Taylor River
Below Taylor Park Reservoir
W Colorado, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 09109000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 200 cfs, the Taylor is running low and crystal clear — perfect tailwater conditions for technical dry fly work. Peak PMD season is firing with midday emergences (11am-2pm) when air temps hit the mid-60s. Fish are keyed on size 16-18 patterns in the classic tailwater runs below the dam. No recent shop intel — outlook based on current conditions and strong seasonal timing.
- Flow: 200 cfs — very low and gin-clear. Demanding 6X tippet and perfect presentations, but fish are visible and feeding predictably.
- Hatches: PMD peak season. Midday emergences when air temps climb above 60°F. Size 16-18 Comparaduns and Sparkle Duns essential.
- Water Temp: Classic tailwater stability in the low-50s. Perfect for sustained PMD activity without temperature stress on trout.
- Best Window: 11am-2pm for dry fly action during PMD emergence. Early morning nymphing before the surface show starts.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; peak Apr–Oct
The Taylor River below Taylor Park Reservoir in central Colorado is known for one thing above all: enormous trout. The 'Hog Trough' — the half-mile reach immediately below the dam — produces some of the largest rainbow and brown trout in the West, fish exceeding 30 inches landed annually. The fishery is technical: tiny midge patterns, fine tippets, and selective fish that have seen everything. Below the Hog Trough the river opens to more conventional tailwater fishing through Almont. Caddis, midges, and small mayfly hatches dominate.
The Taylor's Hog Trough produces documented rainbow and brown trout exceeding 30 inches and 15 pounds annually — among the most reliable trophy water in the lower 48.
March Outlook
The Taylor below Taylor Park Reservoir is one of Colorado's finest winter tailwaters. Midges year-round with BWO activity beginning in March.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Top Secret Midge
- RS2
- Juju Baetis
Tips
The Taylor is smaller than other Colorado tailwaters — wade the flat sections carefully. Midge fishing in the clear slow pools is the Taylor's signature. Size 22–26 is standard.
Water Notes
Regulated 200–500 cfs. Water 42–50°F year-round. Outstanding winter tailwater clarity.
May Outlook
PMDs join the midge and BWO activity. The Taylor is one of Colorado's most technical and rewarding spring tailwaters.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- RS2
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Taylor's fish are exceptionally wary — approach carefully and present carefully. Long leaders and fine tippet (7X) are often necessary on this crystal-clear tailwater.
Water Notes
300–700 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Protected from runoff by Taylor Park Reservoir. Perfect spring conditions.
June Outlook
Excellent spring fishing with multiple hatches. The Taylor's tailwater nature keeps it consistent when surrounding rivers are in runoff.
Productive Patterns
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Pale Evening Dun
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The evening PMD and Caddis hatches are excellent on the Taylor. Fish the runs below the reservoir for the most consistent hatch activity.
Water Notes
400–900 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Prime Colorado tailwater conditions.
July Outlook
Consistent summer fishing with Trico mornings and hopper-dropper afternoons.
Productive Patterns
- Trico Spinner
- Hopper-Dropper
- PMD Cripple
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
Trico spinner falls begin in July on the Taylor. The slow flat sections produce excellent early morning rising activity. Transition to hopper-dropper after 10am.
Water Notes
350–700 cfs. Water 52–60°F — tailwater keeps it cool. Excellent summer conditions.
September Outlook
Fall BWO season on a world-class tailwater. The Taylor produces excellent fishing with very little pressure after Labor Day.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- RS2
- Mahogany Dun
- Streamer
Tips
The Taylor in September is exceptional. BWO hatches on overcast afternoons produce consistently rising fish. The flat water sections demand careful approach.
Water Notes
250–600 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Outstanding fall tailwater conditions.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec | #22–26 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella infrequens |
Jun, Jul | Jun, Jul, Aug | #16–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Almont and Gunnison are the main bases. The Hog Trough Gold Medal section requires catch-and-release with artificial flies/lures only. Colorado fishing license required. Hike-in to the upper Hog Trough.
Nearby Fly Shops
- RIGS Fly Shop
- Dragonfly Anglers
- Ark Anglers
- Taylor Creek Fly Shop
- Rise Beyond Fly Fishing
- The Next Eddy
Regulations & License
Fishing in Colorado requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Colorado fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Taylor River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Taylor River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.