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the Taylor River
The upper Taylor River begins at 11,800 feet in the Elk Mountains, flowing sedately through Taylor Park, creating Taylor Reservoir. Below the dam, the Taylor becomes a rough and tumble river, joining with several creeks before coming together with the East River to form the Gunnison River.Upper Taylor
The upper Taylor (above Taylor Reservoir) is generally slow moving, easily crossed, and loaded with pockets and pools to explore. Sizable browns lurk under cut banks, and dry fly action is good. This portion of the river receives very little pressure, providing solitude and a great mountain backdrop.Taylor Reservoir
Oscar to fill out. Talk about the Pike.
Taylor Reservoir Tail-race
Talk about the catch and release areaLower Taylor River
Water volume in the lower Taylor River generally ranges from 150 CFS to 550 CFS. The river is quite wadeable when running below 300 CFS. However, above 300 CFS, wading can be tricky. The average gradient of 60 feet per mile generates a very quick pace. While many of the local rivers may be blown out during Spring runoff, the lower Taylor is generally clear and fishable due to the Taylor Dam. By July, the river has generally stabilized to lower flows.State Highway 306 parallels the lower Taylor and provides 12 miles of excellent public access.
The lower Taylor is characterized by short-line fishing where boulders and logs provide fish a relief from the fast water. Short, accurate casts with nymphs and strike indicators is the preferred approach.