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

Updated: December 15, 2025

Up high, the Upper Gunnison River fishes like a classic winter freestone with trout pinned to deeper runs and inside bends. Through the Black Canyon, bottom-release flows and canyon walls create one of the most technical winter tailwaters in the state. Downstream, the Lower Gunnison River slows and spreads, offering longer feeding windows, more forgiving structure, and consistent winter opportunity when conditions line up.

Listen to the Audio Overview

Overall Gunnison River Conditions

Flow: Stable winter flows with tailwater control through the Black Canyon
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
Air Temperature: Cold mornings with brief midday warming
Clarity: Clear to lightly tinted depending on section
Crowds: Very light in winter across all sections
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., slightly longer downstream
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with midges, baetis, scuds, and selective leeches

Listen to the Audio Overview

Upper Gunnison River Fly Fishing Report

(Almont → Gunnison)

The Upper Gunnison River fishes cold and methodical in winter. Trout hold in deep freestone runs, soft inside seams, and winter troughs where they can feed efficiently with minimal movement. Midges dominate, with baetis nymphs appearing briefly on mild afternoons.

Conditions Summary

Flow: 150 to 200 CFS typical winter baseflow
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
Air Temperature: Teens to upper 20s
Clarity: Ultra clear
Crowds: Minimal in winter
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Technical winter nymphing with tiny midges

Weather

Gunnison Colorado Weather

Cold, crisp, and brief sunlight windows define how trout feed. Expect frozen edges in morning hours and slightly improved clarity around midday.

Top Flies in Your Box This Week

• Black Beauty 18 to 22
• Zebra Midge 18 to 22
• RS2 18 to 22
• WD-40 18 to 20
• Small Pheasant Tail 16 to 18

Pro Rig of the Week: Upper Gunnison Micro Current Rig

• Indicator: Small yarn
• Lead Fly: Small Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
• Dropper: Black Beauty 20
• Weight: Light to moderate
• Target Water: Deep runs, inside bends, and winter troughs

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 of the Gunnison is the most technical winter section of the system. Bottom-release flows keep trout behavior consistent, but extreme clarity and canyon shadows compress feeding windows and demand precision.

Conditions Summary

Flow: 600 to 900 CFS depending on release
Water Temperature: Mid 30s
Air Temperature: 20s to 30s
Clarity: Clear to emerald green
Crowds: Very light in winter
Best Window: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Deep winter nymphing with midges, baetis, and leeches

Weather

Black Canyon / Gunnison Gorge Weather

High walls limit sunlight, creating late warmups and quick cooldowns. Cold but stable flows maintain excellent clarity.

Top Flies in Your Box This Week

• Black Beauty 20 to 24
• Zebra Midge 20 to 22
• RS2 20 to 22
• Barrs Emerger 18 to 20

Pro Rig of the Week: Canyon Winter Deep-Slot Rig

• Indicator: Small yarn or minimal air-lock
• Lead Fly: Barrs Emerger 18
• Dropper: Black Beauty 22
• Weight: Carefully tuned micro split shot
• Target Water: Deep troughs, slow canyon seams, and tailout shelves

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 River fishes broader, slower, and warmer in winter. Trout spread into deep shelves, soft edges, and long runs where scuds and leeches become important food sources.

(Delta → Grand Junction)

Conditions Summary

Flow: 1,000 to 1,400 CFS depending on tributary influence
Water Temperature: Mid to upper 30s
Air Temperature: 30s to mid 40s
Clarity: Clear to lightly stained
Crowds: Very light
Best Window: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with midges, scuds, eggs, and leeches

Weather

Delta / Grand Junction Colorado Weather

The Lower Gunnison River fishes broader, slower, and warmer in winter. Trout spread into deep shelves, soft edges, and long runs where scuds and leeches become important food.

Top Flies in Your Box This Week

• Midge Larva 18 to 22
• Scud 12 to 16
• Leech 10 to 12
• Pheasant Tail 16 to 18

Pro Rig: Junction Soft-Edge Rig - Sponsored by Rigs Fly Fishing

• Indicator: Small air-lock
• Lead Fly: Scud 14
• Dropper: Midge Larva 20
• Weight: Light to moderate
• Target Water: Soft edges, deep troughs, and slow winter run

Looking for a Guide? 

Hatch Chart for December

Download the Gunnison River Hatch Chart

Access Points

Delta SWA ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Reliable winter structure with slow deep edges.
Rating: Four gold stars

Confluence Park (Grand Junction) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Broad, productive winter water with minimal pressure.
Rating: Five gold stars

Orchard City Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Soft edges and long troughs perfect for midge rigs.
Rating: Four gold stars

Companion Article for December

Colorado Winter Trout Fishing Strategy and Behavior Guide