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 River remains unaffected by recent wildfire activity and continues to offer excellent fishing conditions. Flows are stable, water clarity is high, and temperatures are holding at optimal levels for this time of year. Terrestrial activity has ramped up significantly, marking the peak of hopper season. Fish are actively feeding along the banks, with consistent surface takes on small to medium-sized hopper patterns (sizes 14–12). Targeting shaded banks and grassy overhangs during late morning through the afternoon has produced the most success. In addition to terrestrials, Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatches have been occurring reliably during midday hours, making a double dry fly rig a productive and enjoyable option. Pairing a hopper with a trailing PMD pattern can be particularly effective when fish are suspended in the upper water column. For subsurface approaches, a double nymph rig utilizing PMD emergers, mayfly imitations, or general attractor patterns has remained productive in riffled water and along shelf transitions. Adjusting depth and weight throughout the day is recommended, as fish behavior can shift with subtle changes in temperature and light.

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 8/16/25

We have some weather in the forecast, bringing cooler temperatures, which should get the fishing excited.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/16/25

Nymphing near the deeper water near drop offs has been effective. Throwing hoppers in the shallower water has been producing as well.

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

Hopper

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Item #0414

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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