.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
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The river’s settled into autumn calm: flows are modest, the air is crisp, and trout are shifting gears after summer’s high-water chaos. Clarity is good, which means fish are cautious. Expect less explosive rises and more strategic drifts — the smart angler wins now.
As nights drop into the 40s °F, bugs are fewer and trout are beginning to tuck into slower seams and deeper runs. Add in a recent wildfire smoke advisory from nearby burn scars — keep your eyes on visibility and access roads.
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Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: Approximately 560 cfs at the Delta gauge (about 68 % of normal). Snoflo Climate Research+1
- Water Temperature: Likely in the low-50s °F (based on nearby Pleasure Park readings ~53.5 °F). Montrose Anglers
- Air Temperature: Highs in the 50s-60s °F; lows dipping into the 30s-40s °F (forecasted).
- Clarity: Clear to slightly off-color — good water for selective trout.
- Crowds: Moderate — fewer anglers than peak season but still accessible.
- Best Times to Fish: Late morning through early afternoon when water warms slightly, and again just before dusk when trout move into shallows.
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Need a Guide? Book Rigs Fly Fishing Near for the Black Canyon.
5-Day Weather Forecast
Expect: Light wind, no major storms on the immediate horizon, nights getting colder. Good window for focused fishing before freeze-in.
Current Hatch Chart — November
| Hatch Type | Bugs & Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges (#20-24) | Occasional midges during warmer mid-day zones; look in slack water. |
| Secondary | BWO (#18-22) | Short bursts on mild afternoons, especially near banks or tailouts. |
| Tertiary | Terrestrials (#10-14 – ants & beetles) | Use when banks warm and small terrestrials fall in shallow water. |
@RigsFlyFishing Photo Credit
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide Setup: Use a 10′ 5× leader to a #16 Parachute Adams. From that point tie 18″ of 6× to a #20 Zebra Midge. If fish aren’t rising within the first 20-30 minutes, remove the dry fly and add a small split shot 12″ above the midge so it sinks just enough—instant dry-dropper hybrid with minimal refit. Cast short drifts into seams and keep your mends subtle — trout aren’t charging with reckless abandon right now.
Top Flies for the Month
- Dry Fly: Parachute Adams #16 — when BWO activity fires and the surface shows soft rises.
- Nymph: Two Bit Hooker #18 — perfect in deeper runs and when fish move off the surface.
- Streamer: Olive Sculpzilla #6 — use when light fades and trout target deeper structure on slower retrieves.
Tips Fly Fishing on the Gunnison
- Seasonal Tip: Cooler nights push trout into slower pockets and deeper runs; reduce your speed and hold bottom contact.
- Dry Fly: Fish shady banks or tailouts during mid-day sun; keep presentation tight and drift clean.
- Nymphing: Depth matters — go deeper, slower. Use a heavier dropper or split shot to reach holding fish.
- Streamer Fishing: If water is clear and light is low, drop streamers along undercut banks and shelf drop-offs; slow, rhythmic retrieves yield better results.
Access Points
- Pleasure Park — classic take-out/wade access near the confluence with the North Fork. Easy entry, good fishable water. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- South River Road Access — less trafficked, longer walk-in but calmer water and more solitude. ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- East Portal Road (Canyon section) — rugged access; for those with drift gear or willing to hike. Big fish potential. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Check for seasonal closures and consult the Colorado Parks & Wildlife regulations. Respect fences, posted signs, and private-land ramps. Late-season access can change with weather or water levels — plan accordingly.
FAQ on This Spot
- What are the current flows and clarity like?
Flows ~560 cfs at Delta, clarity is good — fish are more selective now. - When is the best month to fish this stretch?
Late summer into early fall is prime, and November still holds strong opportunities before freeze-up. - What flies are producing right now?
Parachute Adams #16, Two Bit Hooker #18, Olive Sculpzilla #6. - Can I wade this river or should I float it?
Wading is fully possible in many sections; floating adds access to deeper runs but not required. - What species can I expect here?
Predominantly rainbows and browns; larger browns move into deeper water now. - Any local shops or guides nearby?
Yes — e.g., RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service in Montrose for updates and guided trips.
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