Taylor River
The Taylor River near Almont, Colorado is a Gold Medal tailwater below Taylor Park Dam with Taylor Canyon, big rainbows and plenty of road access.
- 62 miRiver length
- 2Game fish
- 46Access points
In the FlyFishFinder app
Taylor River
Every access point, mapped
Today's top 10 rivers near you
Live flows from nearby gages
Today's rating
Premium
Open in the app
About the Taylor
The Taylor River flows from Taylor Park Reservoir through Taylor Canyon to Almont, where it meets the East River to form the Gunnison. The road along the canyon makes access easy. It is Gold Medal water and a long time favorite in central Colorado.
The water just below the dam is a tailwater with steady flows. The canyon below changes with the seasons and has deeper runs and rocky pockets. The East River and Slate River are nearby.
The river holds brown trout and rainbow trout. Big fish live below the dam, and many of Colorado's biggest rainbows have come from here.
Midges and blue-winged olives cover much of the year. Mysis shrimp patterns are a local favorite near the dam. Pale morning duns, caddis, golden stones and salmonflies matter in the canyon in summer.
Special regulations apply below the dam, including catch and release for rainbows and fly and lure restrictions. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife rules before you go.
Taylor River below Taylor Park Reservoir, CO
Is the Taylor fishing today?
See today's top 10 rivers near you, free. Go Premium to score the Taylor, or any gage, on demand.
Nearby gages
- Willow Creek above Taylor Park Reservoir, CO6.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 09108250
- East River below Cement Creek near Crested Butte, CO11.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 09112200
- Lincoln Creek below Grizzly Reservoir near Aspen, CO16.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 09073005
- Coal Creek above McCormick Dtch at Crested Butte, CO16.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 09111250
- Roaring Fork River above Lost Man Creek near Aspen, CO18.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 09072550
- Ohio Creek near Baldwin, CO20.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 09113500
- Elk Creek at Coal Creek above Crested Butte, CO20.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 09110990
- Roaring Fork River above Difficult Creek near Aspen, CO20.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 09073300
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
Fish you'll catch
Tap a fish to see every Colorado river that holds it.
Brown Trout
Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Gunnison watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 11 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Taylor
-
Start near the dam
The tailwater just below the dam has the best known big fish. Know the boundary rules before you cast.
-
Check the release
Dam flows change the river. Look at the current flow before you plan your wade.
-
Use the canyon
The canyon road gives you many places to stop and fish. Move around to find water with space.
-
Watch private land
There is private water along the road. Stay on public land and follow posted signs.
-
Dress for cold
The canyon can be cold even in summer. Bring layers.
Every access point on the Taylor, in your pocket.
- 46 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Taylor
Taylor River FAQ
When is the best time to fish the Taylor River in Colorado?
The tailwater fishes year round. June through September is popular for the canyon stretches.
Where can I fish the Taylor River near Almont?
Fish below Taylor Park Dam, in Taylor Canyon along the road and near Almont where it meets the East River.
Can you wade the Taylor River?
Yes. Most anglers wade, and the canyon has many access points along the road.
What flies work on the Taylor River?
Mysis shrimp patterns, Zebra Midges and golden stone nymphs are staples. Pale morning dun patterns and Elk Hair Caddis work in summer. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working today.
What fish are in the Taylor River?
The river holds brown trout and rainbow trout.
Are there special rules on the Taylor River?
Yes. Special rules apply below the dam including catch and release for rainbows. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations.
