The Gunnison Valley is home to some of the most diverse mix of fishing in the West. Throw a line in tiny creeks or huge lakes, and everything in between.

The Taylor River is a prime fishery located halfway between Gunnison and Crested Butte. The Taylor is a main stem of the Gunnison River.

The secret behind the Taylor’s success is the reservoir upstream that controls the river’s flow all year long. The dam-controlled flow also makes the gradient of the river downstream consistent. Large boulders and bedrock riffles litter the run and provide perfect spots for trout to congregate. These same features also help aquatic insects flourish. 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. Downstream below the dam for a third of a mile stays 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, 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.

The Gunnison Valley’s moving water is not pastoral, and much of it is fast-flowing. Metal cleats are popular here because of their grip for the rocky river bottoms.

Most fishing guides in the Gunnison Valley 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. Many big fish have been lost because there wasn’t a net to catch them.

Wear sunscreen and keep some bug spray 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.

The Gunnison Valley is home to the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest lake. Dozens of high alpine lakes offer a different brand of lake fishing.

FISH EARLY AND LATE IN THE DAY DURING SUMMERTIME

Unlike rivers that constantly flow cold water, surface temperatures in lakes and reservoirs can vary as much as 10-15 degrees in a single day. All the fish species in the valley are considered cold water species and do not respond well to warming water. Fish will often be more active during times when the sun isn’t directly warming the water.

Taylor Reservoir is home to some truly large northern pike. Try casting the shallow weedy areas in June through October for a chance at a 20-plus-pound toothy trophy.

Blue Mesa Reservoir has seen an explosion of perch. These fish, though small, are very tasty and easy to catch. In late summer months and into the fall when other fishing may be tough, take the kids perch fishing. Fish in coves with structure like weeds or trees and use small jigs tipped with small pieces of earth worm. Fish in 10’-20’ and keep moving until you find a school, then enjoy non-stop action.