Fishing Season: Spring to Early Winter

Gunnison Gorge of the Black Canyon - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

43

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

East portal is still fishing well after the small flow bump we saw this last week. Think spring so BWO's, Caddis, and Golden Stoneflies. Still nymphing in the morning but as the hatches start you should see some fish looking up.

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 6/26/22

Great time to hike into the Gunnison gorge as temp outside arent too high yet. Salmon flies are just about to Chucker trail and should be moving up into the national park this coming week.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/26/22

Fishing Dry Droppers with caddis puppa and small yellow sallie nymphs. Single or double caddis and Sallie dries along the bank to rising fish.

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):
Birchell's Hatching Midge N/A 18-22
Blue Winged Olive N/A 18-22
Elk Wing Caddis N/A 18-22
Grannom Emerger N/A 18-22
Bead Head Brassie™ N/A 18-22
Bead Head Barr Emerger N/A 18-22

Birchell's Hatching Midge

This midge fly pattern can be used as a dry fly or emerger.

2.49

Item #12A1

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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:

During the warmer part of the day untill wether gets warmer.

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.