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 Road is Open! It’s that time of year—access to the Gunnison through the National Park is back, and things are already looking fishy. While the water is still on the cold side, bug activity is heating up and fish are feeding actively throughout the water column. Blue-Winged Olives have been the main event, but we’re also seeing caddis, midges, and a few small black stoneflies in the mix. Rainbows are beginning to move into spawning mode—beds are being dug, though most fish haven’t paired up quite yet. As always, a quick reminder to wade carefully this time of year. Avoid disturbing spawning beds to help protect the next generation of trout.

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 5/6/25

The weather looks great so head this way when you can. The river is usually busy the first few days after it opens but there is a lot of water to fish.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/6/25

Nymphing small emergers being an egg or other attractor 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):
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail N/A
Flashback Baetis Nymph N/A
Blue Winged Olive N/A
RS2 N/A
Sedgehammer N/A
Micro Egg Orange

Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail

Guides everywhere are amazed by these soft hackle Tunghead patterns.

2.99

Item #957P

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.