Fishing Season: Year-round

Lower Gunnison River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

47

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

Spring has officially settled in, bringing with it unpredictable weather patterns that keep anglers on their toes. It's crucial to gear up for a variety of conditions before heading out onto the water. Amidst these changes, there's been an exciting emergence of midges and BOWs, particularly between 11 AM and 4 PM above the confluence of the north fork. Fish are congregating in the edges and slower currents, delicately sipping and dining on the emerging insects. However, they remain easily startled, so it's essential to approach them with caution, moving slowly and making long casts whenever possible. Below the confluence, the fishing conditions remain excellent, although there's a hint of color beginning to tint the water. Despite this, visibility remains good, and the fish seem less skittish, actively engaging in feeding behaviors. It's an opportune time to capitalize on the feeding frenzy, but anglers should still maintain a strategic approach to avoid spooking the fish

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 4/17/24

Colorado spring weather patterns have been coming, though, so be prepared for sun, snow, or rain. With this weather, the dirt roads are more dangerous until the mud dries up.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/17/24

Nymphing small midges and BWO emergers behind and egg or other medium sized nymph.

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
Rojo Midge N/A
Quasimodo Pheasant Tail N/A
Phlamin Pheasant Tail N/A
Yum Yum Emerger N/A
Micro Egg 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:

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