Gunnison River Fly Fishing Report Upper Black Canyon Lower | Updated February 3, 2026

The Gunnison River is one of Colorado’s most powerful fisheries, and winter sharpens the contrast between its sections fast. From the broad freestone water of the Upper Gunnison, through the deep canyon-controlled flows of the Black Canyon, down to the wider, softer structure of the Lower Gunnison, winter reveals three very different trout fisheries tied together by cold, stable conditions and short but meaningful feeding windows.

Jump to the Upper Gunnison

Jump to the Black Canyon

Jump to the Lower Gunnison

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Overall Gunnison River Conditions

Updated: February 3, 2026

The Gunnison in winter is not a single river. It is three separate fisheries stitched together by geography and commitment. Each section fishes differently, demands different effort, and rewards different levels of preparation. Choose wrong and the river feels empty. Choose right and it can be the best winter fishing in the state.

Winter success here is about honest time management and physical tolerance. The Upper is approachable and technical. The Black Canyon is a commitment with consequences. The Lower offers consistency if you are willing to cover water deliberately. Know which game you are playing before you rig up.

Overall Conditions on the Gunnison River

Flow: Low and stable winter flows across all sections

Water Temperature: Near-freezing mornings with slight midday improvement

Air Temperature: Single digits to mid 30s depending on elevation

Clarity: Clear throughout the system

Crowds: Light overall, very low in the Black Canyon

Best Window: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with precise depth control

Top Flies in Your Box This Week

Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges

Zebra Midge 18 to 22
Fish deep through walking-speed seams.

Black Beauty 20 to 24
Dead drift tight to bottom in tailouts.

RS2 gray 18 to 22
Fish slightly above the midge dropper.

Mercury Midge 20 to 22
Use when trout refuse darker patterns.

Top Secret Midge 20 to 24
Drift slow along inside edges.

Secondary Hatch: Baetis

Barrs Emerger 18 to 20
Fish mid column during mild afternoons.

Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
Dead drift through deeper seams.

Split Case BWO 18 to 20
Use during calm weather windows.

Attractor and Streamer

Mini Leech black or olive 10 to 12
Slow strip along deeper banks.

Woolly Bugger olive 8 to 10
Short swings through softer edges.

Pro Rig of the Week: Colorado River Winter Seam Rig
Indicator: Yarn or tight-line presentation
Lead Fly: Barrs Emerger or Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
Dropper: Zebra Midge or Black Beauty 18 to 22
Weight: Moderate, adjusted to section flow
Target Water: Inside seams, tailouts, soft banks, deeper winter runs

Pro Rig of the Week: Gunnison Winter Control Rig

Indicator: Yarn or tight-line presentation
Lead Fly: Barrs Emerger or Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
Dropper: Zebra Midge or Black Beauty 18 to 22
Weight: Moderate to heavy, adjusted by section
Target Water: Inside seams, tailouts, soft edges, deeper winter runs

Gunnison River Hatch Chart – February

Download the Gunnison River Hatch Chart

Upper Gunnison River Fly Fishing Report

(Almont → Gunnison)

The Upper Gunnison fishes cold and technical in winter. Low gradient water and wide channels push trout into deeper troughs, inside bends, and soft walking-speed seams. Wind can shut things down quickly, but calm sunny days open reliable feeding windows.

Upper Gunnison Conditions

Flow: 520 CFS. Stable winter tailwater flows push trout into deep runs and walking-speed seams.

Water Temperature: No Data °F

Air Temperature: 38 °F

Wind: 6 to 12 mph

Clarity: Clear

Crowds: Medium

Primary Hatch: Midges

Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Overall Rating: Technical winter fishing with reliable access

Top Flies

• Black Beauty 18 to 22
• Zebra Midge 18 to 22
• RS2 gray 18 to 22
• Small Scud 14 to 16

Pro Rig: Upper Gunnison Long-Drift Rig

• Indicator: Yarn or tight-line
• Lead Fly: Scud 14 to 16
• Dropper: Zebra Midge 20 to 22
• Weight: Light to moderate
• Target Water: Deep troughs and soft edges

Access Points

Almont Public Water ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Consistent winter midge water with deep structure.
Rating: Four gold stars

Gunnison Town Stretch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easier wading, excellent access, and predictable winter holding water.
Rating: Five gold stars

Signal Peak Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Quiet, cold, and technical with rewarding seams.
Rating: Four gold stars

Black Canyon & Gunnison Gorge Fly Fishing Report

The Black Canyon is the most consistent winter section of the Gunnison. Steeper gradient, darker canyon water, and reliable structure keep trout active longer than meadow stretches upstream. This section rewards anglers who slow down and fish methodically.

Black Canyon Conditions

Flow: 1,100 CFS. Cold, controlled winter flows concentrate fish in slower edges and canyon tailouts.

Water Temperature: No Data °F

Air Temperature: 34 °F

Wind: 4 to 8 mph

Clarity: Clear

Crowds: Low

Primary Hatch: Midges

Best Window: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Overall Rating: High-reward winter fishing for prepared anglers

Top Flies

• Zebra Midge 16 to 20
• Juju Baetis 18 to 20
• RS2 18 to 22
• Mini Leech black or olive 10 to 12

Pro Rig: Black Canyon Pocket Rig

• Indicator: Yarn
• Lead Fly: Mini Leech 10 to 12
• Dropper: Juju Baetis 18 to 20
• Weight: Moderate
• Target Water: Pockets and deep canyon lanes

Access Points

Chukar Trail (Gunnison Gorge) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Technical access but world-class winter trout water.
Rating: Five gold stars

Pleasant Valley (Black Canyon) ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Deep seams and emerald clarity all winter.
Rating: Four gold stars

East Portal ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Cold but stable flows; excellent midge fishing.
Rating: Four gold stars

Lower Gunnison River Fly Fishing Report

The Lower Gunnison fishes softer and slower in winter, with deeper runs and less gradient. Scuds and leeches play a larger role here, and trout feed more opportunistically during warming periods.

Lower Gunnison Conditions

Flow: 1,950 CFS. Broader winter flows push trout to inside bends, softer banks, and slow margins.

Water Temperature: No Data °F

Air Temperature: 46 °F

Wind: 5 to 10 mph

Clarity: Clear

Crowds: Low

Primary Hatch: Midges

Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Overall Rating: Consistent winter fishing with room to spread out

Looking for a Guide? 

Access Points

Upper Gunnison Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Reliable access to winter holding water.

Black Canyon East Portal | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Steep access with exceptional winter reward.

Lower Gunnison Flats | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Broad winter seams with room to spread out.

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

Artificial flies and lures only in many sections

Ice shelves common along shaded banks

Steep canyon terrain requires caution

Respect private land and posted signage

FAQ

Is the Gunnison River good for fly fishing in winter?
Yes. The Gunnison offers consistent winter fishing for anglers who focus on timing and presentation rather than numbers.

Which Gunnison section is best in winter?
The Lower Gunnison is the most forgiving. The Black Canyon offers the highest reward for disciplined anglers.

Are dry flies an option in winter?
Rarely. Subsurface midge patterns dominate.

How technical is winter fishing here?
Moderate to high depending on section. Clean drifts and exact depth control are critical.

What tippet works best?
5X for lead flies and 6X for midge droppers.

When does the bite shut down?
Typically once canyon shadows return, often shortly after 3:00 p.m.

Companion Article for December

Colorado Winter Trout Fishing Strategy and Behavior Guide