Fishing Reports
Fishing Report – Montrose Area Waters
Updated: 8/10/26 | Ed's Fly Shop
Current Flows:
East Portal: 258 cfs | Gunnison at Delta: 323 cfs | Uncompahgre at Colona: 101 cfs | San Miguel near Placerville: 146 cfs
Gunnison River – East Portal
Note: East Portal access is currently closed due to a mud slide. Call the shop for the latest access updates.
Current Conditions:
East Portal is in great shape right now. Flows are very manageable and fishing has been consistently good. Fish are holding in seams, softer edges, and slower buckets during mid-day sun. Expect steady action on nymph rigs with increasing dry fly opportunities. Caddis are active, PMDs are showing mid-day, and stoneflies are still relevant.
Fly Selection:
- Pat's Rubber Legs (black/brown) #8–12
- Spanish Bullets (black, olive, red) #14–18
- Pheasant Tails #16–18
- Walt's Worms #14–18
- Zebra Midges #18–22
- Caddis Nymphs #14–16
- PMD Dries #14–16 (mid-day)
- BWO Dries #18–20
- Griffith's Gnats & Mole Flies #18–22
- Golden Stones #8–10
Gunnison River – Gunnison Gorge
Current Conditions:
The Gorge is fishing well and settling into prime summer shape. Nymphing remains the most consistent method, but dry fly fishing is picking up with caddis, yellow sallies, and lingering salmonfly activity. Fish structure, inside seams, and slower water along banks.
Fly Selection:
- Pat's Rubber Legs #8–12
- Perdigons (various) #14–18
- Pheasant Tails #14–18
- Yellow Sally Nymphs #14–16
- Caddis Nymphs #12–16
- Chubbies & Stimulators #8–12
- Caddis Dries #14–16
- BWO Dries #18–20
Recommended Gear: 9' 5wt or 6wt
Gunnison River – Pleasure Park (Walk/Wade)
Note: With low flows and high water temps, we recommend ending your day early.
Current Conditions:
Fishing has been solid when clarity holds. The North Fork can still impact visibility, so keep an eye on conditions. When clear, fish are eating nymphs well and looking up for caddis and sallies. Dry-dropper setups are producing along banks and softer edges.
Fly Selection:
- Spanish Bullets (red, black, olive, brown) #14–18
- Baetis Nymphs #16–20
- Pat's Rubber Legs #10–14
- Floss Worms #12
- Yellow Sally Nymphs #14–16
- Caddis Nymphs #12–16
- Caddis Dries #14–16
- BWO Dries #18–20
Gunnison River – Below Pleasure Park (Delta Section)
Current Conditions:
This stretch remains condition-dependent due to the North Fork. Visibility can change day to day. When the river has some color, bigger bugs and streamers are key. Terrestrials are starting to become a factor—keep hoppers handy.
Fly Selection:
- Pat's Rubber Legs #8–12
- Worms & Stoneflies
- Perdigons (olive, brown, black) #14–18
- Pheasant Tails #14–18
- Caddis Nymphs #12–16
- Small Streamers
- Caddis Dries #14–16
- BWO Dries #18–20
- Yellow Sallies #16–18
- Hoppers #8–14
- Flying Ants #16-18
- Trico dries #18-22
Recommended Gear: 9' 5wt or 6wt
Uncompahgre River – Paco Chu Puk
Current Conditions:
Paco is fishing fair to good with technical conditions. Fish are still selective, so stealth and presentation matter. Light tippet and small flies are key. Best success has been on subtle nymph rigs and small dry-dropper setups.
Fly Selection:
- JuJu Baetis #18–22
- Zebra Midges #18–22
- Demon Midges #18–24
- Rainbow Perdigons #18–22
- Small Pheasant Tails #18–22
- Cased Caddis #14–18
- Griffith's Gnats #20–22
- Black Leeches #14–18
Recommended Gear: 8–9' 4wt or 5wt
Uncompahgre River – Town Section
Current Conditions:
Tunnel flows are on and the river is fishing well through town. Increased water has fish less spooky and more willing to eat larger bugs. Focus on structure, seams, and softer edges.
Fly Selection:
- Black Leeches #12–16
- Pheasant Tails #14–18
- Blowtorches #16–20
- Pat's Rubber Legs #10–12
- Hot Head Perdigons #12–16
- Caddis Nymphs #12–14
- Streamers: Woolly Buggers, Kreelex, Mini Peanut Envy #6–10
Recommended Gear: 9' 5wt
San Miguel River
Current Conditions:
The San Miguel is shaping up nicely as flows drop. Still a bit pushy, so focus on softer water—inside bends, edges, and slower pockets. Dry-dropper fishing has been productive, and attractor dries are bringing fish up.
Fly Selection:
- Chubbies #8–12
- Stimulators #10–14
- Caddis Dries #14–16
- Pat's Rubber Legs #10–12
- Pheasant Tails #14–18
- Perdigons #14–18
- Caddis Nymphs #12–16
- Small Streamers
Recommended Gear: 8' 3wt or 4wt
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Current Conditions:
Open water fishing remains good. Shore anglers are finding success, and boat anglers have expanded opportunities as temps rise. Look for fish cruising points, rocky shorelines, and transition zones. Wind can change conditions quickly.
Stop by Ed's Fly Shop for the latest bugs, local intel, and daily updates.