Fishing Season: April through October

Upper Gunnison River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

32

Willowfly Anglers's Tip of the Week

The Gunnison River is at winter flows of under 250 CFS, and has almost completely frozen over. Fishing the Taylor River at the C&R will be your best bet if you are looking to cast a fly; or getting on the ice at either Blue Mesa or Taylor Reservoirs.

Directions open in app

Map of Upper Gunnison River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Willowfly Anglers
RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service

5-Day Outlook as of 12/30/24

The Gunnison River from Almont to Blue Mesa is frozen over. Fish the Catch and Release section of the Taylor River.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/30/24

Nymphing

Local Species Available April through October

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Willowfly Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
RS2 Black 18-24
Blue Winged Olive Olive 18-22
Vernille San Juan Worm Red 14
Orvis CJ Nymph Red 12-16
Mercury RS2 Grey 18-22
Pat's Rubberlegs Coffee 10-14
Polish Nymph Rubber Worm Red 14
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Jig Natural 16-22
Egan's Frenchie Natural 16-20
Two Bit Hooker Red 16-18

RS2

A must have emerger fly pattern for any trout fisherman.

2.49

Item #067T

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Willowfly Anglers's Recommended Gear

Description: About Upper Gunnison River

The Gunnison River begins at Almont, Colorado, where the Taylor River and East River merge to form its headwaters. The river grows in size as it flows down through the Gunnison Valley and into Blue Mesa Reservoir. This is the first of several dams as the Gunnison continues its flow through the Black Canyon and eventually into the Colorado River. Our section of the Gunnison River, the upper Gunnison, is from the headwaters in Almont to Blue Mesa Reservoir. The East River is a freestone river which drains out of Emerald Lake, which is located at 10,500 feet in the Rockies near Crested Butte. So the upper Gunnison is impacted by both snow-melt and the controlled releases from Taylor Reservoir. The Gunnison is best fished from a boat in the early season during high water. There are also plenty of public access points for wading the river during summer and fall. The Gunnison River contains a very high density of trout, including browns, rainbows, and cutthroat. There are long riffles and runs, and deep pools which hold large trout. There are good hatches of stoneflies, caddis, and mayflies during the season. The peak season is from mid June to late September, and fall fishing can be spectacular on the Gunnison. The fall kokanee salmon run brings hard-fighting kokanee salmon up the Gunnison River from Blue Mesa as they run to the Roaring Judy fish hatchery on the East River. There is a catch-and-release season for kokanee from August 1 to October 31. Big trout will follow the salmon up to feed on their eggs. A 9-foot 5-weight fly rod is a good all purpose choice for the Gunnison River. A 6-weight rod can also be used for heavier nymph rigs and/or for streamers.

Nearest Airport:

Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport

Hatches:

Midges

Best Time to Fish:

11am - 4pm

Best Stretch:

Almont to Blue Mesa.

Best Access:

Curecanti Recreation Area