Fishing

Tips for Fishing the Taylor River

The Taylor River is a prime fishery located half way between Gunnison and Crested Butte and is a main stem of the Gunnison River. The secret behind the Taylor’s success is the reservoir upstream which controls flows all year long and the consistent gradient of the river downstream. Large boulders and bedrock riffles litter the run and provide perfect spots for trout to congregate. These same features also help the aquatic insects flourish and huge hatches of Caddis, BWO, and PMD can cover you in the evenings.

In the winter the Taylor River is the only place to fly fish in the valley. Below the dam for a 1/3rd mile downstream stay ice free due to the temperature of the water. This is the Catch and Release section of the Taylor, often referred to as the C&R. The primary fly to use here most of the year is the Mysis Shrimp in a variety of ties. The big fish here will rise to a well-presented single dry fly if a hatch is happening and your tippet is tiny. If these techniques aren’t producing for you try some small midges and emergers. The last resort is always to try something outside the box. Maybe that fly you’ve been carrying unused for 10 years is the one that pays off.

The rest of the Taylor fishes normally for a western river. Most people use 4X-5X leaders and tippets. Fish the hatch as it comes off and then be ready to switch back to a dry-dropper as necessary. Hare’s Ears, Zebra Midges, and Psycho Princes are just a few of the large selection of nymph patterns that will catch fish on the Taylor. These are often hung off the back of large foam flies like Pool Toys and Chubby Chernobyls.

Tips for River & Stream Fishing

Our Valley’s moving water is not pastoral and much of it is fast-flowing. Being in decent physical shape helps us get through days of fighting currents and fish. Metal cleats are becoming more popular here because of their grip on our rocky river bottoms.

Most our guides offer dory or raft float fishing on the Gunnison River. Half the Gunnison is private land, and floating is the only way to access some superb water that is otherwise unavailable to wading anglers.

Nets are useful. Fighting a fish and trying to maneuver to shore can often pose a difficult task. We have all lost big fish because we didn’t bring a net with us.

Wear sunscreen and keep some bug dope handy. Mosquitos and biting flies are usually not much of a problem, except when they are.

A wading staff is a helpful tool for an unsteady angler.

Tips for Lake Fishing

Fish early and late in the day during summer time:

Unlike the rivers that constantly flow cold water, surface temperatures can vary as much as 10-15 degrees in a single day on lakes and reservoirs. All of the fish species in the valley are considered cold water species and they do not respond well to warming water. Fishing during times when the sun is not directly warming the water often provides for more active fish.

Other species:

Taylor Reservoir is home to some truly large Northern Pike. Try casting the shallow weedy areas from June through October for a chance at a 20+lb toothy trophy. Blue Mesa Reservoir has seen an explosion of Perch in the last couple of years. These fish, though small, are very tasty and easy to catch. In late summer months and even into the fall when other fishing may be tough, take the kids perch fishing. Use small jigs tipped with small pieces of earth worm in coves with structure like weeds or trees. Fish in 10’-20’ and keep moving until you find a school of fish, then enjoy non-stop action.

CPR for Fish:

Trophy fish are a true prize for all anglers in the Gunnison Valley and are typically very old (it’s not uncommon for large trout to be over 20 years old!). Modern day replicas can be made that last longer and look more realistic than skin mounts. The use of Catch – Photo –Release (CPR) will help preserve our valley’s fisheries giving all anglers the opportunity to catch trophy sized fish.