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 continues to fish well, but the best window has been early in the day. Morning hours are producing the most consistent surface activity, with fish looking up for PMDs, caddis, and Tricos before the action starts to slow as the day warms up. Keep the dry fly rod ready early, especially in softer edges, inside seams, and slower current breaks where fish are willing to rise. As the day progresses, switching to nymph rigs has been the more productive approach. We are still seeing the same core bug activity, but it is time to start sizing down your flies. Large stonefly nymphs are still picking up fish and remain a strong lead fly, especially around banks, shelves, and heavier structure, but trailing a smaller pattern behind has been the better move. Size 16–18 PMD nymphs, caddis nymphs, small jig patterns, and general mayfly imitations have been producing well as droppers. Fish are still holding in active feeding zones—shelves, banks, inside seams, soft edges, and current breaks—so stay focused on structure and make clean, controlled drifts. Above the North Fork, the main stem is running clear and fishing well, but the clear water calls for a more technical approach. Stonefly nymphs can still work as a lead fly, but smaller PMD nymphs, caddis patterns, Trico-style mayfly imitations, and light jig droppers have been the most consistent trailers. Move slowly, keep a low profile, and focus on accurate presentations with good depth control. The Lower Gunnison is in solid shape, but early starts and smart adjustments throughout the day will make the biggest difference right now.

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Map of Lower Gunnison River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service

5-Day Outlook as of 7/14/26

Moring has been fishing the best as air temps are still cooler. We have been seeing fish activity drop as we get past 2pm when the air temps are at there highest.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/14/26

Dry fly fishing in the early parts of the day to fish rising on the bank. Add a small Dropper or switch to an indicator setup as the day progresses.

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 Stonefly N/A
Bead Head Giant Stone N/A
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A
Tactical Biot Nymph N/A
Tactical TH Hot Spot Nymph N/A
Witch Doctor N/A

Bead Head Stonefly

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Item #0027

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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