Fishing Season: Year-round

Lower Gunnison River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

47

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

East prtal Road is Open! With that said fishing is looking good in this area. Flows are at a great level witch alowes some wade fishing but waters are still very cold so layer up under you waders. Fish have been feeding on small mayfly and midge emergers as well as Caddis pupa and other beaded atractors. We have started to see Rainows pairing up and digging beds so be carful about wading on spawing fish for the next few weeks and let these fish do their thing. Right now the waters are clear but with spring runoff coming there will be some colored water coming through the dam so be prepairded for that depending on how soon you make it down. Lower Gunnison River Fishing Report – Colorado With warmer temperatures settling in, activity on the river is picking up. Anglers are finding success both above and below the confluence at Pleasure Park, though the approach changes depending on the direction you go. Upstream: Expect crystal-clear water with spooky fish holding near the banks as you make your way. Long, accurate casts and light tippet are key to fooling these wary trout. That said, fish in the deeper runs have been more willing to eat, so don’t overlook those pockets. Downstream: The water has a bit more color, but visibility remains good. During the second half of the day, fish have been rising to Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs), though with so many bugs on the water, they can get selective. Look for fish pushing up onto shelves and into faster water to feed on emerging nymphs. Small, flashy mayfly emergers have been especially effective. What's Working: Small mayfly nymphs and emergers (sizes 14–16) fished behind an attractor pattern have been the ticket. Patience and small adjustments can make all the difference. With spring conditions improving daily, now’s a great time to hit the water and enjoy some early-season action.

Directions open in app

Map of Lower Gunnison River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service

5-Day Outlook as of 5/6/25

Looking at the start to next week, the weather cools off a bit but still staying in the high 50's. This should clear up the water coming on from the Northfork and make the fish more active so its worth a trip.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/6/25

Nymphing small flies in the deeper runs and pools. Depending on temp and bug activity fish may rise to hatches during the day so haveing a selection of midge and BWO adults in your box with have you ready for any situation.

Local Species Available Year-round

  • Fish Icon

    Rainbow Trout

  • Fish Icon

    Brown Trout

  • Fish Icon

    Roundtail Chub

  • Fish Icon

    and Flannelmouth Sucker

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
I Can See It Midge Fly N/A
Lightning Bug N/A
Bead Head Brassie™ N/A
Rojo Midge N/A
Shaky Worm N/A

Birchell's Hatching Midge

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

2.49

Item #12A1

Buy Now

RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service's Recommended Gear

Description: About Lower Gunnison River

Pleasure Park: This stretch of the Gunnison starts at the confluence of the Smith Fork, four miles above Pleasure Park, and ends at the Highway 65 bridge about 12 miles below Pleasure Park. Not as dramatic as the East Portal or Gunnison Gorge, this section of the river twists its way through sandstone cliffs and a beautiful desert landscape.

Nearest Airport:

Montrose and Grand Junction

Best Time to Fish:

Late morning to mid afternoon ( Warmest part of the day)

Best Stretch:

Both up and Down stream of pleasure park fish very well but in the spring or after a big storm the North Fork of the Gunnison causes the down stream section to blow out.

Best Access:

Pleasure park or South River Road