Harmels on the Taylor River Fishing Report
Spring fishing is officially back in the valley and the fishing on the Taylor River has been fantastic! The flows through Almont are ranging between 100 and 160 CFS, slightly below average for this time of year, but they will slowly continue to rise as the temperatures keep warming up. We won't have our typical runoff season this year, but instead a slow, gradual rise in flows until it levels off around mid-June.
As the weather warms up and the water levels increase, the fish are starting to spread out a little more. We're still able to skip big sections of the river where it is too shallow to fish and focus mostly on the deeper holes and runs, but keep a look out for trout in some of the slower and shallower riffles, eddies, and undercut banks as well.
Nymphs and streamers have had the most success, but we're starting to see some BWO hatches in the afternoons, with pockets of trout feeding on the surface. Small flies and long/light leaders are necessary if you're casting to rising fish.
The trout feeding below the surface have been much less picky. Fish are feeding more actively after their dormant winter season. Light leaders and tippet are still important, but the fish have been eating bigger flies than you might expect with the low, clear water. Make sure you have enough weight to get your flies into the feeding zone and adjust your depth as needed.
Streamer fishing has also been great lately. Slower strips and longer pauses through the deeper holes have been getting lots of eats!
The next couple of months should make for some great fishing on the Taylor! Harmels won't be open until 5/20, but Taylor River Anglers is taking trips now. Give us a call or send us an email, if you want to get out on the river.
10-Day Taylor River Flow Trend
Top Flies
Lead Flies
- Pat's Rubberlegs #12-14
- 20 Incher #12-14
Trailing Nymphs
- Pheasant Tail #16-20
- Two Bit Hooker #16-20
- Juju Baetis #18-20
- Caddis Larva #16-18
- Black Beauty #18-20
Dry Flies
- BWO #18-22
- Griffith's Gnat #20-22
Streamers
- Fish Whacker Mini (white, olive, black)
- Wooly Bugger (white, olive, black)
- Baby Gonga (rainbow, rust)
Guided Fly Fishing on the Taylor River
**Please note: The river is catch and release ONLY. Flies are only allowed on the river. No lures.**
Gold Medal Quality Fly Fishing on the Taylor River
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.
Spring Fly Fishing Tournament
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.
Fly Shop Information
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.
- Fly and Tackle Shop
- Hot Flies Board
- Casting Lessons
- Guide Service
- Rod, Wader, and Boot Rentals
- Friendly and Helpful Staff
Guided Fly Fishing with Harmels on the Taylor
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.
Walk + Wade Guided Trips on the Taylor River (4 hours)
*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.
Tournaments Awards
Overall Tournament Winners: Ed Kammerer & Steve Burrow
2024 Risers 4 Rett Fall Tournament
Biggest Brown at 20" caught by Jay Packard
2024 Risers 4 Rett Fall Tournament
Biggest Rainbow at 21" caught by Ed Kammerer
2024 Risers 4 Rett Fall Tournament
Biggest Rainbow at 24" caught by Hennie Van Niekerk
2024 Risers 4 Rett Spring Tournament
Biggest Brown at 19" caught by Brandon Bell
2024 Risers 4 Rett Spring Tournament
Meet John Evon
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.
John operates Taylor River Anglers, Harmels' onsite full-service fly shop and guide service.
To book your fly fishing trip with John, send him an email at johnevon@harmels.com.