Spring fishing is officially back in the valley and the fishing on the Taylor River has been fantastic! The flows through Almont are ranging between 100 and 160 CFS, slightly below average for this time of year, but they will slowly continue to rise as the temperatures keep warming up. We won't have our typical runoff season this year, but instead a slow, gradual rise in flows until it levels off around mid-June.

As the weather warms up and the water levels increase, the fish are starting to spread out a little more. We're still able to skip big sections of the river where it is too shallow to fish and focus mostly on the deeper holes and runs, but keep a look out for trout in some of the slower and shallower riffles, eddies, and undercut banks as well.

Nymphs and streamers have had the most success, but we're starting to see some BWO hatches in the afternoons, with pockets of trout feeding on the surface. Small flies and long/light leaders are necessary if you're casting to rising fish.

The trout feeding below the surface have been much less picky. Fish are feeding more actively after their dormant winter season. Light leaders and tippet are still important, but the fish have been eating bigger flies than you might expect with the low, clear water. Make sure you have enough weight to get your flies into the feeding zone and adjust your depth as needed.

Streamer fishing has also been great lately. Slower strips and longer pauses through the deeper holes have been getting lots of eats!

The next couple of months should make for some great fishing on the Taylor! Harmels won't be open until 5/20, but Taylor River Anglers is taking trips now. Give us a call or send us an email, if you want to get out on the river.