Taylor River
Colorado · Gunnison County
Brown TroutRainbow Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Taylor River
Taylor Park Tailwater
The Taylor River tailwater just below Taylor Park Reservoir dam is one of Colorado's finest trophy brown trout fisheries. Enormous fish averaging 18-22 inches in the first mile below the dam require technical midge and scud presentations. This is world-class tailwater fishing in a spectacular mountain setting.
💧 Ideal flow: 200–500 CFS. The braids below the dam fish best at moderate flows. Very high flows from releases concentrate fish in predictable seams.
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Almont Confluence
At Almont where the Taylor meets the East River to form the Gunnison large brown and rainbow trout stage at the confluence. The mixing of two quality tailwater systems creates exceptional feeding opportunities. This confluence is one of Colorado's most productive single fishing locations.
💧 Ideal flow: 150–400 CFS. Lottis Creek confluence area holds large browns at moderate flows — fish stack here during high water events.
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Dinner Station Campground
Near Dinner Station Campground the Taylor offers accessible wade fishing with a mix of wild and hatchery trout. Fish average 12-16 inches with larger specimens in the deeper pools. Evening PMD hatches from July through August are excellent throughout this section.
💧 Ideal flow: 100–300 CFS. The catch-and-release section above Almont fishes best at lower flows when wade fishing is accessible.
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Spring Creek Confluence
Spring Creek's confluence with the Taylor creates a cold-water refuge and feeding concentration for large brown trout. This tributary input is particularly important during summer when main river temperatures rise slightly. The confluence area consistently produces the best streamer fishing on the Taylor.
💧 Ideal flow: 150–350 CFS. The upper Taylor above Gunnison fishes best at moderate stable flows in summer and early fall.
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About Taylor River Fishing
The Taylor River is a premier tailwater fishery flowing below Taylor Park Reservoir in Colorado's remote mountain country above the Gunnison. Cold, nutrient-rich water released from the dam creates ideal conditions for trophy brown and rainbow trout exceeding 20 inches.
Best Time to Fish Taylor River
The Taylor River fishes exceptionally well year-round, with winter months offering some of the most consistent dry fly opportunities when midge hatches dominate. Spring through fall provides excellent nymph fishing as mysis shrimp availability drives the exceptional growth rates that make this river famous for large fish.
Species
Brown trout thrive in the Taylor River's tailwater environment and frequently exceed 20 inches, responding aggressively to mysis shrimp imitations and streamers. Rainbow trout are also abundant throughout the system, benefiting from the same rich food base and cold water conditions that support the river's reputation for trophy-caliber fish.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Colorado fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Taylor River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Colorado fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Flow data on this page comes straight from the USGS National Water Information System — the same source professional guides rely on. Readings update every 15–60 minutes, tracking CFS and gauge height in real time.