Fishing Season: Year-round

Lower Gunnison River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 71°

Temp:

71°

Water Temp:

47

RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service's Tip of the Week

Fishing conditions on the Gunnison are shifting with increased flows out of Crystal Dam and run off on the North Fork. Unpredictable spring weather and muddy waters are here, requiring anglers to prepare for various scenarios before venturing out. Despite these challenges, fishing above the Confluence has been great. BWOs are emerging through the day and fish are actively feeding on these insects. Fish the edges and soft water for the most success. The North Fork is in runoff conditions. Crossing the North Fork in this condition is not recommended. Alternatives to fishing below the confluence are the Uncompahgre tailwater in Ridgway State Park and our extensive regional lakes.

Directions open in app

Map of Lower Gunnison River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service

5-Day Outlook as of 5/15/24

Prepare for hot sun, thunder, and rain as we have seen all of it in the past few days. With wet weather, the dirt roads can be more dangerous and harder to travel until they dry out.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/15/24

Nymphing small midges and BWO emergers behind a worm or other medium sized nymph. The fish are starting to eat salmon fly nymphs.

Local Species Available Year-round

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    Rainbow Trout

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    Brown Trout

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    Roundtail Chub

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    and Flannelmouth Sucker

RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Bead Head Brassie™ N/A
Rojo Midge N/A
Quasimodo Pheasant Tail N/A
Phlamin Pheasant Tail N/A
Yum Yum Emerger N/A
Micro Egg N/A

Bead Head Brassie™

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RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service's Recommended Gear

Description: About Lower Gunnison River

Pleasure Park: This stretch of the Gunnison starts at the confluence of the Smith Fork, four miles above Pleasure Park, and ends at the Highway 65 bridge about 12 miles below Pleasure Park. Not as dramatic as the East Portal or Gunnison Gorge, this section of the river twists its way through sandstone cliffs and a beautiful desert landscape.

Nearest Airport:

Montrose and Grand Junction

Best Time to Fish:

Warmest part of the day

Best Stretch:

Both up and Down stream of pleasure park fish very well but in the spring or after a big storm the North Fork of the Gunnison causes the down stream section to blow out.

Best Access:

Pleasure park or South River Road