The Taylor River through Almont is running between 400 and 450 CFS and may see increased flows soon. Fishing is excellent as fish are spreading out and becoming more active. Nymphs and streamers remain the primary focus, with dry fly fishing starting to improve.
Dry fly action is picking up—target slow riffles, slower water near banks, around rocks, or near structure. As flows rise, stealth becomes less critical, allowing for heavier tippet (4X-5X) and larger flies. For nymphing, ensure enough weight to reach the bottom where fish are feeding. Heavy, beadhead stoneflies and worms make excellent lead flies for a double nymph rig. For safety during the abbreviated runoff season, use wading staffs, felt or studded boots, and fish with a partner. Contact us for questions or to book a trip!
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.
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 third season as a fly fishing guide at Harmels on the Taylor. He has been an avid fly fisherman for nearly 10 years and loves being able to share his experience and take people out on the river. There is nothing more exciting for him than getting people hooked on fly fishing.
Living on the property, John spends a lot of his free time learning the intricacies of the river and exploring other nearby rivers and lakes. He is looking forward to another great season of fishing and getting his dog, Hank, out on the river.
To book your fly fishing trip with John, send him an email at johnevon@harmels.com.