Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
60
Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week
The Gunnison River is holding around 480 CFS throughout the entire stretch. Although the flows are a bit lower than we typically see in July, the water temperatures are holding strong and fishing has been very productive. The main bugs we are seeing are Trico’s, BWO’s, and Caddis. The theme throughout the drainage is Hopper-Dropper fishing, and that is the case on the Gunnison as well! Spanish Bullet’s, French Nymph’s, Pearl & Orange Perdigons, along with Black Sparkle Wing RS2’s, Zebra Midges, and Bling Midges in 16 – 22 have been our mainstays. Morningwood Hopper, Chubby Chernobyl, and Amy’s Ants have been our go to hopper patterns. For the dry fly anglers – Missing Link Caddis, Chubby Trico Spinners, CDC Comparadun’s, and Mole Flies are great options to fish behind a hopper. Streamer fishing has been very productive! Larger articulated patterns have been moving the most fish, with Double Gonga’s, Thrasher’s, and Agent Scully’s being some of our favorites. As always; have fun and enjoy this phenomenal fishery!
Directions open in app
Water Flow Data
5-Day Outlook as of 7/18/25
Caddis, Trico's, PMD's; Hopper Dropper
Techniques & Tips as of 7/18/25
Hopper Dropper, Single Dry
Local Species Available April through October
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Trout
Willowfly Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns
"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
Name: | Colors: | Size(s): |
---|---|---|
Tunghead Pheasant Tail | Natural | 12-18 |
Czech Mate Hare's Ear | Peacock | 8-16 |
Bead Head Brassie | Green | 10-12 |
Hairwing Western Green Drake | Green | 10-12 |
HDA Varient | Natural | 12-16 |
20 Incher | Peacock | 8-12 |
Cone Head Marabou Muddler | Natural | 10 |
Elk Wing Caddis | Natural | 16-22 |
Blowtoarch | Black | 10-14 |
Two Bit Hooker | Red | 16-18 |
Tunghead Pheasant Tail
Adding tungsten beads to mayfly patterns is relatively new.
2.99
Item #144J
Willowfly Anglers's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
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Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
WF Trout Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line