RIVER REPORT
Gunnison River | Gunnison
The Gunnison River near Gunnison offers an idyllic high-country fishing experience, with cold, clear waters supporting healthy populations of brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Flowing through a broad valley, this stretch features a mix of deep pools, riffles, and gentle runs, making it perfect for both dry fly and nymph fishing. Prolific hatches of caddisflies, mayflies, and midges in the warmer months attract trout to the surface, while streamers and nymphs work well in the deeper sections. The scenic landscape, framed by mountain views and wide-open meadows, provides anglers with both beauty and quality fishing opportunities, making it a favored spot for those seeking solitude and productive trout fishing close to the town of Gunnison.
CONDITIONS
Weather & Flow Data Reported From OpenWeather and USGS
Recent Reports
Gunnison River near Gunnison – April Fly Fishing Report: As of early April, the Gunnison River near Gunnison, Colorado, is transitioning from winter to spring conditions. Recent reports indicate that the river is beginning to thaw, with flows recorded at approximately 240 cubic feet per second (CFS) near the city of Gunnison. The upper stretches near Almont are accessible to wading anglers, while downstream sections may still have ice coverage; caution is advised around ice shelves, as warming temperatures can render them unstable. Water temperatures remain cold, around 34°F, so trout are primarily holding in deeper pools and runs. Nymphing is currently the most effective technique. Recommended patterns include attractors like Blowtorches, Trout Beads, Pat’s Rubber Legs, and Squirmy Worms, as well as smaller classics such as Rainbow Warriors, Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears, and Barr’s Emergers. Using 4X-5X tippet is advisable due to the clear and shallow water conditions. Streamer fishing can also yield results; patterns like Woolly Buggers, Baby Gongas, and Baby Swim Coaches have been effective in recent outings. As always, exercising caution around ice and monitoring weather conditions is crucial during this transitional period. Overall, the Gunnison River near Gunnison offers early-season opportunities for anglers prepared to adapt to the evolving spring conditions.
Water Flow Data
5 Day Outlook
BUGS
Gunnison River’s insect life provides a smorgasbord for hungry trout. AvidMax recommends these key fly patterns:
THE FISHERY
The Gunnison River at Gunnison offers anglers an exceptional fishing experience with diverse water conditions and healthy trout populations, set in the scenic high-altitude landscape of Colorado’s Gunnison Valley.
Fish Species
The Gunnison River at Gunnison is known for its healthy populations of brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Browns are particularly dominant in this section, with fish commonly ranging from 12-18 inches. There are also kokanee salmon that migrate upriver from Blue Mesa Reservoir in the fall, offering additional opportunities for anglers during the spawning season.
Unique Fishing Conditions
The Gunnison River at Gunnison provides a mix of riffles, runs, and deep pools, offering varied water types for fly anglers. The river is relatively wide and slow in this section, making it ideal for both wading and float fishing. Nymphing with midge, mayfly, and stonefly patterns (sizes 16-20) is effective year-round, particularly in deeper pools and seams. Summer and fall offer great dry fly action, with hatches of caddis, blue-winged olives, and PMDs. Streamers are particularly productive in the fall, especially when targeting larger browns or kokanee salmon.
Access and Regulations
Public access is abundant along the Gunnison River near Gunnison, with several parks, boat ramps, and public land areas available, including the popular Cooper Ranch Wildlife Area and Neversink. This section of the Gunnison River is not under Gold Medal Waters designation, but anglers are encouraged to practice catch-and-release, particularly for larger trout, to help maintain the health of the fishery. Seasonal water flows can vary, particularly in the spring during runoff, so checking conditions ahead of time is advisable.
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 runoff can lead to higher flows, but nymphing with stonefly and baetis patterns in slower eddies and deep pools is effective. Focus on calmer areas where trout hold during higher water conditions.
Summer
Summer offers great dry fly fishing with hatches of caddis, PMDs, and terrestrials like hoppers. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish dries, especially near riffles and undercut banks.
Fall
Fall is prime for targeting large brown trout during their pre-spawn period, making streamers and egg patterns highly effective. Look for deeper pools and runs where these fish hold as temperatures drop.
Winter
Winter fishing is slower, but trout can still be caught by nymphing with small midges and baetis patterns in deeper, slower water. Fish during the warmest part of the day to increase your chances of finding active trout.
REMEMBER
The Gunnison River at Gunnison offers a fantastic fishing experience with healthy trout populations and diverse water conditions, but its high-altitude environment and changing flows require careful attention. Always practice responsible angling to protect this valuable fishery and preserve it for future generations.
Water Conditions
Seasonal flows can fluctuate significantly, especially during spring runoff when the river rises quickly. Be sure to check flow levels before heading out, as high water can affect both fishing success and wading safety.
Regulations
Portions of the river may have catch-and-release or artificial flies and lures-only regulations to protect trout populations. Review local fishing rules to ensure compliance and help maintain the quality of this fishery.
Safety
The river’s rocky bottom and cold, fast-moving waters can make wading challenging. Wear proper wading gear, especially during high flows, and be cautious when crossing deeper pools or navigating slippery rocks.
COMMENTS
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