Fishing Season: Year-round

Lower Gunnison River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

47

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

The Lower Gunnison continues to fish well, with the best action coming during the early morning hours. Cooler water temperatures have fish actively feeding on the surface, with consistent PMD, caddis, and Trico activity before the bite slows as the day warms. Keep a dry fly rod ready early, especially around softer edges, inside seams, and slower current breaks where trout are willing to rise. As the morning progresses, transitioning to a nymph rig has been the most productive approach. With lower summer flows and warmer afternoon temperatures, anglers should plan to wrap up their day by late morning or around midday. Trout are holding in faster, more oxygen-rich water as temperatures climb, so focus your efforts on riffles, current seams, and other well-oxygenated holding water while conditions remain favorable. We are still seeing the same core bug activity, but it is time to start sizing down your flies. Size 16–18 PMD nymphs, caddis nymphs, small jig patterns, and general mayfly imitations have all been productive as droppers. Fish remain concentrated in active feeding lanes, including shelves, banks, inside seams, soft edges, and current breaks, so clean, controlled drifts remain the key to success. Above the North Fork, the main stem is running slightly off color, making fish a little less spooky. Stonefly nymphs still make an effective lead fly, but smaller PMD nymphs, caddis patterns, Trico imitations, and light jig droppers have been the most consistent trailers. Move deliberately, maintain a low profile, and prioritize accurate presentations with good depth control. Early starts and adapting to changing conditions throughout the day will provide the best opportunity for success on the Lower Gunnison.

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Map of Lower Gunnison River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service

5-Day Outlook as of 7/21/26

Moring has been fishing the best as air temps are still cooler. We are happy to see some rain in the forecast to help cool things down so make sure you plan ahead.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/21/26

Dry fly fishing in the early parts of the day to fish rising on the bank. Add a small Dropper or switch to an indicator setup as the day progresses.

Local Species Available Year-round

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    Rainbow Trout

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    Brown Trout

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    Roundtail Chub

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    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):
Bead Head Brassie™ N/A
Tactical OE Rhyacophila Larva N/A
TH Duracell Jig N/A
Tactical Biot Nymph N/A
Tactical TH Hot Spot Nymph N/A
Witch Doctor N/A

Bead Head Brassie™

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Item #0957

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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