River and Fishing Information

Fisheries Overview

Taylor River
The Taylor River flows from the snow pack high in the Colorado Rockies, from the peaks surrounding Taylor Park. The river drains into Taylor Reservoir at about 9,300 feet. The tailwater below the dam flows down through Taylor Canyon some 20 miles before it joins the East River to form the Gunnison River at Almont.

Taylor Park - Taylor Reservoir and Continental Divide

The Taylor is a medium-sized river which contains deep pools and pocket water, and plenty of riffles and runs. The water releases from Taylor Reservoir provide constant and predictable flows, and consistent hatches throughout the fishing season. The Taylor River contains a very high density of trout, including wild browns, rainbows, and cutthroat. Some rainbow trout are also stocked during the season.

The upper section of the Taylor River just below the dam is designated catch-and-release (C&R) water. This is trophy trout water with a lot of fish in the 8 to 12-pound range, along with some much larger fish. These big wild trout enjoy a constant food source which includes a steady diet of mysis shrimp and midges. The C&R section can be very challenging and requires some technical angling skills. This section of the Taylor River can be fished year round.

The rest of the river is much easier to fish and 20 to 30-fish days are not uncommon. There is plenty of public access throughout Taylor Canyon. It can be a difficult river to wade; therefore many anglers use a wading staff for added safety. Chest waders are recommended. A 9-foot 5-weight fly rod is a good all purpose choice for the Taylor River. The peak fishing season is from mid June to mid September. The fishing in Taylor Canyon during fall is very good. You'll find beautiful scenery with golden aspens and a lot less anglers on the river.

Gunnison River
The Gunnison River begins at Almont, Colorado, where the Taylor River and East River merge to form its headwaters. The river grows in size as it flows down through the Gunnison Valley and into Blue Mesa Reservoir. This is the first of several dams as the Gunnison continues its flow through the Black Canyon and eventually into the Colorado River. Our section of the Gunnison River, the upper Gunnison, is from the headwaters in Almont all the way to Blue Mesa Reservoir.

The upper Gunnison River is impacted by both snow-melt and the controlled releases from Taylor Reservoir. The Gunnison is best fished from a boat in the early season during high water. There are also plenty of public access points for wading the river during summer and fall.

The Gunnison River contains a very high density of trout, including browns, rainbows, and cutthroat. There are long riffles and runs, and a lot of deep pools which hold large trout. There are good hatches of stoneflies, caddis, and mayflies during the season. The peak season is from mid June to mid September, and fall can offer excellent fishing on the Gunnison. The fall kokanee salmon run brings loads of hard-fighting sockeye salmon up the Gunnison River from Blue Mesa as they run all the way to Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery on the East River. There is a catch-and-release season for kokanee from August 1 to October 31. Big trout will follow the salmon up to feed on their eggs. A 9-foot 5-weight fly rod is a good all purpose choice for the Gunnison River. A 6-weight rod can also be used during the salmon run.

East River
The East River is a freestone river which drains out of Emerald Lake, which is located at about 10,500 feet in the Rockies near Crested Butte. It flows down through the valley to Almont, where it joins the Taylor River. Most of the river flows through private property, and there is limited public access. The most popular public access area is at Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, just a few miles north of Almont.

The East River is a low gradient river with nice long pools and plenty of riffles. The East is easily waded and a very enjoyable river to fish. The section by the hatchery is wild trout water with special regulations (flies only). The river holds nice rainbows, browns, and some cutthroat. Due to the limited public access, it can get some pressure, especially during the kokanee salmon run.

Like the Gunnison and Taylor, the East River gets good insect hatches and provides anglers with plenty of dry fly fishing opportunities during the summer months. The peak fishing season is from about late June (after run-off) to late September. Many anglers will pursue kokanee salmon on the East River during September and into October. An 8 to 9-foot, 4-weight or 5-weight fly rod is a good choice for the East River. A 5-weight or 6-weight outfit is recommended for kokanee.

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