Free Resource · Updated 2026
The Taylor River below Taylor Reservoir is a top-tier Colorado tailwater known for large brown trout and year-round midge fishing. Clear, cold water and a remote location in the Gunnison country make it worth a dedicated trip. The fish here are well-fed and particular about presentation.
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Taylor River Hatch Calendar at a Glance
The first several miles below the dam hold the highest density of large trout. The water is clear enough to sight fish and the trout are visible but not easy. Most are caught on nymphs fished deep, but hatches bring them to the surface at the right times of year.
Midges keep the river productive all winter. The Taylor sits at high elevation and the winters are cold, but the constant tailwater release keeps the water fishable. A trip to the Taylor in February is a real experience: cold air, clear water, and trout visibly sipping midges in the slow pools.
The PMD hatch in summer is the most anticipated dry fly event of the year. Fish start rising in late morning and continue through the afternoon on good days. Large brown trout that are otherwise invisible suddenly appear in the surface film during a good PMD hatch.
See the full Colorado Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Colorado's top trout streams.
Check Conditions Near Taylor RiverWhat to Fish
Midges are the foundation of Taylor River fishing twelve months a year. The fish here eat midges in the morning, midday, and evening. In winter they are the only reliable surface food. A size 24 Zebra Midge under a small indicator with 6x tippet is the default setup year-round.
Recommended: Zebra Midge, WD-40 #22-26
Fall BWO hatches on the Taylor are excellent and less crowded than the summer season. Overcast days in October trigger long hatches with fish rising steadily for hours. The large brown trout that are usually deep in the pools move up to feed during good BWO hatches. Bring small flies and light tippet.
Recommended: Parachute Adams, RS2 #18-22
The PMD hatch on the Taylor River is one of the signature events in Colorado fly fishing. Large fish come to the surface and can be targeted with precision. Fish a PMD Sparkle Dun or Comparadun in size 16 to 18 on a long fine leader. Take time to observe which specific fish are feeding before casting.
Recommended: PMD Sparkle Dun, Comparadun #16-18
Caddis evening hatches provide a welcome change from the technical nymphing and dry fly work that defines the Taylor. Fish become more opportunistic during Caddis hatches. A size 16 Elk Hair Caddis fished through runs and riffles in the evening will take fish that otherwise require much more precise presentations.
Recommended: Elk Hair Caddis #16-18
Live readings from USGS gages on the river.
FlyFishFinder combines hatch knowledge with live gauge alerts, Prime condition indicators, and real angler intel so you show up on the right day, not the wrong one.
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