Loading trail…
Colorado · Fishing
Almont sits at the confluence of the Taylor and East rivers, which makes it one of the more naturally positioned fishing towns in Colorado.
7 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 7 spots
Almont sits at the confluence of the Taylor and East rivers, which makes it one of the more naturally positioned fishing towns in Colorado. From here, anglers can work the Taylor River corridor upstream toward Taylor Park, pull from several lakes scattered through the canyon, or set up at campground access points like Lottis Creek and Lodgepole. The Taylor River stretch from Almont to Taylor Park is the most technically demanding water in the area, rated expert-level fly fishing at around 8,600 feet elevation with brown trout and rainbow trout as the primary targets. The river runs cold and clear through a narrow canyon, and the fish here see enough pressure that presentation matters more than location. For anglers who want something less demanding, the lake options around Taylor Park — including Taylor Lake and Pear Lake — offer a slower pace and are more accessible to spin fishers and beginners. Lakeview Gunnison and the One Mile area round out the accessible stillwater options closer to town. Most of the productive water is reachable by car or a short walk, though a few of the lake spots reward those willing to put in a little more effort to get away from the road.
The Taylor River from Almont to Taylor Park holds brown trout and rainbow trout. The lakes in the area, including Taylor Lake and Pear Lake, also support trout, though specific species composition can vary by water body and season. Check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current stocking information on individual lakes.
The Taylor River from Almont to Taylor Park is rated expert difficulty. The canyon water is technical, the fish are selective, and wading can be challenging depending on flows. Beginners would be better served starting on one of the lake options like Taylor Lake or Lottis Creek Campground before tackling the river.
Lottis Creek Campground
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Collegiate Peaks
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Lake Irwin
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Taylor River - Almont to Taylor Park
~24 min drive
Expert
Lodgepole (Taylor River Canyon near Gunnison, COLORADO)
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Lakeview Gunnison
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Cascade
~40 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Crescent Mining Camp
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Chalk Lake
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Dawson Cabin
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Weller Lake
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Early morning and late afternoon are generally the most productive windows on tailwater and freestone rivers like the Taylor, when hatches tend to be most active and fish are feeding near the surface. Midday can still produce, especially with nymphing rigs, but expect more angler traffic on the water during peak summer hours.
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. The Taylor River corridor near Almont may have special regulations including artificial-lures-only or catch-and-release sections. Confirm current rules directly with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you go, as regulations can change and vary by river segment.
Fishing is generally open year-round in this area, though spring runoff — typically May into June — can blow out the Taylor River and make it unfishable. Late summer through fall is often the most reliable window for the river, while the lakes at higher elevation like Pear Lake may have limited access earlier in the season due to snow. Road conditions to some of the Taylor Park lakes are worth checking before you head up.
