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 and the East Portal Campground are currently closed until further notice due to flood damage. This closure was announced by the National Park Service at the end of last week. Recent rainfall has impacted the area, and crews are working to stabilize the roadway and restore access. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. Throughout the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge, flows have been reduced to minimum releases. With the combination of lower flows and warm summer temperatures, anglers should plan to fish the early morning hours when conditions are most favorable and look to be off the water by midday. Trout have shifted into faster, more oxygenated water, so focus your efforts on riffles, pocket water, and faster seams. Despite the changing conditions, insect activity remains steady. Trico and caddis hatches continue to provide feeding opportunities, while hopper activity has increased along the banks. Dry-dropper rigs featuring small hoppers, caddis patterns, or Tricos remain effective, and nymph anglers should concentrate on the faster current where fish are holding. Conditions in the canyon can change quickly this time of year. We'll continue monitoring flows, water temperatures, and access updates and will keep this report current as new information becomes available.

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 7/21/26

Flow has reduced to minimum flow. Fish early to hit the best conditions. We are happy to see rain in the forecast but keep an eye on the river flows as a spike in water level can cause the river to become Muddy.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/21/26

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.