Gunnison Gorge of the Black Canyon - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

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

East Portal Road is Open!! East Portal Campground are currently closed until further notice due to flood damage. Fishing has been good as anglers return to good flows and Cool water. Fish have been feeding on smaller flies and is normal for this time of year so stock up your box with small mayflies, midges and scuds. Throughout the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge, flows remain low, but cooler weather has brought water temperatures back down and fish are responding well. Trout are active throughout more of the day, giving anglers a wider fishing window than we saw during the warmer summer conditions. Recent rain has added another variable to the river. Several side canyons have experienced flash flooding, bringing sediment and debris into the Gunnison and creating off-color water downstream of these drainages. Clarity can change considerably from one section to the next, so be prepared to adjust as you move through the canyon. In stained water, larger or more visible nymphs can help fish locate your flies, while smaller mayfly and caddis patterns remain productive as clarity improves. The low flows are also making wading and river access easier for anglers hiking into the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge. More of the river is approachable on foot, with additional opportunities to cross or work along the banks compared with higher flows. Even at low water, use caution when crossing and remember that conditions can change quickly following heavy rain. Fishing conditions are moving in a positive direction as we head into fall. Cooler water has fish active and feeding, while changing clarity from recent storms may require some flexibility from day to day. Keep an eye on weather and river conditions before heading into the canyon, and be ready to adjust your approach once you're on the water.

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