The snow melts high up in the mountains surrounding Taylor Reservoir. The drip becomes a trickle and the trickle becomes a trout stream. This is the source of the Taylor River. The Taylor flows from these peaks down to the reservoir below, with the dam at about 9,300 feet. The tailwater below the dam flows down through the canyon some 20 miles to Almont where it meets with the East River to form the headwaters of the Gunnison River. Take a very special three-day journey following the source down, experiencing small creek and tailwater fishing, and ultimately floating the Gunnison River. If you want the most extensive overview of fly fishing in the Gunnison Valley, combining different techniques on a variety of water, this is the trip for you!

• 3 full days of fly fishing, combining walk/wade and float fishing
• 1 or 2 anglers (maximum 2:1 guest to guide ratio)
• Best suited for adults and older teens with some fly fishing experience
• Transportation from/to the lodge is provided
• Locations will depend on weather and best conditions at the time
• All gear provided, including rods/reels, waders and boots, tackle and flies. Specialized gear provided for small creek fishing – lighter tackle, shorter 3 and 4-weight fly rods, premium fiberglass and custom bamboo fly rod options.

• Full-day fly fishing trips – approximately 7 to 8 hours each day
• Private guide
• Lunch, snacks and drinks
• All transportation to and from fishing locations
• Package includes happy hour casting clinic on Taylor River Lodge pond the evening before (on arrival day, if needed or requested)
• Use of all rods/reels, waders and boots, tackle and flies
• Irwin Brewing Company beer tasting
• Fly Fishing the Gunnison Country guide book
• Private water options require an additional rod fee of $100 per angler, per day

• Our premium angling products are offered at an additional $200 per angler, per day supplement and can be added to your nightly rate for individual days that you would like to fish.
• If you are interested in one of our premium lodging and fishing packages for the duration of your stay, please book our dedicated TRL Angling Product via the link below or give our sales team a call.
• All fishing packages must be booked in advance and are subject to availability. These angling products are only available for guests at Taylor River Lodge.

When we visit a river’s source, we are witnessing its birth. Like a child, it grows over time, with its character ever-changing. The river offers the angler new and exciting experiences along the way, with every twist and turn, riffle and pool. Our Source-Down fly fishing adventure is an invitation to share our river’s journey through mountains and valleys, and time.

 

This three-day package starts with a day of walk/wade fishing at the source of the Taylor River near the Continental Divide, where you’ll fish beaver ponds and small creeks (Upper Taylor River and other feeder creeks). The next day, we progress down through the watershed to the Taylor River at Taylor River Lodge, fishing a larger river and applying tailwater techniques to chase bigger trout. On the final day, you’ll finish up with float fishing the Gunnison River. This is our flagship fishing package that truly highlights the best of fly fishing in the Gunnison Valley.

Day 1: Welcome

• Afternoon arrival at Taylor River Lodge
• Welcome by Eleven staff and tour of the property
• Enjoy a drink and snack and settle into your accommodations
• Casting clinic/tune-up on the Taylor River Lodge pond (if needed or requested)
• Cocktails and chef prepared dinner in the lodge

 

Day 2: Full-day Source-Down fishing program

• Chef-prepared breakfast

• Start time is usually between 8 and 9 am, depending on time of the season and conditions

• Fish the Upper Taylor River and beaver pond area in Taylor Park
  • Small creek fishing with light tackle, and optional premium fiberglass fly rods and/or custom bamboo rods
  • Fish all day with streamside lunch and discussion on the watershed, the fish and their habitat
• Happy hour back at the lodge

 

Day 3: Full-day Source-Down fishing program

• Chef-prepared breakfast
• Casting tune-up on the TRL pond if needed after breakfast
• Fish the property stalking larger trout on the Taylor River using a variety of techniques for tailwaters
  • Fish all day with lunch on the property
• Happy hour and Irwin Brewing Company beer tasting after fishing, with a video of catching tarpon and bonefish on the fly in Florida and the Bahamas

 

Day 4: Full-day Source-Down fishing program

• Chef-prepared breakfast
• Shuttle to the river to meet your guide at the put-in at the agreed upon time
• Float the Gunnison River, fish all day with lunch on the river
• Happy hour back at the lodge with a slide show on fly fishing the Gunnison Valley – includes gift of Fly Fishing the Gunnison Country guide book
• Wrap up with a brief overview of Eleven Angling, highlighting our lodges and fishing operations in Florida/Bahamas, Iceland, and Chile

Blue sky, emerald green pine trees and granite cliffs frame all of your adventures at Taylor River Lodge. The property is a private, eight-cabin retreat open from late May through mid-October. The off-the-grid location deep in Colorado’s Taylor Canyon is the perfect setting for friends, families and corporate groups to unplug and reconnect. Fishing is at the heart of the experience, with a trout pond and a mile stretch of semi-private river steps from the cabins, and the Gunnison River minutes away for float trips. The surrounding mountains offer rugged single track and scenic hiking trails, and the on-site, rock climbing wall, archery and hatchet throwing area will make you nostalgic for your Scout days. After a day outdoors, steam and soak in the Bathhouse or cozy up in the main lodge with a good book. Evenings take on a campfire vibe with stargazing around the communal fire pit.