The Gunnison River is one of Colorado’s great shape-shifters, and winter brings out all of its personalities at once. High in the valley near Almont, the river tightens into cold, technical pocket water. Inside the volcanic walls of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, it becomes a deep, powerful tailwater-like freestone. Downstream near Delta and Grand Junction, it spreads into wide winter lanes where trout settle into long troughs and softer edges.

Jump to the Upper Gunnison

Jump to the Black Canyon

Jump to the Lower Gunnison

The Upper Gunnison is locked into classic cold-season behavior: clear shallow seams, trout holding beneath structure, and a narrow window of activity when sunlight reaches the river corridor. Small midges dominate, and precision is the only way forward.

Inside the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge, the river gains volume, depth, and power. Winter flows remain steady, visibility stays surprisingly good, and trout settle into deeper winter troughs. This is the most technical but most rewarding section of the entire Gunnison system.

Farther downstream, the Lower Gunnison River behaves like a different fishery entirely. Broader, slower, warmer, and more diverse in food sources, it offers the longest winter feeding window and the most accessible wading opportunities. Midges are essential, but scuds and leeches take on real importance in the lower basin.

Listen to the Audio Overview

Upper Gunnison River Fly Fishing Report

(Almont → Gunnison)

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 20 to 24
• Zebra Midge 20 to 22
• RS2 20 to 22
• WD-40 20 to 22
• Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
• Mole Fly 20 to 22

Pro Rig of the Week: Upper Gunnison Micro Current Rig

• Indicator: Tiny yarn indicator
• Lead Fly: RS2 20
• Dropper: Black Beauty 22 to 24
• Weight: Very light
• Target Water: Slow inside bends, deeper winter pockets, and submerged structure
  
  

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

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

• Juju Baetis 18 to 20
• Zebra Midge 18 to 22
• Black Beauty 20 to 22
• Barrs Emerger 18
• Balanced Leech (black) 12
• Scud 14 to 16

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

• Indicator: Small yarn or minimal air-lock
• Lead Fly: Barrs Emerger 18
• Dropper: Zebra Midge 20
• Weight: Moderate depending on depth
• Target Water: Deep canyon troughs, seams, and slow walking-speed transitions

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

(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

Warmer than upstream sections with longer feeding windows and more forgiving clarity fluctuations.

Top Flies in Your Box This Week

• Midge Larva 18 to 22
• Scud 12 to 16
• Leech 10 to 12
• Egg Patterns 14
• Pheasant Tail 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: Slow edges, deep mid-channel troughs, broad winter shelves
  
  

Looking for a Guide? 

Hatch Chart for December

Bug Type | Size | Notes
Midges | 18 to 22 | Primary food
Scuds | 12 to 16 | Key winter forage
Leeches | 10 to 14 | Strong in off-color water

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