Harmels on the Taylor River Fishing Report

June 20, 2025

400–450 CFS (at Almont)


We’re officially declaring it summer on the Taylor River! The bugs are out, the flows are steady, and the fish are active. The flows have leveled off around 400–450 CFS through Almont and should remain fairly consistent for the next month.


We’re seeing more sizeable hatches of midges and mayflies in the mornings through the afternoon, and major caddis hatches in the late morning through the evening. We’ve also heard reports that the Green Drakes are making their way up the Gunnison, which means they should hit the Taylor soon! The fish are finally looking up, and dry fly fishing is picking up.

Some fish are keying in on emergers during the hatches, so dropping an emerger off of your dry fly is a great setup. Nymphs and streamers are still very effective, especially in the mornings. The next couple of months should provide some great fishing on the Taylor. Stop by our shop or give us a call if you have any questions.

TOP FLIES:

Lead Flies:
  • Elk Hair Caddis (black, brown, tan) #16-18
  • Superman Caddis #16-18
  • Parachute Adams #16-20
  • PMD #16-18
  • Stimulator #14-16
Trailing Nymphs:
  • X2 Caddis (tan, olive) #16-18
  • Caddis Emerger (tan, olive) #16-18
  • RS2 #18-20
  • Film Critic PMD #16-18
  • Caddis Larva #14-18
  • Copper John (red, copper) #14-18
  • Perdigon (rainbow, green) #14-18
  • Psycho Prince (purple) #16-18
Emergers:
  • RS2 #18-20
  • Film Critic PMD #16-18
Streamers:
  • Wooly Bugger (black, green, white)
  • Baby Gonga (black, green)
  • Slump Buster (black)

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.

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

John Evon Harmels Fly Fishing Guide

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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