Fishing Season: Spring to Early Winter

Gunnison Gorge of the Black Canyon - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

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

East Portal has been fishing exceptionally well. We are seeing strong caddis and BWO activity during the early morning hours and again through the afternoon, which has fish feeding high in the water column on both dries and emergers. Single-dry and dry-dropper setups have been the most effective ways to target actively feeding fish, especially in softer seams and transitional water where trout are looking up consistently. Further downstream through the National Park and into the Gunnison Gorge, the salmonfly hatch has largely tapered off. It was a shorter window this year, and most of the remaining adults have pushed farther into the Park. Even with the big bugs winding down, fishing remains very good. Caddis and Yellow Sallies are still present in strong numbers, and we are beginning to see the early start of the PMDs as well. Fish have been keyed in more on emergers than fully developed adults, so anglers heading into the Gorge will want to be well stocked on caddis pupae, mayfly emergers, and other transitional patterns.

Directions open in app

Map of Gunnison Gorge of the Black Canyon

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service

5-Day Outlook as of 6/9/26

Flows have Slightly come up but nothing that will change anything as far as fishing goes. Wind has played a factor so keep an eye out on the forecast and try to get on the water before it starts blowing

Techniques & Tips as of 6/9/26

Nymphing small emergers with perdigons or other attractors as your lead has been working well.

Local Species Available Spring to Early Winter

  • Fish Icon

    Rainbow & Brown trout

RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Flashback Baetis Nymph N/A
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig N/A
Bead Head American Pheasant Tail N/A
Bead Body Scud N/A
TH Duracell Jig N/A
Tungsten Twisted Tactical May Orange

Flashback Baetis Nymph

BWO nymphs are flies you can depend on.

1.99

Item #80AT

Buy Now

RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service's Recommended Gear

Description: About Gunnison Gorge of the Black Canyon

This section of the Gunnison is broken into two sections listed below starting with the closest to Crystal dam. 1. The East Portal is located at the upper end of the Black Canyon inside the Black Canyon National Park. This is the only access point into the Black Canyon in which you can drive directly to the river, and is subject to seasonal closures. Once you are down on the Gunnison River you are surrounded by towering granite walls some as high as 2,000 feet. The East Portal is a classic western tailwater, and a gorgeous place to visit. 2. Gunnison Gorge : This is a magical and beautiful place to fish, especially float fishing! Most famous for the Salmon Fly hatch in May/June. This is a great section of the river if you want to get away from the crowds of the East Portal or lower sections around Pleasure Park. The only access to the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness section is by hiking one of the four trails

Nearest Airport:

Montrose & Grand Junction

Best Time to Fish:

All day we have found fish

Best Stretch:

This whole section fishes really well through the year. Keep in mind that East portal road has seasonal closures through the winter but it is the easiest to access when open. Otherwise all the hike in trails will offer great runs, riffles, and pools in a more remote setting.

Best Access:

East portal Road in Black Canyon National Park. Chucker and Ute trails in the gunnison gorge are hiker friendly and have great access to the river.