The Taylor River, flowing from high in the Rockies and through Taylor Park Reservoir near Crested Butte, offers some of the best tailwater fishing in Colorado. Known for its rainbow and brown trout, the river is famed for both its technical fishing sections and peaceful canyon waters. With autumn in full swing, the river’s changing colors and more predictable flows make it a great destination for anglers looking for both beauty and big fish.
October 2024 Fly Fishing Report: Taylor River
Current Conditions
The Taylor River is showing off its fall finest this October! With crystal-clear water and flows around 250 cfs, the trout are making the most of the cooler temps and active hatches. The browns are starting to get feisty, and the rainbows are hanging out in the deeper pools, waiting for a well-placed nymph or streamer. The river’s famous for its technical fishing, so bring your A-game, but don’t worry—the beautiful mountain scenery and stunning fall colors will keep you entertained even if the fish play hard to get. If you're lucky, you might just hook into one of those famous Taylor River trophy trout.
- Flow Rate: 375 cfs (below the Taylor Park Dam)
- Water Temperature: 52°F
- Clarity: Crystal clear
- Best Times: Late morning and early afternoon
source: Colorado Division of Natural Resources Stream Report Taylor River
Hatches & Recommended Flies
Nymphs
- Mysis Shrimp (#16-18): A go-to pattern in the tailwater sections, as these shrimp are a primary food source for large trout below the dam.
- Pheasant Tail (#16-18): Imitates small mayflies, great for both deep nymphing and in slower pools.
- Zebra Midge (#18-22): Perfect for low, clear water and effective in colder temperatures as trout turn to smaller insects.
Dry Flies
- Blue-Winged Olive (#18-22): Best during overcast days, when trout are rising for small mayflies on the surface.
- Parachute Adams (#16-20): A versatile fly that mimics multiple mayfly species and is excellent in calm water stretches.
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16): Good for active surface feeders during the warmest part of the day, especially near riffles and faster sections.
Streamers
- Sculpzilla (#4-6): Cast near structure and retrieve with short, quick strips to entice aggressive trout.
- Woolly Bugger (#6-8): Effective near deeper pools and undercut banks, especially where larger fish are lurking in slower water.
- Black Leech (#4-6): Particularly useful in shaded areas or during lower light conditions.
Fishing Tactics on the Taylor River
- Nymphing: Autumn means colder water, and trout are sticking closer to the bottom. Get your flies deep with added weight and focus on long, drag-free drifts through deep runs and pools.
- Streamer Fishing: With cooler water temps, trout are more aggressive. Try casting big streamers near the banks or structure and use a fast retrieve to provoke a strike.
- Dry-Dropper Setup: A dry-dropper setup works great during midday when trout are feeding on the surface but also taking nymphs below. Use a dry fly like a BWO or caddis as your indicator, with a small nymph dropper beneath.
Access Points
- C&R Section Below Taylor Park Dam: This area is famous for big, picky trout, but the technical fishing here can be tough. It’s best to go early or late in the season for fewer crowds.
- Taylor Canyon (Below C&R): A more relaxed area to fish, with easy access and plenty of public spots. Perfect for wading and known for rainbow and brown trout.
- Five Mile River Access: Great for both wading and floating. This section offers easier fishing and some nice riffles for dry fly action.
This October 2024 Taylor River Fly Fishing Report highlights the river’s incredible fall fishing conditions. With consistent flows, beautiful fall foliage, and hungry trout, now’s the perfect time to get out and explore the Taylor’s tailwaters!