Fly Fishing Taylor River - Catch and Release Section

Fly Fishing Taylor River catch and release section below Taylor Park Dam is a legendary tailwater revered for its crystal-clear flows, challenging technical conditions, and the opportunity to hook truly enormous trout. Often called the “Catch and Release” section, this iconic stretch near Almont, Colorado, is home to some of the largest wild rainbows and browns in the state—many of which feed year-round on a rich diet of midges, mayflies, and mysis shrimp released from the dam. Though only about a half-mile long, the section just below Taylor Park Reservoir draws skilled anglers from across the country who come to sight-fish for fish that routinely top 20 inches and occasionally push double digits.

This is a river that demands precision and patience. Flows typically range from 80 to 400 CFS, with the most productive sight-fishing windows occurring under 250 CFS when fish hold in the soft seams, gravel tailouts, and near-bank slicks. Even at these low flows, the water remains cold and highly oxygenated, making the fish powerful and extremely wary. Success here hinges on stealthy wading, long leaders, and ultra-fine tippet (6x–7x) paired with tiny flies—#20 to #26 midges, emergers, and shrimp patterns are standard fare. Most hookups come from perfectly timed drifts in inches of water, often after long visual tracking and deliberate stalks.

While nymphing is the dominant tactic—especially with double-midge rigs and tiny mayfly imitations—opportunities for dry fly fishing can emerge during late summer trico hatches or on warm winter days when midges cluster on the surface. Anglers comfortable with tight-line techniques or euro-style nymphing will find plenty of opportunity to apply their skills in the soft seams and micro-currents. The fish here are smart, strong, and heavily pressured—but every eat is earned and unforgettable.

Public access is excellent along the Gunnison National Forest boundary and the short trail system that follows the tailwater downstream from the dam. While the section is compact, fish density is remarkably high, and the sheer size of the trout keeps the water exciting season after season. Crowds can be heavy, especially during peak summer and early fall, so arriving early or fishing midweek often provides the best experience.

Whether you’re hunting a personal best brown trout with a size 24 midge, or testing your presentation skills against fish that have seen everything, fly fishing Taylor River catch and release section below Taylor Park Dam is the ultimate proving ground. It’s not a numbers game—it’s a technical, highly visual, high-reward fishery where every hookup feels like a trophy. For serious fly anglers, it’s a must-visit stretch that belongs on any Colorado fly fishing bucket list.