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Harmel's Taylor River Fishing Report 7/5/2024

7/5/2024

681 CFS (at Almont)

Flows have finally started dropping on the Taylor, and the fishing is really starting to pick up. There are lots of bugs on the menu, mostly caddis, yellow sallies, smaller mayflies, and even some green drakes. We’re seeing some major caddis hatches in the afternoon and evening, but dry fly fishing has still been a little hit or miss. A well-presented dry fly in softer water should still get you some fish. If fish aren’t taking your dries, fishing emergers higher up in the water column is a good strategy. Swinging streamers along fast/slow seams has also been working well. With the change in water levels and weather, you should be changing up your flies often, until you can figure out what is working on your stretch of river.

Top flies:

Caddis larva: #14-#18

Caddis Candy: #14-#18

Iron Sally: #14-#16

Rainbow Warrior: #16-#18

Elk Hair Caddis Brown/Tan: #16-#18

Little Yellow Stonefly: #14-#16

Green Drakes: #12-#14

PMD: #16-#18

Film Critic PMD: #16-#18

Slump Buster Black: #04-#06

Baby Gonga Black: #08

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.

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.

One Person

$ 300
  • *Gratuity for guides is not included.

Two People

$ 450
  • *Gratuity for guides is not included.

Three People

$ 600
  • *Gratuity for guides is not included.

Meet John Evon

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.

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