Fishing Season: Spring to Early Winter

Gunnison Gorge of the Black Canyon - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 59°

Temp:

59°

Water Temp:

50

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

East Portal Road Opens! Exciting news for anglers: East Portal Road has reopened, marking the beginning of fishing season along the Gunnison in the canyon. While water levels remain robust, they're slightly high for wading across entirely. However, water clarity is superb, at least until we observe the flow rising. During the day, Blue-Winged Olives (BWO) have been consistently hatching, adding to the allure of the fishing experience. Although we've noticed some small stoneflies fluttering about, the fish aren't showing much interest in surface activity at the moment. Fortunately, nymphing has proven highly effective. Using BWO emergers along with Orange Scuds. Additionally, with rainbows congregating on the shelves, egg patterns are beginning to attract attention and garner some catches.

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 4/24/24

East Portal Road is open and its time to head down soon. The weather is looking great with some wind but sunny warm days. Keep an eye on the flow as we get into spring and with the rainbows looking to spawn be mindful of reeds.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/24/24

With the road closed and snow falling its best to fish outside of the National Park in the Gunnison Gorge or the Pleasure Park area near Delta.

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):
RS2 N/A
CDC Loopwing Quill Emerger N/A
Lightning Bug N/A
Flashback Baetis Nymph N/A
Micro Egg N/A
Flashback Scud Wet Hare's Ear Orange

RS2

A must have emerger fly pattern for any trout fisherman.

2.49

Item #067T

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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:

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.