Monster Trout on the Taylor River

It pays to have good neighbors. Just downstream from Granite, a bare bones U.S. Forest Service campground on the bank of the Taylor River, sits Harmel’s Ranch Resort, which stocks it manicured stretch of water with trophy-worthy trout. But fish don’t recognize property boundaries, and some of those monsters migrate upstream into the riffles running past Granite’s seven tent sites. Nab one, tie on an elk hair caddis, and hold on tight.

• Get Equipped: Forget lame fish stories. Bring a camera and let the pics be our proof. 
  
• Get There: From Gunnison, take Route 135 north for 11 miles to Almont, turn right on Taylor River Road, and continue 7.5 miles to the campground on the right. 
  
• Stay There: Granite's first-come/first-serve sites cost $10/night. No drinking water. 
  
• Get Fueled: Head to Harmel’s riverside dining room and plunder the fully loaded breakfast buffet. 1-800-235-3402,www.harmels.com.

5280 – May 2008 Edition