Gunnison River Fishing Report

Updated July 3, 2026

Gunnison River - East Portal

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 black or brown #8-12, pheasant tails #16-18, caddis nymphs #14-16, Spanish bullets #14-18, Walt's Worms #14-18, zebra midges #18-22, Griffith's Gnats #18-22, BWO dries #18-20, PMD dries #14-16, golden stones #8-10.

Gunnison Gorge Fishing Report

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 showing up 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 #8-12, pheasant tails #14-18, caddis nymphs #12-16, yellow sally nymphs #14-16, perdigons #14-18, BWO dries #18-20, caddis dries #14-16, chubbies and stimulators #8-10. Recommended rod: 9' 5wt or 6wt.

Pleasure Park - Walk & Wade

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 are a good option along banks and slower edges.

Fly selection: Spanish bullets #14-18, baetis nymphs #16-20, Pat's Rubber Legs #10-14, floss worms #12, caddis nymphs #12-16, yellow sally nymphs #14-16, caddis dries #14-16, BWO dries #18-20.

Downstream of Pleasure Park

This section is more condition-dependent because of the North Fork. 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 #8-12, perdigons #14-18, pheasant tails #14-18, caddis nymphs #12-16, worms, small streamers, caddis dries #14-16, BWO dries #18-20, yellow sallies #18-20, hoppers #8-14.

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.