The Taylor River runs cold and clear from the Sawatch Range down through Gunnison County, and it holds brown and rainbow trout year-round

The Taylor River is a tailwater fishery fed by releases from Taylor Park Reservoir, which keeps the water cold and stable enough to support consistent trout populations from late spring through fall. The upper section near the dam is the most productive, with pocket water and runs that hold fish reliably. The lower section, where the Taylor joins the Gunnison River near Almont, is wider and slower, better suited to anglers who prefer drifting or swinging flies. Access is straightforward — a paved road follows much of the river, and several pullouts and parking areas let you reach the water without a long hike.

The Taylor is not a wilderness float. It is a day-fishing river where you can park, walk to the water, and fish a few hours or a full day. The trout average 10 to 14 inches, with occasional fish to 18 inches. The river is open year-round, but the best fishing runs from June through October, when water levels are manageable and insect hatches are most active.

Key Takeaways

  • The Taylor River is a tailwater fishery open year-round, with the strongest fishing from June through October when water levels are stable and hatches are most active.
  • Access is easy — Colorado State Highway 742 runs alongside the river with multiple pullouts and parking areas, and no permit or reservation is needed to fish.
  • Brown and rainbow trout dominate; fish average 10 to 14 inches, and the upper section near Taylor Park Dam is the most productive.
  • Nymphs and small streamers work year-round; dry flies are most effective during summer and fall hatches, particularly caddis and mayfly emergences.
  • Regulations require a valid Colorado fishing license and follow statewide rules; check current flow releases from the dam before you go, as high water can make wading difficult.

Upper Taylor: Near the Dam and Taylor Park

The upper section, from Taylor Park Dam downstream to the Almont area, is where most anglers concentrate their effort. The water here is pocket-heavy and broken, with good current and plenty of structure. Boulders, undercut banks, and fallen timber create holding water for trout. The streambed is rocky and stable, which means you can wade confidently in most conditions.

Access to the upper section is via Taylor Park Road (Forest Road 742), which branches off Colorado State Highway 135 north of Gunnison. Several pullouts and parking areas line the road. The most popular access point is near the dam itself, where a short walk puts you on productive water. From there, you can fish upstream into pocket water or downstream into wider runs. The section is catch-and-release only from the dam down to a marked boundary several miles below; check current signage or contact the Gunnison National Forest office to confirm the exact boundary.

This upper section fishes best with nymphs — small black stonefly nymphs, baetis nymphs, and caddis pupae work consistently. In summer and fall, dry flies during the evening hatch can be excellent. The water is cold and clear, so use a long leader (9 to 12 feet) and small flies (size 16 to 20). Wading is moderate; the current is steady but not violent, and the bottom is firm.

Lower Taylor: From Almont to the Gunnison Confluence

Below Almont, the Taylor widens and slows as it approaches its confluence with the Gunnison River. This section is less technical than the upper river and suits anglers who prefer to cover water with streamers or who want to drift nymphs in deeper runs. The trout here are slightly larger on average, and the water is a bit warmer because of the lower elevation and slower current.

Access to the lower section is via County Road 742, which continues south from Almont. Pullouts are less frequent here, but parking is available at several points. This section is open to bait and lure fishing as well as fly fishing, and regulations allow harvest of some trout — check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations for bag limits and size restrictions, as these change seasonally.

Streamers work well here, particularly in spring and fall when the water is cooler. Small black or olive streamers, 2 to 3 inches long, fished on a sink-tip line or weighted leader, can draw strikes from larger trout. Nymphs and dry flies also work, but the slower current means you need to fish more deliberately and cover more water to find feeding fish.

Seasons and Water Conditions

The Taylor River is fishable year-round, but conditions change significantly with the season. From June through September, water levels are highest because of snowmelt and dam releases. The river is cold and fast, which makes wading difficult in some sections and requires heavier nymphs and streamers to reach the bottom. Early morning and evening are the most productive times.

October through November brings lower water levels and cooler air temperatures. The river is easier to wade, and trout are more aggressive as they prepare for winter. Fall hatches of small mayflies and caddis can produce good dry-fly fishing in the afternoon.

Winter (December through February) is slow. The river is cold, water levels are low, and hatches are sparse. Nymphing with very small flies and a slow presentation is the primary method. Some anglers fish the lower section, where slightly warmer water can hold more active fish.

Spring (March through May) is unpredictable. Runoff from the high country can push water levels up suddenly, and the river can be too high and cold to fish effectively. By late May, conditions usually stabilize, and fishing improves steadily into early June.

Flies, Tackle, and Technique

For the upper Taylor, a 9-foot rod for 4-weight or 5-weight line is standard. The water is small enough that you do not need a heavy rod, and the trout are not large enough to demand one. A 9 to 12-foot leader tapered to 4X or 5X is typical for nymph fishing. For dry flies, use 5X or 6X tippet.

Nymphs are the most reliable method year-round. Black stonefly nymphs (sizes 12 to 16), baetis nymphs (sizes 18 to 20), and caddis pupae (sizes 14 to 18) all work. Fish them on a dead drift, with a small split shot or tungsten bead to get them to the bottom. A strike indicator helps you detect takes in fast water.

Dry flies work best in summer and fall during the evening hatch. Small caddis patterns (sizes 14 to 18) and mayfly duns (sizes 16 to 20) are effective. Fish them upstream and let them drift naturally with the current. In the lower section, larger dry flies (sizes 12 to 14) can work because the water is slower and trout have more time to inspect the fly.

Streamers are useful in spring and fall and in the lower section year-round. Small black or olive streamers, 2 to 3 inches long, fished on a sink-tip line or weighted leader, work best. Strip the fly in short, quick pulls to imitate a fleeing baitfish.

Regulations and Permits

You need a valid Colorado fishing license to fish the Taylor River. Licenses are available online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, at sporting goods stores, and at many convenience stores throughout the state. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you are visiting for a short trip.

The upper section from Taylor Park Dam to a marked boundary (typically several miles below the dam) is catch-and-release only. The lower section allows harvest, but bag limits and size restrictions apply and vary by season. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations before you fish, as rules change annually.

The river is open year-round, but water releases from the dam can change conditions rapidly. Before you go, check the current flow rate on the U.S. Geological Survey website or contact the Gunnison National Forest office. Flows above 800 cubic feet per second can make wading difficult and unsafe.

Getting There and Nearby Services

The Taylor River is located in Gunnison County, about 25 miles north of Gunnison, Colorado. From Gunnison, take Colorado State Highway 135 north toward Crested Butte. Turn east onto Taylor Park Road (Forest Road 742) and follow it to the river. The drive from Gunnison takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Gunnison is the nearest town with lodging, restaurants, and supplies. The town sits at the junction of U.S. Highway 50 and Colorado State Highway 135. Camping is available at Taylor Park Campground, which sits on the reservoir above the dam and has facilities and water. Several private campgrounds and lodges are also scattered along the approach roads.

The nearest fly shop is Gunnison River Fly Shop in Gunnison, which carries local flies, tackle, and current information about conditions on the Taylor and nearby rivers. Staff there can advise on current hatches and water levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Taylor River without a guide?

Yes. The river is open to public fishing, and access is straightforward from pullouts along the road. A guide is not necessary, though one can be helpful if you are unfamiliar with the water or want to learn the most productive sections quickly. Several guide services operate out of Gunnison.

What is the best time of year to fish the Taylor?

June through October is the most productive period. Water levels are stable, hatches are active, and trout are feeding consistently. July and August can be crowded, so consider September or early October for fewer anglers and still-good fishing.

Is the Taylor River good for beginners?

The upper section is moderately difficult. The water is clear and the trout are selective, so you need decent casting accuracy and fly presentation. The lower section is more forgiving because the water is slower and trout are less picky. A guide or experienced angler can help you get your free guide.

What happens if water flows are too high?

High flows from dam releases make wading unsafe and fishing difficult. Check the flow rate before you go. If flows exceed 800 cubic feet per second, consider fishing a different day or trying a different river. The lower section is often fishable even when the upper section is blown out.

Do I need a special permit to fish the catch-and-release section?

No. You need only a valid Colorado fishing license. The catch-and-release section is marked with signs; fish in that area must be released unharmed. The lower section allows harvest under current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations.