GUNNISON RIVER

The Lower Gunnison River is an angler's paradise renowned for its world-class Gold Medal trout waters, expansive access, prolific hatches, and long fishing season. While it is still the continuation of the Gunnison River that comes out of the town of Gunnison, its landscape, availability, weather, and hatches are vastly different from that of the upper Gunnison River Basin near Almont, or Crested Butte, which sits at much higher elevations. The best access to public waters on the Lower Gunnison River includes Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, with its East Portal Road (subject to seasonal closures), and Pleasure Park take-out at the confluence of the Gunnison River and the North Fork of the Gunnison. Float fishing in shallow drafting drift boats or fishing rafts throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall is the best way to cover river miles. However, excellent walk-wade opportunities are available year-round on lower elevation portions.

Happening Now
The Lower Gunnison continues to offer some productive fishing, but conditions have become much more time-sensitive. Due to high water temperatures, lower flows, and reduced dissolved oxygen levels, CPW has issued a voluntary fishing closure from noon to midnight on the Lower Gunnison from the confluence of the North Fork to the Highway 65 Bridge, beginning July 21. Anglers should plan to fish early, be off the water before noon, and consider shifting their focus farther upstream or to higher-elevation waters where environmental stress on fish is less severe. During the early morning window, we are still seeing a good mix of dry fly and nymph activity. PMDs, caddis, and Tricos remain the main bugs in play, with the best surface activity happening early before the day starts to warm. Keep the dry fly rod ready in softer edges, inside seams, and slower current breaks where fish are willing to rise, but be prepared to switch to nymph rigs as the morning progresses and fish settle deeper. Sizing down your flies continues to be the right move. Large stonefly nymphs are still picking up some fish and can work well as a lead fly around banks, shelves, and heavier structure, but trailing smaller patterns has been more productive overall. Size 16–18 PMD nymphs, caddis nymphs, small jig patterns, Trico-style mayfly imitations, and general small mayfly droppers are all worth having in the box. Focus on clean drifts through active feeding zones such as shelves, banks, inside seams, soft edges, and current breaks. Above the North Fork, the main stem is running clearer and remains a better option for anglers looking to stay on trout while avoiding the more stressed lower-elevation sections. Stonefly nymphs can still work as a lead fly, but smaller PMD nymphs, caddis patterns, and light jig droppers have been the most consistent trailers. Move slowly, keep a low profile, and focus on accurate presentations with good depth control. Right now, early starts, smart location choices, and responsible fish handling are the most important parts of a successful day on the Lower Gunnison.**As temperatures rise, anglers should keep an eye on water temps and adjust their day accordingly. Please fish responsibly and avoid targeting trout when water temperatures become stressful.**

Recommended Fly Patterns
Pats Rubber Legs #8-10, Extended Body BWO #18, Blowtorch #14-16, Tungstone #12-14, Kryptonite Caddis #16, Hare on Fire #16-18,Juju Sallie #16, Spanish Bullet #16, Summer Stone #14

See Streamflow on USGS

HANDPICKED

FLIES FOR THE LOWER GUNNISON RIVER

From the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park’s East Portal to beyond Pleasure Park and the confluence of the Gunnison River and North Fork, there are well over 20 plus miles of fishable river on the Lower Gunnison. Still, the majority of access is often remote, challenging, and best accessed by experienced rafters or active hikers and walk-wade anglers ready for rugged trails. Make sure to visit the Bureau of Land Management agency websites for current trail conditions or read their extensive informational map.

*Note: as spring air temperatures begin to rise, our area rain showers intensify the potential for flash flooding, be sure to stay up to date on River Gauge Data, including gauges on the North Fork of the Gunnison River, as water turbidity may affect the quality of your fishing.  Dangerously slick dirt access roads can also be problematic with rains or early/late season snow melts, so pay attention to the forecast.

Fly Fishing Gear & Equipment for Lower Gunnison River:

• 5 weight to 6 weight, 9’ to 10’6” fast action Fly Rods with weight forward floating fly lines are perfect for most casting situation on the Lower Gunnison River. A larger river, with plenty of open casting lanes for long dry fly drifts and deep nymphing, is a perfect scenario to propel faster action fly rods.
• 5x to 2x leader & tippets will cover all situations on the Lower Gunnison River. Consider having both longer leaders lengths for presenting smaller dry flies, while shorter and heaver line and leaders are best for larger dry dropper rigs with better accuracy (especially from a boat) as well as quick streamer shots to the banks.
• Core dry flies for match the hatch, large attractor dry flies, attractor jig nymphs for weight and plenty of stone flies and terrestrials are essential on the Lower Gunny. Visit the Fly Shop to experience our curated selection of guide approved quality fly patterns, ideal for specific hatches and time of year you are visiting.
• Large to medium size poly yarn or bobber style indicators and a variety of split shot for deep pool and long drifts, plus dry fly flotant and dry shake for combating turbid waters slimy eats. *Don’t forget your net for proper catch and release fish handling.
• Don’t forget backcountry essentials like a full coverage synthetic and quick drying SPF Sun Apparel (+ sun gloves and sun gaiters) in this hot high desert environment, a quality rain jacket, day pack, bug spray and plenty of packable food and water for a full day of exploration.

GUIDED TRIPS

LEARN THE RIVER WITH AN EXPERT