Fly Fishing Taylor River - Catch and Release Section

Overview

The Taylor River below Taylor Park Dam offers clear tailwater runs, gravel tailouts and sheltered seams for brown and rainbow trout. The short catch-and-release water within Taylor River State Wildlife Area is a distinct part of the longer river corridor toward Almont. Small flies, a careful approach and close observation of feeding fish shape the presentation.

Small-Fly Presentations

A trout in a quiet seam has time to study a fly. Keep a low profile and place the first drift without pulling the leader across the feeding lane. Long leaders and fine tippet can help with smaller patterns, while the particular current determines how much weight a nymph needs.

Midges, mayfly emergers and mysis shrimp patterns provide subsurface choices below the dam. A double-midge rig can cover a deeper lie, and a tight-line presentation offers another way to manage the short seams and varied currents. Watch the fish’s response before changing patterns or repeating the cast.

Dam releases influence depth and current. The holding water along a gravel tailout can move between visits, so set up the presentation for the depth and current of the chosen run.

Access

Taylor River State Wildlife Area is reached from Almont on County Road 742. Park only in its designated areas and enter the signed fishing water downstream of the restricted dam zone. Public access is prohibited from Taylor Dam to 325 yards downstream; the catch-and-release fishing water begins below that point. See CPW’s property information and property map.