Gunnison River Fishing Report

Updated August 22, 2026

Gunnison River - East Portal

East Portal Road is currently closed due to mudslides, with no estimated reopening date at this time. Call the shop for the latest access updates.

Gunnison Gorge Fishing Report

The Gunnison Gorge is fishing well. Flows are approximately 266 cfs, so boating is limited, which is keeping fishing pressure down. Terrestrials are starting to show up along the banks, and hopper dropper has been the most effective method, with eats coming both on the surface and subsurface. Fish the banks and slower seams with a hopper dropper, and switch to nymphing deeper pools when needed. We recommend checking water temperatures and stopping fishing if they rise above 68 degrees.

Fly selection: Chubby Chernobyl #8-12, Trico #18-22, pheasant tails #14-18, Blow Torch #14-18, Spanish bullets #14-18, Jig Frenchie #14-18, Pat's Rubber Legs #8-12. Recommended rod: 9' 5wt or 6wt.

Pleasure Park - Walk & Wade

Water temperatures are running high in this area. Fishing at sunrise and getting off the water early is the safest move for now. Fish are looking up for terrestrials along the banks - target the banks and slower pocket water to find fish. Flows on the North Fork affect water clarity, so check flows before heading out. We recommend checking water temperatures and stopping fishing if they reach 68 degrees or by 12 p.m.

Fly selection: Chubby Chernobyl #8-12, perdigons #14-18, caddis nymphs #14-18.

Downstream of Pleasure Park

Water temperatures are high, and there is a voluntary closure downstream of the North Fork confluence at 12 p.m. We recommend fishing upstream of Pleasure Park or heading up to our alpine lakes to beat the heat.

Questions about current conditions? Stop by the shop at 432 E Main St in Montrose, call 970-964-9991, or book a guided trip and let our guides put you on fish.