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If you're planning a fly fishing trip in Colorado, the Taylor River should be at the top of your list. Renowned for its massive trout, pristine waters, and scenic beauty, this river offers a range of fly fishing experiences. Whether you're aiming to catch trophy rainbows in the tailwater section or enjoy peaceful moments in the high mountain streams, the Taylor River delivers.
Why the Taylor River Is Special
The Taylor River is a fly fisher’s paradise, known for its Gold Medal Waters, especially below the Taylor Park Reservoir. This section is often called the "Hog Trough" because of the enormous trout lurking there. Fishing here offers the chance to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout, as well as the occasional cutthroat trout(
- Tailwater Section: Directly below the dam, this catch-and-release section is home to some of the largest trout in Colorado, with many fish over 20 inches. However, it’s heavily fished, so bring your A-game!
- Five Mile Access: This section is less crowded but still packed with fish. Its boulder-strewn waters make for exciting fishing with nymphs and streamers
- Upper Taylor: For those seeking solitude, the river's upper stretches offer great wade fishing and even some hidden beaver ponds filled with brook trout
Best Flies for the Taylor River
The Taylor River hosts a variety of insect hatches, so matching the hatch is key. Some top-performing flies include:
- Mysis Shrimp (#14-18): Especially useful in the tailwater section.
- RS2 Nymphs (#20-22): Great for year-round fishing, mimicking small mayflies.
- Chubby Chernobyl (#8): Ideal for late summer when terrestrials are abundant(
Techniques for Success
- Nymphing: This is particularly effective in the faster-moving tailwater section. A small tippet (5X or 6X) and small flies (sizes 20-24) are necessary to entice the picky trout below the dam
- Dry Fly Fishing: Best during summer, when caddis, mayflies, and stoneflies are hatching. The Chubby Chernobyl and Blue Wing Olive are solid choices
- Streamer Fishing: When fishing the deeper pools or faster currents, streamers like the Sculpzilla can trigger aggressive strikes from large browns and rainbows
Best Time to Visit
The summer and early fall months are prime for fly fishing the Taylor River. Springtime offers solid fishing, but runoff can increase flow rates, making wading more challenging. The river is fishable year-round, but winter fishing is slower(
Conservation & Regulations
Parts of the Taylor, especially below the dam, are strictly catch-and-release and require barbless hooks to preserve the fish population. Make sure to check current regulations before heading out.
Pro Tips
Whether you're chasing massive tailwater trout or exploring high-country streams, the Taylor River offers something for every angler. Its combination of scenic beauty, large fish, and variety of fishing techniques makes it a must-visit fly fishing destination in Colorado.
