Harmels on the Taylor River Fishing Report
Harmels is officially open for the season, and we’ve been having some great days on the river! Flows have bumped up slightly to around 260 CFS, and we’re expecting them to remain around this level for about another month.
Trout have started to spread out, so we’re not solely fishing the deeper pockets, although you will still find some fish stacked up in these. Feeding lanes, structure, and eddies will also be holding fish. Look for foam lines, seams, steady riffles, and pocket water.
We’re seeing some midge and BWO hatches late in the morning and sporadically throughout the afternoon. We’re also seeing some small caddis hatches in the afternoon during warmer days. The fish are still a little spooky, so if you’re fishing dry flies, you’ll want a long, light leader, delicate presentations, and a stealthy approach.
Most of our success has been with nymphs and smaller streamers. Having a good presentation, with a good drift in the right lane has been much more important than fly selection. Dead drifting an attractor pattern paired with a small nymph should get some eats. Try and find where the fish are feeding, usually close to the bottom, and adjust your depth accordingly. With the lower water levels this season, you should be able to get away with tungsten beaded flies, most of the time, instead of having to use split shot. If you’re not getting any takes, try adjusting your depth and fly size before changing up your entire rig.
If you have any questions or would like to book a trip with us, stop in our fly shop or give us a call.
10-Day Taylor River Flow Trend
Top Flies
Lead Flies
- Pat’s Rubberlegs #12-14
Trailing Nymphs
- Pheasant Tail #16-20
- Caddis Larva #16-18
- Cased Caddis #16-18
- Zebra Midge #18-20
- D-Midge #18-20
- RS2 #20-22
Dry Flies
- Midge Emerger #20-22
- BWO #18-22
- Adams #18-22
- Elk Hair Caddis #16-18
- Hellion Caddis #18
Streamers
- Fish Whacker Mini #06
- Slump Buster #08
- Baby Gonga #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.
Spring Fly Fishing Tournament
Kick off the 2026 fishing season with a friendly fly fishing competition on the Taylor River at Harmels. Enjoy a full day of fishing followed by an after-party with live music, prizes, food, and drinks.
Date: May 30, 2026
Time: Tournament fishing from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
After Party: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
This is a 2-person team fly fishing tournament with limited spots to ensure plenty of room to fish our private stretch of the Taylor River. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams.
Join the Fly Fishing Tournament
Please note: The Taylor River is rocky with a swift current. Participants should be comfortable wading. Proper wading boots and a wading staff are strongly recommended.
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.
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
Meet John Evon
John is starting his fifth season as Harmels' head guide and fly shop manager but has been guiding in Colorado since 2018. Originally from Chicago, he grew up fishing the lakes and rivers in the Midwest. Conventional fishing was his method of choice as a kid, until he picked up an old Fenwick fly rod and put his spinning rod into storage for good. Living at Harmels year-round, John spends most of his free time testing out new flies and techniques on the property or exploring Colorado's more hidden fisheries with his dog, Hank. Whether you're a first-timer or seasoned angler, John's calm demeanor and in-depth knowledge of the Taylor River make him a guest favorite.
John operates Taylor River Anglers, Harmels' onsite full-service fly shop and guide service.
To book your fly fishing trip with John, send him an email at johnevon@harmels.com.