Fishing Season: Year-round

Lower Gunnison River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

47

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

Winter is starting to loosen its grip, with warmer days and milder nights bringing a slow but steady shift in river conditions. As temperatures rise, both fish and insects are becoming more active, and we’ve been seeing strong midge hatches throughout the day, with a few BWOs making an appearance as well. Success comes down to getting the right drift—adding extra weight and thoroughly working each hole will give you the best shot. Focus on deep pools and slower currents where fish are still holding from the colder months. Before moving spots, experiment with fly changes and rig adjustments to fine-tune your presentation. Small mayfly and midge nymphs fished behind an attractor pattern (sizes 14-16) have been producing well. Stay patient, make the necessary tweaks, and you’ll increase your chances of landing fish. Warmer days are ahead—don’t miss out on this early-season action!

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 2/20/25

Looking at the start to next week weather warms up reaching into the 50s and bugs should start to move putting the fish in a feeding mood. These windows of great temps are worth capitalizing on.

Techniques & Tips as of 2/20/25

Nymphing small flies in the deeper runs and pools. Depending on temp and bug activity fish may rise to hatches during the day so haveing a selection of midge and BWO adults in your box with have you ready for any situation.

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):
Birchell's Hatching Midge N/A
I Can See It Midge Fly N/A
Lightning Bug N/A
Bead Head Brassie™ N/A
Rojo Midge N/A
Shaky Worm N/A

Birchell's Hatching Midge

This midge fly pattern can be used as a dry fly or emerger.

2.49

Item #12A1

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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