Fishing Reports
Fishing Conditions of Local Water Around Montrose Colorado!
GUNNISON RIVER
Current Conditions: East Portal Road is open and fishing has been good. Flows are very manageable right now, and fish are being found on nymph rigs, smaller dries, and occasional streamer presentations. Midges, baetis, caddis, and early season stonefly activity are all worth paying attention to. Focus on seams, softer edges, and slower pockets when the sun is high.
Fly Selection: Pat’s Rubber Legs in black or brown size 8 to 12, pheasant tails size 16 to 18, caddis nymphs size 14 to 16, Spanish bullets in black, brown, red, or olive size 14 to 18, Walt’s Worms size 14 to 18, zebra midges size 18 to 22, Griffith’s Gnats size 18 to 22, BWO dries size 18 to 20, and small mole flies size 18 to 22.
GUNNISON RIVER
Current Conditions: The Gorge is fishing well and is in good shape for early summer. Nymphing continues to be the most consistent, but dry fly opportunities are starting to show up, especially with caddis, yellow sallies, and salmonfly activity in the canyon. Fish the edges, banks, slower inside seams, and structure. Be ready to switch between big attractor dries, stonefly nymphs, and smaller droppers.
Fly Selection: Pat’s Rubber Legs size 8 to 12, pheasant tails size 14 to 18, caddis nymphs size 12 to 16, yellow sally nymphs size 14 to 16, perdigons size 14 to 18, BWO dries size 18 to 20, caddis dries size 14 to 16, chubbies, stimulators, and salmonfly dries size 6 to 10.
Recommended Gear: 9 foot 5 weight or 6 weight rod.
GUNNISON RIVER
Pleasure Park Walk Wade
Current Conditions: The Pleasure Park area has been fishing well, but the North Fork can still affect clarity depending on weather and runoff. When the river has visibility, nymphing has been productive and fish are also looking up for caddis, yellow sallies, and salmonflies. Big dry dropper rigs can be a good option, especially along banks and slower edges.
Fly Selection: Red, black, brown, and olive Spanish bullets size 14 to 18, baetis nymphs size 16 to 20, Pat’s Rubber Legs size 10 to 14, floss worms size 12, caddis nymphs size 12 to 16, yellow sally nymphs size 14 to 16, caddis dries size 14 to 16, BWO dries size 18 to 20, and salmonfly dries size 6 to 10.
GUNNISON RIVER
Downstream of Pleasure Park
Gunnison River Below Gunnison Tunnel - USGS
Current Conditions: This section is still more condition dependent because of the North Fork. Some days have better visibility than others, so check flows and clarity before heading down. When the water has some color, larger nymphs, worms, stoneflies, and streamers have been the best bet. Salmonflies, caddis, and yellow sallies are still in play, so keep a few big dries ready.
Fly Selection: Pat’s Rubber Legs size 8 to 12, perdigons in black, brown, olive, and green size 14 to 18, pheasant tails size 14 to 18, caddis nymphs size 12 to 16, worms, small streamers, caddis dries size 14 to 16, BWO dries size 18 to 20, and salmonfly dries size 6 to 10.
Recommended Gear: 9 foot 5 weight or 6 weight rod.
UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER
Paco Chu Puk
Current Conditions: Paco is fishing fair to good, but fish are still technical. Flows are very fishable, and a stealthy approach is important. Smaller flies, light tippet, and careful presentations will make a big difference. Yarn indicators, small dry dropper rigs, and light nymph rigs are good choices when fish are spooky.
Recommended Gear: 8 to 9 foot 4 weight or 5 weight rod.
Fly Selection: JuJu Baetis size 18 to 22, Demon Midges size 18 to 24, zebra midges size 18 to 22, cased caddis size 14 to 18, Griffith’s Gnats size 20 to 22, rainbow perdigons size 18 to 22, black leeches size 14 to 18, and small pheasant tails size 18 to 22.
UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER
Town Section
Current Conditions: The tunnel is on and there is good water moving through town. Fish are less spooky with the additional flow, and they are willing to eat larger nymphs and streamers. Focus on soft edges, slower pockets, structure, and inside seams. This is a good local option right now.
Recommended Gear: 9 foot 5 weight rod.
Fly Selection: Black leeches size 12 to 16, pheasant tails size 14 to 18, blowtorches size 16 to 20, Pat’s Rubber Legs size 10 to 12, hot head perdigons size 12 to 16, caddis nymphs size 12 to 14, and streamers like Kreelex, Woolly Buggers, and Mini Peanut Envies size 6 to 10.
SAN MIGUEL RIVER
Current Conditions: The San Miguel is coming into better shape as runoff drops. Flows are still moving enough water that anglers should focus on softer edges, inside bends, banks, and slower pockets. Bigger attractor dries, dry dropper rigs, stonefly nymphs, caddis, and small streamers are all worth fishing.
Recommended Gear: 8 foot 4 weight or 3 weight rod.
Fly Selection: Chubbies size 8 to 12, stimulators size 10 to 14, caddis dries size 14 to 16, Pat’s Rubber Legs size 10 to 12, pheasant tails size 14 to 18, perdigons size 14 to 18, caddis nymphs size 12 to 16, and small streamers.
BLUE MESA LAKE
Current Conditions: Open water fishing has been good. Shore anglers are finding fish, and boat anglers have more options as conditions continue to warm. Look for fish cruising points, rocky banks, and transition areas. Wind can make conditions change quickly, so plan accordingly.
Updated 6/4/26 EFS