunnison (below Taylor)
Animas
Fryingpan
Arkansas River
Taylor River — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the Taylor River?
Fall BWOs return. Excellent dry fly.
What flies should I bring to the Taylor River?
For the Taylor River (tailwater), carry: Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Pat's Rubber Legs, Hopper, Woolly Bugger.
What water temperature is best for trout on the Taylor River?
On the Taylor River, trout hold between 48° and 60°F. Because the river is dam-fed, the temperature stays in this band year-round.
Do I need a fishing license for the Taylor River?
Yes — you need a valid Colorado fishing license to fish the Taylor River. Local season: Open year-round.. Daily limit: Check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations..
What hatches should I watch for on the Taylor River in September?
Mysis Shrimp is the signature hatch on the Taylor River in September. 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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