About
Taylor River, Colorado — 1879 Mining Era, Taylor Park. Gold Medal waters below Taylor Park Reservoir hold some of Colorado's largest brown and rainbow trout, with the tailwater section from the dam to Harmels running cold and nutrient-rich through Gunnison County. The Taylor River covers 47 miles before joining the East River at Almont to form the Gunnison, averaging 620 CFS with optimal flows between 300-1,500 CFS on gauge 09110000. Taylor Canyon from Harmels to Almont steps up to Class II-III whitewater as the river cuts through National Forest land, while the lower section from Almont to the Gunnison confluence mellows to Class I-II. The upper tailwater section earned Gold Medal designation in 2001 for its trophy fishery. Taylor Park served as Ute homeland before Euro-American settlement, and Three Rivers Resort now operates guided trips on the river. The dam releases keep water temperatures stable for trout year-round, making this a four-season fishery despite the high-altitude location.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.