Fishing Season: Year-round

Lower Gunnison River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

47

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

Below the confluence with the North Fork, cooler weather has helped bring water temperatures down and conditions are beginning to improve. Temperatures can still climb as the day progresses, so if you're headed this direction, an early start remains the best approach. Fishing the cooler morning window will provide better conditions for both anglers and trout. Recent rain throughout the area has had a noticeable effect on water clarity. Runoff and activity from side drainages have pushed a significant amount of color into the lower river, leaving sections of the Gunnison very off-color. Clarity should gradually improve as these drainages settle, but additional rain could quickly add more color back into the system. When fishing stained water, focus on slower edges, inside seams, and defined current breaks where fish can comfortably hold and locate food. Larger stonefly nymphs, worms, and other visible attractor patterns can be good lead flies, with smaller mayfly or caddis patterns trailing behind. As clarity improves, start sizing flies back down and adjusting your presentation to match the clearer conditions. Conditions can change quickly following afternoon storms, so keep an eye on the weather and river clarity. Cooler temperatures are a welcome change, and as the recent runoff works its way through the system, we expect fishing conditions to continue improving.

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 9/21/26

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 9/21/26

Nymphing Larger attractor patterns trailed with smaller Mayfly and Caddis nymphs.

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