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 has arrived and with that its time to bust out the Nymphing rigs and indicators. Midges and small mayflies remain the most consistent producers this time of year. Running them behind an attractor pattern—like an egg or a worm—has been especially effective. Depth is everything right now, as most fish are holding tight to the bottom. Before you switch spots, take a moment to fine-tune your weight to ensure your rig is getting down where it needs to be.

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 1/21/26

Focus your time on the deeper pools and runs. With the colder temperatures, fish are moving around less; getting a good drift is key.

Techniques & Tips as of 1/21/26

Nymphing the deeper, slow pools. Use split shot to ensure your flies are getting down to the fish, as they are sitting on the riverbed this time of year.

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):
Micro Egg N/A
Polish Nymph Rubber Worm N/A
Bead Head Brassie™ N/A
Rojo Midge N/A
Troutmaster Nymph - Hare's Ear N/A
Lightning Bug N/A

Micro Egg

Increase your catch rate with this micro egg trout fly.

2.49

Item #12A6

Buy Now

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