Taylor Park Reservoir
State Park in Gunnison County, Colorado
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Conditions:
Taylor Park Reservoir is a jewel of the upper Taylor River basin, with inspiring views of the Collegiate Range. Below the reservoir’s 2,000 surface acres lies a bustling community of trout, kokanee salmon and northern pike, making it a prime spot for anglers.
Stocking Report:
Activities:
Common Species:
Taylor Park Reservoir
State Park in Gunnison County, Colorado
Water Type:
Conditions:
Taylor Park Reservoir is a jewel of the upper Taylor River basin, with inspiring views of the Collegiate Range. Below the reservoir’s 2,000 surface acres lies a bustling community of trout, kokanee salmon and northern pike, making it a prime spot for anglers.
Stocking Report:
Activities:
Common Species:
About Taylor Park Reservoir
Taylor Park Reservoir is a jewel of the upper Taylor River basin, with inspiring views of the Collegiate Range. Below the reservoir’s 2,000 surface acres lies a bustling community of trout, kokanee salmon and northern pike, making it a prime spot for anglers.
About the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
With 3,000 miles of hiking trails, 3,600 miles of perennial streams, the Grand Mesa, Uncompaghre and Gunnison National Forests is an outdoor destination you’ll want to return to again and again.
About Quality Waters
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is excited to announce Quality Waters, a new category of fishable waters that our talented team of fish management biologists has identified and nominated based on their fish sampling records, creel surveys, and professional biological assessments.
Aerial view of Taylor Park Reservoir.
Aerial view of Taylor Park Reservoir.
Boating at Taylor Park Reservoir.
Paddleboarding on Taylor Park Reservoir.
Boating at Taylor Park Reservoir.
Activities at this Location
Boating
Fishing
Camping
Hiking
Visit Taylor Park Reservoir in the Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
Directions: The reservoir is on the north side of Co Rd 742 on the eastern edge of Gunnison National Forest. From Buena Vista, take Co Rd 306. The road turns slightly right to become Co Rd 209. Turn left on Co Rd 742.
Save Money
Use the Keep Colorado Wild Pass
The Keep Colorado Wild Pass is $29.
Other pass options:
- Affixed Vehicle Parks Pass $80
- Family Multi Vehicle Pass $120
- Individual Pass (foot and bike traffic only) $29
Boating at Taylor Park Reservoir
Both motorized and non-motorized boating is allowed. All vessels and water users must observe all Colorado boating statutes and regulations at all times.
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Campsites
- Boat ramps with additional access points
Stay Safe on the Water
Keep your time on the water fun and safe by following some simple safety guidelines.
Life Jackets
You must wear a life jacket/personal floatation device (PFD) that is the correct size for you when engaging in water activities.
Boating Rules
Be prepared for your day on the water by familiarizing yourself with the guidelines and regulations for your water activity.
Learn the RulesFishing at Taylor Park Reservoir
- Reservoir Acres: 2,000
- Fishing: Cold Water
Rainbow trout are the premiere species here. You’ll also find opportunities for trophy-sized lake trout and kokanee snagging.
Reservoir Features:
- Taylor Park Marina offers boat rentals.
Don't Forget Your Fishing License
All anglers need a fishing license, but youth aged 15 and under fish for free. Reduced cost licenses are available for Colorado residents including: adults, youth aged 16 to 17, seniors, active duty members, first responders with disabilities, and veterans with disabilities.
Rules and Restrictions
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Bag and possession for lake trout is three (3) fish. Only one (1) can be longer than 26 inches.
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Gaffs and tail snares are prohibited.
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Kokanee snagging is permitted from September 1 to December 31.
Bag and possession for kokanee is 10 fish.
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Bag limit for cutthroat, brook, brown, and rainbow trout is four (4) fish with possession limits of eight (8) fish.
Fish at this Location
Taylor Park Reservoir offers coldwater angling managed for trophy lake trout and also stocked with catchable rainbow trout.
Brown Trout
This species feeds on aquatic and terrestrial insects and will rise to a large range of small lures, baits and flies. Granby has a moderate self-sustaining population of this species.
More About Brown Trout
Lake Trout (also known as Mackinaw trout)
These fish are found in mountain lakes and are usually in deeper water. Anglers also enjoy success with this species during the fall and spring in shallower areas and when ice fishing. Granby’s population of lake trout is entirely self-sustaining.
More About Lake Trout
Rainbow trout
Casting lures and plugs during dawn and dusk hours around cattails and sunken logs will give you the best chance to land one of the lunkers.
More About Rainbow Trout
Kokanee Salmon
Trolling with cowbells at medium depths is an effective strategy for catching kokanee salmon. At this location, eggs are captured annually for restocking.
More About Kokanee Salmon
Northern Pike
Early-summer fishing is the best time to go for northern pike.
More About Northern PikeCatch a Record
Fishing Awards and Records
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recognizes licensed anglers who catch exceptionally large fish through three separate programs, Record by Weight, Record by Length (released only) and Master Angler. Learn more about what it takes to be a Colorado record holder!
Management
- The U.S. Forest Service manages Taylor Park Reservoir.
- The local CPW office in Gunnison, can be contacted at (970) 641-7060.
Fishing Survey
Percentage of total catch and average length of each species in standard gill net surveys from June 2022
| Species | Total Catch | Length (inches) Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | 58.7 | 12.3 |
| Lake Trout | 8.2 | 17.8 |
| Northern Pike | 17.3 | 17.1 |
| Rainbow Trout | 58.7 | 12.3 |
| Yellow Perch | 1 | 8 |
Dan Brauch, CPW Aquatic Biologist and Angler Outreach Manager
Expert Management
Featured Biologist: Dan Brauch
For over 30 years, Dan Brauch has been a dedicated force in Colorado's aquatic biology section, working tirelessly to do his part in sustaining and enhancing the state's fisheries. He has an instrumental role in managing fish populations at Taylor Park and Blue Mesa Reservoirs and other areas around the Gunnison Basin. His expertise and dedication have been key to maintaining the ecological balance and health of these fish populations.
A graduate of Colorado State University, Dan began his career with a focus on wildlife and fisheries biology, an interest that led him to an internship with the Division of Wildlife. This initial experience paved the way for his long-term commitment to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), where he has made significant contributions in various roles.
Mandatory Boat Inspections for ANS Before Coming to Taylor Lake Reservoir
To boat on the reservoir, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection is required. Be sure to check the hours and dates of operation for the most convenient inspection sites before planning to use a motorized boat.
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections.
Inspection Locations
There is one ANS inspection station at Taylor Park Reservoir. The inspection station is located on the south shore of the reservoir and operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., September to October.
Colorado ANS Inspection Sites
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS)
Taylor Park Reservoir has no known ANS populations.
Learn more about aquatic nuisance species.Aquatic Nuisance Species
How to Clean Your Hand Launch Vessels and Fishing Gear
Invasive species of plants and wildlife harm Colorado's land and water, negatively impacting the state’s economy, recreation, property values and public health. Invasive wildlife spread by hitchhiking on watercraft, trailers, vehicles, tires, boots, waders, equipment, gear, firewood and even dogs!
Angling — How to Clear Your Gear Video
Angling — Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
After cleaning their gear, anglers should then perform one of the following options to disinfect their gear before going into the next body of water or moving to a new stretch of river.
Option 1
- Disinfect waders and gear with quaternary ammonia cleaner (QAC).
- After cleaning, submerge gear in a tub filled with a solution of 6oz QAC/gallon of water for at least 10 minutes. Follow all precautionary label instructions!
- Rinse water must be from a clean source to avoid re-infection.
- Dispose of the chemical bath properly away from any waters.
Option 2
- Heat treat your gear by soaking or spraying for 10 minutes with 140o Fahrenheit water.
Option 3
- Dry your waders and equipment completely for a minimum of 10 days between use.
Option 4
- Freeze your waders and boots overnight between use.
Clean
- Keep your distance from storm drains and new bodies of water while cleaning all equipment.
- Remove all visible plant material, animals, and mud from the hull, trailer and all compartments including footwells and storage areas.
- Clean all other equipment that was used including paddles, dry storage bags, leashes, anchors and lifejackets.
Dr
- Ensure that all water has been drained from your inflatable watercraft.
- Carry your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to a dry location to drain and dry. Tilt and lift your watercraft to empty any water that has pooled inside the interior compartments.
- If your inflatable watercraft has a two-layer (bladder/shell) construction or a floor that allows water inside the shell, be sure to drain all the areas where water could be trapped.
Dry
- Sponge or towel any water that remains on the watercraft following your draining process.
- Find a place where the kayak, canoe or paddleboard can continue to dry completely.
- Leave your watercraft inflated until it is completely dry. When fully dry, place the air valve down when deflating to prevent water from getting inside.
Boating and Fishing Regulations
Manual de Navegación (En Español)
El folleto de Manual de Navegación en línea es la versión más actualizada.
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Colorado Fishing Brochure
The online Fishing brochure is the most up-to-date version.
Download the Brochure
Pesca en Colorado (En Español)
El folleto de Pesca en línea es la versión más actualizada.
Descargue el Folleto
Land and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the Brochure
Be a Pain in the ANS!
If you use water, aquatic nuisance species (ANS) can affect you. For example, Zebra and quagga mussels clog up the infrastructure that delivers water to our homes. Keeping invasive species under control is a matter of public health.