Lower Gunnison River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

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

The Lower Gunnison has been fishing fantastic, and we are right in one of the most exciting windows of the season. Fish have shifted from heavy surface feeding to feeding more consistently below, but don’t put the dry fly rod away just yet. Yellow Sallies are still active, and certain runs are continuing to produce surface eats when fish are keyed in. Large stonefly nymphs are still finding fish, but the stronger action has been coming on size 14–16 caddis nymphs, jig patterns, and smaller attractor-style droppers. Fish have moved out of the deeper, slower water and are now setting up in more active feeding zones. Focus your efforts along shelves, banks, inside seams, softer edge water, and current breaks where trout can sit efficiently and intercept food. This is a great time to cover water, fish with intention, and stay tight to structure. Above the North Fork, the main stem is running clear and fishing well. Stonefly nymphs remain a solid lead fly, but in the cleaner water, trailing smaller BWO nymphs, caddis patterns, and general mayfly imitations can be very productive. Fish are holding in similar water types—shelves, banks, soft edges, and inside seams—but the clear water calls for a more technical approach. Move slowly, keep a low profile, and focus on clean presentations with good depth control. The Lower Gunnison is in great shape, the bug activity is strong, and the fish are feeding with purpose. Keep the dry fly rod close, stay dialed below the surface, and be ready to adjust as each run shows you what the fish want. Fishing has been productive, with trout keying in on larger food sources such as stonefly nymphs and worm patterns. These bigger profiles should be a primary part of your rig right now, especially when targeting fish holding along the banks and softer seams. To increase overall effectiveness, trail a smaller but brighter nymph behind your lead fly to pick up extra eats from fish that are tracking the larger offering but committing to the secondary bug.

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