With low flows and colder temps, we are starting to enter fall fishing on the Taylor River. The flows are around 270 CFS through Almont and should remain steady through September. Fish are holding in deeper water, and while nymphs and streamers are most effective, some fish are still rising to well-presented dry flies.
We’re finding fish spread throughout the river, with most holding in deeper water due to low, clear conditions. Rainy days have slightly increased flows and caused some off-colored water, which has helped fishing. Small BWO hatches are occurring, especially post-rain, along with sporadic caddis and gray drake hatches. Terrestrials like hoppers can still draw strikes. With low, clear water, trout are skittish, so use lighter 5x-6x leader/tippet, longer casts, and stealthy approaches. Drag-free drifts are critical, requiring frequent mends and minimal line on the water to handle varying currents. Stop by our shop or call for more details!
At an altitude of 8,412 feet and surrounded by 1.6 million acres of the Gunnison National Forest, Harmel’s has a private one-mile stretch of the gold medal waters of the Taylor River. We offer daily guided fly fishing trips on the Taylor River where we catch big fish: rainbows, browns, cutthroat, and brookies right out your cabin door. Our helpful guides are equipped to satisfy your every fishing need, and would be happy to answer any questions you have about our private stretch or the local public waters.
Our fee to fish per person is $150/day for folks not staying on the ranch or free if you are a guest staying at Harmels. Come enjoy our beautiful scenery and the wiley trout; stay to enjoy our comfortable accommodations, great food and friendly staff.
Kick off the 2026 fishing season with a friendly fly fishing competition on the Taylor River at Harmels. Enjoy a full day of fishing followed by an after-party with live music, prizes, food, and drinks.
Date: May 30, 2026
Time: Tournament fishing from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
After Party: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This is a 2-person team fly fishing tournament with limited spots to ensure plenty of room to fish our private stretch of the Taylor River. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams.
Join the Fly Fishing Tournament
Please note: The Taylor River is rocky with a swift current. Participants should be comfortable wading. Proper wading boots and a wading staff are strongly recommended.
We have an onsite fly and tackle shop along with casting lessons and a guided fishing service. You will need a Colorado State fishing license to fish our waters. While we do not sell Colorado State fishing licenses at Harmels we can guide you through the process of getting your license online. To obtain your license online click here.
Harmels on the Taylor offers guided fly fishing through our fly shop. Our guides will provide you with comprehensive knowledge and experience to fly fish on our private one-mile stretch of the Taylor River.
Harmels is also pleased to announce that we offer guided fly fishing trips on all public lands within the Gunnison Ranger District. Popular spots include: Gunnison, Taylor, Spring Creek & East Rivers, Taylor Reservoir, Spring Creek Reservoir, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison with Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs.
*Guides will provide waders, boots, rod/reel, lines, leaders, tippet, split shot and strike indicators.. Guests will need a Colorado Fishing License, flies, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and any extra food and drinks.
2024 Risers 4 Rett Fall Tournament
2024 Risers 4 Rett Fall Tournament
2024 Risers 4 Rett Fall Tournament
2024 Risers 4 Rett Spring Tournament
2024 Risers 4 Rett Spring Tournament
John is starting his fifth season as Harmels’ head guide and fly shop manager but has been guiding in Colorado since 2018. Originally from Chicago, he grew up fishing the lakes and rivers in the Midwest. Conventional fishing was his method of choice as a kid, until he picked up an old Fenwick fly rod and put his spinning rod into storage for good. Living at Harmels year-round, John spends most of his free time testing out new flies and techniques on the property or exploring Colorado’s more hidden fisheries with his dog, Hank. Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned angler, John’s calm demeanor and in-depth knowledge of the Taylor River make him a guest favorite.
To book your fly fishing trip with John, send him an email at johnevon@harmels.com.