Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
47
RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service's Tip of the Week
Lower Gunnison River has not been affected by the fires and remains open and fishing great. The flows on the main stem of the Lower Gunnison have stabilized, and the fishing is heating up! Despite the Salmonfly hatch wrapping up, Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies are also emerging—and the trout are eager to take them on the surface. As July winds down, we're excited to report that water levels and temperatures remain fantastic! Hopper season is in full swing, and anglers are enjoying the thrill of watching fish rise to small to medium-sized hoppers (size 14-12) along the banks. Midday has turned into a delightful spectacle with PMD hatches, making a double dry rig particularly rewarding.While fish are currently focused on the river's edges, nymphing still has its moments of success. By using PMD emergers and general searching flies on a double nymph setup in the riffles and off the shelves, you’re bound to land some exciting catches. Happy fishing!
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Water Flow Data
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby
RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service5-Day Outlook as of 7/22/25
Flows are back to normal, and fish are feeding heavily above the confluence of the North Fork. Weather is looking great so head this way.
Techniques & Tips as of 7/22/25
Nymphing near the edges and banks has been very effective. Some fish are rising, but with more water each da,y they have been looking down more and capitalizing on the stonefly nymphs as they move to the bank
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): |
---|---|---|
Hopper | N/A | |
Hog Caller Hopper | N/A | |
Tunghead Hot Spot Pheasant Tail Jig | N/A | |
Quasimodo Pheasant Tail | N/A | |
Pale Morning Dun Thorax | N/A | |
Sparkle Dun | N/A |
RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
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Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
WF Trout Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line