What makes the Taylor River different from other Gunnison-area streams

The Taylor River runs cold and clear year-round because it's fed by Ruedi Reservoir, which releases water from deep in the lake. That cold, steady flow means the river stays fishable when other mountain streams warm up or drop too low in summer. The water temperature rarely climbs above the low 50s even in July, which keeps aquatic insects active and trout feeding predictably through the season.

The Taylor is also more technical than many nearby waters. The trout here see a lot of fly fishers—the river is accessible from Highway 82 and sits only 30 minutes from Aspen—so the fish are educated. You'll need smaller flies, longer leaders, and more precise casting than you might on a less-pressured stream. The payoff is consistent fishing: the river holds plenty of 12- to 16-inch browns and rainbows, with occasional fish pushing 18 inches or better.

The river splits into two distinct sections. The upper Taylor, from Ruedi Dam down to Almont, is the most popular and most heavily fished. The lower Taylor, below Almont where it joins the East River to form the Gunnison, is wider and slower but still productive. Most anglers focus on the upper section, which means the lower river can offer less pressure if you're willing to drive past the crowds.

Key Takeaways

  • The Taylor stays cold and clear year-round because Ruedi Reservoir releases water from depth, making it fishable when other streams are too warm or too low.
  • Trout on the Taylor are selective and see heavy pressure, so you'll need small flies (size 18–22), long leaders (12 feet or more), and accurate casting.
  • The upper Taylor from Ruedi Dam to Almont is the most popular section; the lower Taylor below Almont sees fewer anglers and can be worth exploring.
  • Midges and small mayflies dominate the hatch calendar; caddis appear in late spring and early summer, and terrestrials work well in August and September.
  • Public access is available at several pullouts along Highway 82, but parking fills quickly on weekends—arrive early or fish on weekdays.

Where to fish and how to access the water

The upper Taylor is accessed from Highway 82 between Aspen and Gunnison. Several pullouts and parking areas line the road, though most fill by mid-morning on weekends. The easiest access is at Ruedi Dam itself, where a small parking area sits at the base. From there, you can walk upstream or downstream; most anglers head downstream into the canyon, where the river narrows and pools form behind boulders.

The stretch between Ruedi Dam and Almont (roughly 10 miles) is the most productive. Wading is moderate to challenging—the riverbed is rocky and the current is steady. Wear felt-soled waders or boots with good grip; the rocks are slick. The best water is often in the slower runs along the banks and in the deeper pools where the river bends. Faster, shallower sections hold fewer fish.

The lower Taylor, below Almont, requires a short drive past the main crowds. Access is less obvious but available at a few spots along County Road 3. This section is wider and slower, with longer pools and more wading distance between productive zones. It's worth trying if the upper river is packed or if you want to avoid the heaviest pressure.

Hatches and fly patterns that work

Midges are the year-round foundation of the Taylor's food web. Fish feed on midge larvae and pupae constantly, especially in winter and early spring. Carry midge patterns in sizes 20–24: black, olive, and red are the most reliable colors. Midge emergers and soft-hackles work better than dry flies in many situations because the fish often feed just below the surface.

Small mayflies appear from April through October. Blue-winged olives (BWOs) hatch in spring and fall, often in the afternoon. Pale morning duns (PMDs) show up in late May and June, usually in the morning. Both hatches are sparse compared to other rivers, but when they occur, fish will rise to dry flies. Nymphs in sizes 16–20 work better than dries most of the time. Baetis and Ephemerella patterns in olive and tan are standard choices.

Caddis appear in late May and June, with occasional activity into July. Tan and olive caddis patterns in sizes 16–18 work well as nymphs; dry fly fishing can be productive in the evening. Terrestrials—ants, beetles, and grasshoppers—are worth throwing in August and September, especially along the banks where vegetation overhangs the water.

Seasonal timing and water conditions

Spring (April–May) brings runoff from snowmelt in the high country, but the Taylor's dam-controlled flow keeps the river fishable when other streams blow out. Water levels rise but stay manageable. Midges and early mayflies are active. Nymphing is more productive than dry fly fishing because the water is slightly off-color and the fish feed subsurface.

Summer (June–August) is peak season. Water levels stabilize, clarity improves, and the full range of hatches is active. The river is warmest in July and August, but still cold enough to keep trout feeding all day. Mornings and evenings are best, but fish will eat throughout the day if you match the hatch and present small flies accurately. This is also when the river is most crowded.

Fall (September–October) offers excellent fishing with fewer anglers. Water temperatures drop, and fish feed more aggressively. Terrestrials work well early in the season; midges and small mayflies dominate by October. The weather is unpredictable—snow can fall in September—but the fishing is often the best of the year.

Winter (November–March) is possible but challenging. The river rarely freezes solid, and midges hatch on warmer days. Fishing is slow and requires patience, but you'll have the river nearly to yourself. Nymphing with small patterns is the only realistic approach.

Tackle and technique for selective trout

Use a 9-foot rod in 4- or 5-weight. The Taylor doesn't require heavy casting, but a sensitive rod helps you detect strikes on small flies and long leaders. A weight-forward floating line is standard; a sink-tip line can help in deeper pools if you're nymphing.

Leaders should be 12 feet or longer, tapered to 5X or 6X tippet. The trout here are leader-shy, especially in clear water and bright sun. Don't skimp on tippet diameter or length. Carry a spool of 6X and 7X for the smallest flies and the most selective fish.

Nymphing is more productive than dry fly fishing on the Taylor, even when hatches are active. Use a strike indicator and fish small nymphs (sizes 18–22) in the current seams and behind boulders. Dead-drift presentations work better than swinging or stripping. If you're not getting strikes, try smaller flies or longer leaders before changing locations.

Dry fly fishing works best during visible hatches or in the evening when fish are rising. Use a reach cast to land the fly upstream and slightly to the side, allowing a natural drift. Mend the line to avoid drag. If a fish refuses your fly, change size or color rather than casting to the same fish repeatedly.

Regulations and what you need to know before you go

Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages the Taylor River. A valid Colorado fishing license is required; you can purchase a short-term license (1 day, 5 days, or annual) online or at sporting goods stores in Aspen or Gunnison. The river is open year-round, but regulations vary by section.

The upper Taylor (Ruedi Dam to Almont) has a catch-and-release regulation for the first 2 miles below the dam; the rest of the upper section allows harvest with a daily limit. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife brochure for the Taylor River drainage to confirm regulations before you fish, as rules can change.

Bait is not allowed in the catch-and-release section; flies and lures only. Wading is allowed throughout, but respect private property—several parcels of land border the river, and trespassing is not permitted. Stay in the water or on public land.

When to avoid the crowds and where to find solitude

Weekdays are dramatically less crowded than weekends. If you can fish Tuesday through Thursday, you'll have a much better experience. Early morning (before 8 a.m.) also helps, even on weekends, because many anglers don't arrive until mid-morning.

The lower Taylor below Almont is consistently less crowded than the upper section. It requires a slightly longer drive and less obvious access, which keeps pressure lower. The fishing is often just as good, especially in late summer and fall.

Winter fishing is solitary by definition. If you're comfortable with cold weather and slow fishing, December through February offers the river almost entirely to yourself. Midges still hatch on warmer days, and patient nymphing can produce fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Taylor River in winter?

Yes. The river rarely freezes solid because of the dam's steady flow. Midges hatch on warmer days, and nymphing with small patterns can produce fish. Expect slow fishing and cold weather, but you'll have the river to yourself. Bring extra layers and hand warmers.

What's the difference between the upper and lower Taylor?

The upper Taylor (Ruedi Dam to Almont) is narrower, faster, and more heavily fished. The lower Taylor (below Almont) is wider, slower, and sees fewer anglers. Both hold good trout; choose based on whether you want more pressure and technical water or less crowding and easier wading.

Do I need to hire a guide to fish the Taylor?

No, but a guide can help if you're unfamiliar with the river or want to learn the most productive techniques. Local fly shops in Aspen and Gunnison can recommend guides and also provide current hatch reports and access information.

What size flies should I use?

Sizes 18–22 are standard. The Taylor's trout are selective and see a lot of pressure, so small flies are more productive than larger ones. Carry a range of sizes and colors; if fish aren't responding, try going smaller before changing location.

Is there a best time of year to fish the Taylor?

Summer (June–August) is peak season with consistent hatches and stable water levels, but the river is crowded. Fall (September–October) offers excellent fishing with fewer anglers and more aggressive trout. Spring is productive but water levels are higher. Winter is slow but solitary.