Fishing Report:

Well winter 2009-10 is here, so fishing on the Taylor's will be restricted. The Taylor canyon does not get much sun this time of the year. The majority of the fishing on the Taylor takes place at the catch and release section directly below the dam. Lower water flows are the norm during the winter months. Expect spooky fish and very cold temperatures during very low water releases. Make sure that you are getting down and dredging the bottom with nymphs such as midge patterns, worms, eggs and other small beadheads. Long leaders and small tippet should be part of your fishing tackle. The fish are hanging out in the long deep runs where they can conserve energy. The river will fish like this until the ice comes off. If you have any questions make sure and give us a call at the shop (970) 349-1228 or 800-491-3079.

Suggested Patters:

Baetis nymphs: 18-22, Brassies: 18-22, Midge Larva Black, Olive, Cream: 18-22, Pheasant tails 18-22, San Juan Worms Red, Brown: 14-16 Egg Patterns: 16-18, Streamers and Wolly Buggers: 6-10 Beadhead Zebra Midge: 18-20 Disco Midge All Colors: 18-22, Black Beauties: 18-22 Mysis Shrimp Patterns: 16-20

Fishing The Lower Taylor River (Below the Catch and Release)

The Taylor Reservoir is currently releasing 101 cfs as of , January 12, 2010!!

Fishing the Catch & Release (flows 101 as of January 12, 2010!)

The Catch and Release, right below Taylor Dam on the Upper Taylor River, is a classic tail water fishery. This means small flies and many people.

In general the flies fishermen are using are midge larva and mysis shrimp patterns. Midge larva imitations include flies like the brassie, gun metal, WD-40, black beauty, tungsten midge and zebra midge. There are hatches throughout the year when the trout will look up. The most popular is the green drake hatch. This is the only time the highly selective trout can be fooled with a poorly presented big dry. Other mayflies one could encounter on the Taylor are pale morning duns, blue winged olives, red quills and grey drakes. There are also caddis flies, yellow sallies and other small stones. When the selective trout are not feeding on the surface, technique becomes paramount. Sight casting is a popular method for fishing the Taylor. The flies must be presented perfectly which means constantly changing weight amounts. Make sure there is no drag in your system. The flies must look as natural as possible.

Better known as the mysis shrimp, this crustacean is present in a number of Western tail waters. It is traditionally introduced as a lake and reservoir fish resource. However, there are three reservoirs in Colorado where the conditions are perfect to create a release of mysis from the reservoir into the river. The Taylor Catch and Release is one of these locations. This makes the mysis imitation one of the most popular flies for this section of water.

There are a variety of flies replicating the mysis. When heading toward the Catch and Release, stop by our fly shop in Crested Butte for an extensive selection of mysis imitations, or buy an assortment from our on-line store.