RIVER REPORT
Gunnison River | Below Gunnison Tunnel
The Gunnison River below the Gunnison Tunnel is renowned for its exceptional tailwater fishery, providing a consistent flow of cold, clear water ideal for trout year-round. This stretch of river, located in the Black Canyon, is home to large brown and rainbow trout, with many fish reaching trophy sizes. The nutrient-rich water supports prolific insect hatches, including blue-winged olives, caddisflies, and midges, making dry fly fishing, nymphing, and streamer fishing productive techniques. The surrounding dramatic canyon landscape adds to the allure of this section, offering anglers not only challenging fishing but also breathtaking scenery. For further learning, the impact of dam-controlled tailwaters like the Gunnison Tunnel on aquatic ecosystems is an interesting topic to explore, particularly in relation to trout habitats and river health.
CONDITIONS
Weather & Flow Data Reported From OpenWeather and USGS
Recent Reports
Gunnison River Below Gunnison Tunnel – April Fly Fishing Report: As of early April, the Gunnison River below the Gunnison Tunnel is exhibiting favorable fishing conditions. Recent reports indicate that the river is flowing near normal levels with clear water, providing excellent opportunities for anglers. Water temperatures are gradually increasing, stimulating fish activity throughout the day. Anglers are observing hatches of midges and blue-winged olives (BWOs), particularly during warmer midday periods, leading to productive nymphing and occasional dry fly opportunities. Effective nymph patterns include Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, and RS2s in sizes 16–20. For dry fly enthusiasts, BWOs and midge patterns in sizes 18–22 can be productive during active hatches. Additionally, streamer fishing can be effective, especially during overcast conditions, with patterns like Woolly Buggers and Sculpzillas yielding positive results. With the anticipated onset of the Mother’s Day caddis hatch later this month, anglers should be prepared for increased surface activity. Overall, the Gunnison River below the Gunnison Tunnel offers promising opportunities for anglers this April.
Water Flow Data
5 Day Outlook
BUGS
The Gunnison River’s insect life provides a smorgasbord for hungry trout. AvidMax recommends these key fly patterns:
THE FISHERY
The Gunnison River below the Gunnison Tunnel offers anglers a premier tailwater experience, with consistent flows, large trout, and breathtaking canyon scenery making it a must-visit destination for fly fishing in Colorado.
Fish Species
The Gunnison River below the Gunnison Tunnel, often referred to as the Black Canyon or Gunnison Gorge, is home to healthy populations of wild brown and rainbow trout, with fish commonly ranging from 12-20 inches. This section is known for producing large trout due to its consistent water flow and nutrient-rich environment, offering anglers a chance to target trophy-sized fish, particularly rainbows in the spring and browns in the fall.
Unique Fishing Conditions
As a tailwater, the Gunnison River below the tunnel benefits from cold, consistent flows throughout the year, making it a prime destination for fly fishing in all seasons. The river flows through steep, rugged canyon walls, providing both wading and float fishing opportunities. Summer and fall offer excellent dry fly action with caddis, blue-winged olives, and stoneflies being common hatches. Nymphing with stonefly, midge, and mayfly patterns (sizes 16-22) is effective year-round, especially in the deeper pools and runs. Streamers can also be highly productive, particularly in the fall for targeting large browns.
Access and Regulations
Access to the Gunnison River below the Gunnison Tunnel can be challenging due to the steep canyon terrain, with popular access points including Chukar Trail and Smith Fork. Some areas are more easily reached by float trips, and this section of the river is regulated as Gold Medal Waters, requiring the use of artificial flies and lures only. Catch-and-release is encouraged, especially for larger trout, to help preserve the trophy trout population. Anglers should also be aware of water flows, which can fluctuate due to dam releases, affecting both fishing conditions and wading safety.
TACTICS
AvidMax encourages anglers to explore their full repertoire on the Gunnison River:
Nymphing
Nymphing allows anglers to target trout feeding below the surface, with or without an indicator, making it an effective technique for covering deep runs and slow pools where fish are actively feeding on subsurface insects.
Dry Fly Fishing
Fishing with dry flies provides the ultimate surface experience, imitating adult insects and offering exciting visual strikes, particularly during hatches when trout are feeding on the water’s surface.
Streamer Fishing
Using streamers mimics baitfish and other larger prey, offering an aggressive approach that can entice bigger, predatory trout, especially when fishing deeper water or fast-moving currents.
SEASONS
Each season on the Gunnison River brings unique joys and challenges for AvidMax anglers:
Spring
Spring offers steady flows due to regulated releases from the tunnel, making nymphing with stoneflies and baetis patterns effective. Focus on deeper runs and seams as water levels rise.
Summer
Summer provides fantastic dry fly opportunities with hatches of caddis, PMDs, and yellow sallies. Target trout during early mornings and late evenings when hatches are most active, especially in riffles and faster water.
Fall
Fall is prime time for streamer fishing, as large brown trout prepare to spawn. Focus on deeper pools and runs with streamers or egg patterns to target aggressive fish.
Winter
Winter fishing remains productive thanks to steady tailwater flows, with small midge and baetis nymphs being the go-to patterns. Concentrate on slower, deeper water during the warmest part of the day for the best results.
REMEMBER
The Gunnison River below the Gunnison Tunnel is a legendary tailwater fishery, known for its large trout and stunning canyon setting, but its powerful flows and steep terrain demand respect from anglers. To preserve this exceptional river, practice catch-and-release and follow local regulations.
Water Conditions
Flows can fluctuate dramatically due to releases from the Gunnison Tunnel, affecting both wading safety and fish behavior. Always check the flow rates before heading out, as higher releases can make fishing challenging.
Regulations
The river has strict regulations, including catch-and-release zones and artificial flies and lures only in certain stretches. Review and adhere to these rules to help protect the fishery and ensure compliance.
Safety
Wading can be hazardous, particularly in fast, deep currents and along rocky banks in the Black Canyon. Wear proper wading gear, be cautious of swift water, and avoid wading in dangerous conditions—especially after heavy releases.
COMMENTS
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