Fishing Reports

Fishing Report: Montrose Area Waters
Updated: 10/27/26 | Ed's Fly Shop

Current Flows:
East Portal: 227 cfs | Gunnison Gorge: 227 cfs | Gunnison at Delta: 676 cfs | Uncompahgre at Paco Chu Puk: 248 cfs | Uncompahgre at Colona: 295 cfs | San Miguel: 393 cfs

Gunnison River: East Portal

Current Conditions:
Flows are running about 227 cfs and fall fishing is here. Cooler nights have the fish feeding more through the middle of the day. Blue Winged Olives are showing up on cloudy afternoons, and the browns are getting aggressive ahead of the spawn, so a streamer is worth carrying. Please watch for spawning beds in the gravel and give them room.

Fly Selection:

  • BWO Dries #18-22
  • Pheasant Tails #16-18
  • Zebra Midges #18-22
  • Pat's Rubber Legs #8-12
  • Woolly Bugger #6-10

Gunnison River: Gunnison Gorge

Current Conditions:
The Gorge is running around 227 cfs. Boating is limited at this level, which keeps pressure low. Hopper fishing is winding down with the cooler weather, and nymph rigs are now the most consistent way to find fish. Watch for BWOs on overcast days and fish streamers along the banks and deeper runs early and late. Browns are starting to stage for the spawn, so avoid wading through gravel beds.

Fly Selection:

  • Pat's Rubber Legs #8-12
  • Pheasant Tails #14-18
  • Blow Torch #14-18
  • Spanish Bullet #14-18
  • Jig Frenchie #14-18
  • BWO Dries #18-22
  • Woolly Bugger #6-10

Recommended Gear: 9' 5wt or 6wt

Gunnison River: Pleasure Park (Walk/Wade)

Current Conditions:
Water temperatures are coming down from summer, but the lower river still warms into the mid 60s in the afternoon. Mornings and midday are your best window. Flows on the North Fork affect clarity, so check them before heading out. Nymph rigs along the seams and slower pocket water are producing, with a dry dropper still worth a try on warm afternoons.

Fly Selection:

  • Perdigon #14-18
  • Caddis Nymphs #14-18
  • Pheasant Tails #14-18
  • BWO Dries #18-22

Gunnison River: Below Pleasure Park (Delta Section)

Current Conditions:
Flows at Delta are around 676 cfs and dropping after last week's storm bump. Water temperatures are dropping but still reach the mid 60s in the afternoon. Fish early and check water temperatures while you are out.

Uncompahgre River: Paco Chu Puk

Current Conditions:
Flows below Ridgway Reservoir have been bumped up to about 248 cfs, up from the mid 60s earlier in the month. The fishing is technical but rewarding, and stealth still matters. Small dry dropper rigs and light nymph rigs with yarn indicators are the way to fool spooky fish. Keep an eye out for midges and BWOs on cloudy days.

Fly Selection:

  • Griffith's Gnats #20-22
  • Rainbow Warrior #18-22
  • Zebra Midges #18-22
  • Perdigons #18-22
  • Glass Bullet #20-22
  • BWO Dries #20-22

Recommended Gear: 8-9' 4wt or 5wt

Uncompahgre River: Town Section

Current Conditions:
Flows in town are up to about 295 cfs with the higher release out of Ridgway, and they are coming down from last week's storm. Terrestrials are fading with the cooler weather, and nymphing the banks, slower seams, structure, and pocket water is the most consistent approach. Fish are less spooky here than at Paco, so you can fish larger tippet and bugs. A Woolly Bugger stripped through the deeper runs is a good fall option.

Fly Selection:

  • Pat's Rubber Legs #8-12
  • Hot Head Pheasant Tails #14-18
  • Blow Torch #14-18
  • Caddis Nymphs #12-16
  • Woolly Bugger #6-10

San Miguel River

Current Conditions:
The San Miguel is around 393 cfs and dropping after last week's storm pushed it over 1,200 cfs, so check clarity before you go. Fall is a great time on this river. Caddis are tapering off and BWOs are taking over, with small nymphs fishing well through the day. Afternoons are now the most productive time to be on the water.

Fly Selection:

  • BWO Dries #18-22
  • Caddis Dries #14-18
  • Pheasant Tail #16-18
  • Perdigons #14-18
  • Hi Vis Para Ant #18-20

Blue Mesa Reservoir

Current Conditions:
Fall is a good time on Blue Mesa as the water cools and fish move shallower. Shore anglers are finding success around points, rocky shorelines, and inlets. Wind can change conditions quickly.

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