Fishing Season: Year-round

Lower Gunnison River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

47

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

Lower Gunnison River Fishing Report – Colorado The flows on the main stem of the Lower Gunnison have stabilized, and the fishing is heating up! Salmonflies are hatching above the confluence and pushing into the Black Canyon, creating exciting opportunities for dry fly action. In addition to the big bugs, Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies are also emerging—and the trout are eager to take all three. Be cautious if you're venturing upstream: the North Fork is still running high, making crossings difficult and potentially hazardous. Below the confluence, increased flows have pushed some color into the water, with visibility around 12 inches. Despite the stain, fishing remains productive. Trout are keying in on caddis pupa, stonefly nymphs, and worm patterns. Nymphing remains consistent, but keep an eye out for rising fish during warmer afternoons.

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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 6/18/25

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 6/18/25

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):
Big Sky Salmon Fly N/A
Gee's Supafly Stone Dry N/A
Tunghead Stonefly N/A
Bead Head Stonefly N/A
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A
Shaky Worm N/A

Big Sky Salmon Fly

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Item #3R8E

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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