--- title: "Winter Fly Fishing Report: Gunnison River's Black Canyon Insights" description: "Gunnison River fly fishing report: winter conditions, current hatches, top flies, and tips for fishing the Black Canyon in January 2025." image: https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Gunnison%20River%20Near%20Gunnison%20-%20The%20Gunnison%20Rivers%20deep%20blue%20waters%20cutting%20through%20steep%20canyons.png --- [Skip to content](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/gunnison-river-fly-fishing-report#main-content) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. [![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](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).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")](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/) - [Reports](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/articles/home) - [All Reports](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/articles/home) - [Real-Time App (Beta)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper) - [South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/south-platte-fly-fishing-report) - [Dream Stream (Charlie Meyers SWA)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/dream-stream-fishing-report) - [South Platte at Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-cheesman-canyon) - [South Platte at Deckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers-15) - [South Platte at Waterton Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/whispers-and-wind-late-fall-fly-fishing-in-waterton-canyon) - [Arkansas River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/arkansas-river-report) - [Gunnison River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/gunnison-river-fishing-report) - [Colorado River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-upper-colorado-river-near-kremmling) - [Blue River at Silverthorne](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-colorado-silverthorne-dillon-dam) - [Eagle River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/eagle-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing) - [Fryingpan River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/frying-pan-river-fly-fishing-report-april-modern-reports-for-modern-anglers) - [Roaring Fork](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/roaring-fork-river-fly-fishing-report) - [Yampa River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/yampa-river-fly-fishing-report-near-steamboat-springs) - [GuideBank](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank) - [Book a Guide](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank) - [How it Works](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/book-a-fly-fishing-guide-colorado) - [Angler Guarantee](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank-deposit-terms) - [For Shops & Outfitters](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/join-guidebank) - [Guide Code of Conduct](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/legal/terms-guidebank-suppliers) - [Shop](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/) - [Holiday Gifts](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/frontpage) - [Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/dry-flies) - [Dry Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/dry-flies) - [Nymphs](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/nymphs) - [Terrestrials](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/hoppers) - [Streamers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/streamers) - [Clothing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-t-shirts) - [Holiday Gifts](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/frontpage) - [T Shirts](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-t-shirts) - [Hats](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-hats) - [Hoodies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-sweatshirts) - [Accessories](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-accessories) - [Sock, Bags & Mugs](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-accessories) - [Stickers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-stickers) - Resources - River Access Points - [Colorado River Access Points](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-river-fishing-access-points) - [South Platte River Access Points](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fishing-access-point) - Hatch Charts - [Colorado River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-river-hatch-chart) - [South Platte River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-hatch-chart) - [Arkansas River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/arkansas-river-hatch-chart) - [Gunnison River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/gunnison-river-hatch-chart) - [Clear Creek Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/clear-creek-hatch-chart) - [Yampa River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/yampa-river-hatch-chart) - [Blue River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blue-river-hatch-chart-crack-the-code-on-the-blue-river-hatch) - Podcast - [On iHeart](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rise-beyond-colorado-fly-f-260316777/) - [On Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2PbYHzUT6GQH4jccF85Xs0) - [Win Free Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/win-free-flies) - [About Us](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/about-us) - Search Search Search - [Gunnison River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/gunnison-river), - [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), - [Black Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/black-canyon), - [Southwest Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/southwest-colorado), - [Crested Butte Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/crested-butte-fly-fishing) # Winter Fly Fishing Report: Gunnison River's Black Canyon Insights - November 3, 2025 ![Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(33).png) [Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel)   ![Gunnison River Near Gunnison - The Gunnison Rivers deep blue waters cutting through steep canyons](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gunnison%20River%20Near%20Gunnison%20-%20The%20Gunnison%20Rivers%20deep%20blue%20waters%20cutting%20through%20steep%20canyons.png?width=800&height=800&name=Gunnison%20River%20Near%20Gunnison%20-%20The%20Gunnison%20Rivers%20deep%20blue%20waters%20cutting%20through%20steep%20canyons.png) The canyon is settling into its autumn groove: light is low, water is cool and clear, and the trout have shifted out of high-summer routines into deeper runs and tighter seams. The walls of the canyon cast long shadows by noon, so choose your spots with care. Wildfire smoke from the recent South Rim fire has put a haze over the rim, but the gorge itself remains open — still, check access before you roll in. [National Park Service+1](https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/conditions.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com) --- #### Listen to the Podcast Black\_Canyon\_Nymphing\_Secrets\_\_Mastering\_the\_November\_Shadow\_Li 5:55     --- ## Conditions Summary ![Guide rating from Rise Beyond Fly Shop in Denver. 5 trout for the best rating. This rating is 5 trout. So great fishing conditions. Lots of trout holding](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(1).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(1).png) - **Flow Rate:** Gauge at “below Gunnison Tunnel” shows variable flows — check current USGS for exact.  - **Water Temperature:** Reports show upper 40s-50s °F in the canyon section. - **Air Temperature:** Highs in the 60s °F, lows dropping into the 30s-40s °F at night. - **Clarity:** Clear to slightly off-color — good water for selective fish. - **Crowds:** Moderate — canyon access is tougher than valley stretches, which means fewer casual anglers, but serious pressure exists. - **Best Times to Fish:** Late morning through afternoon when light reaches in, and again just before dusk when trout move in. - **Fly Fishing Type Scores:** - **Dry Fly:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - **Nymphing:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - **Streamer:** ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ #### Need a Guide?[Book Rigs Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guides/rigs) Near for the Black Canyon.  [![rigs home 2](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/rigs%20home%202.webp?width=1200&height=630&name=rigs%20home%202.webp)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guides/rigs)   --- ### 5-Day Weather Forecast [GUNNISON WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/38d55n106d93/gunnison/?unit=us) ### Current Hatch Chart — November | Hatch Type | Bugs & Sizes | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | **Primary** | Midges (#20-24) | Use in slower eddies and near banks during low light. | | **Secondary** | BWO (#18-22) | Occasional mid-morning hatch when sun hits the canyon walls. | | **Tertiary** | Terrestrials (#10-14 – ants & beetles) | Fish near shaded banks when wind is light and light is low. | \_Hatch timing from local guide intel and regional hatch charts for the canyon.   ### Gunnison River Hatch Chart   --- ## Pro Rig of the Week Use a 10′ 5× floating leader to a #16 Parachute Adams. Tie 18″ of 6× to a #20 Zebra Midge underneath. Start with the dry and drift it into tight seams. If fish stay deep, remove the dry and let the midge do the work — you’ve instantly converted to a stealth-nymph rig with minimal change. Short casts, subtle mends, and tight presentation to the seam edge are key in this canyon setting. --- ## Top Flies for the Month - **Dry Fly:** Parachute Adams #16 — for suspecting BWO activity in shaded runs. - **Nymph:** Two Bit Hooker #18 — deep runs hold fish now; weight and drift matter. - **Streamer:** Olive Sculpzilla #6 — when light fades and fish move into structure.     --- ### Tips Fly Fishing on the Gunnison (Black Canyon) - **Seasonal Tip:** The canyon fish are transitioning into fall behavior — slower water, deeper shelves, and less surface activity. Adjust tactics accordingly. - **Dry Fly:** Look for soft light along seams; the dry drift must be near slack water or eddy margins. - **Nymphing:** Use weight; fish are deeper and in slower water. Long drifts through seams and tails will pay off. - **Streamer Fishing:** Use when light is gone or cloud cover rolls in; target undercut banks and shelf drop-offs. --- ## Access Points 1. **East Portal Road** — remote but high reward, float or hike-in for the real canyon experience. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2. **Pleasure Park take-out** — accessible, fewer steps in, good for wade/float transition. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 3. **Gunnison Gorge trail access** — more challenging, less crowd-ed, gives solitude in the canyon. ⭐⭐⭐☆☆     --- ### Local Regulations and Landowner Notes Artificial flies or lures only; all rainbow trout are catch-and-release in the national park section. Be sure to respect posted signs and private land closures. --- ### FAQ on This Spot 1. What are the current flows and clarity like? Flows below Crystal Dam are moderate; clarity good — check USGS for real-time. 2. When is the best month to fish this stretch? Late spring through fall is prime; even November holds good opportunities. 3. What flies are producing right now? Parachute Adams #16, Two Bit Hooker #18, Olive Sculpzilla #6. 4. Can I wade this river or should I float it? Float or walk-in where access allows; wading is possible but terrain is rugged. 5. What species can I expect here? Big rainbows and browns dominate; some truly trophy class 6. Any local shops or guides nearby? Yes — e.g., Black Canyon Anglers for remote canyon trips.     --- [**![Gunnison River Match the Hatch Box Image 1-1](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gunnison%20River%20Match%20the%20Hatch%20Box%20Image%201-1.png?width=800&height=800&name=Gunnison%20River%20Match%20the%20Hatch%20Box%20Image%201-1.png)**](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/best-flys-for-targeting-trout-in-gunnison-river) Blog Post ## Related Articles [![Rise beyond fly box opened on the south platte river](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/20240412_122221.jpg)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/south-platte-river-fishing-essential-tips) [South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/south-platte-river) ### [South Platte River Fishing: Essential Tips](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/south-platte-river-fishing-essential-tips) October 9, 2024 Unlock the secrets to an epic fishing adventure on the South Platte River. [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/south-platte-river-fishing-essential-tips) [![Get the October 2024 fly fishing report for the Animas River. Discover current conditions, recommended flies, and the best fishing tactics for landing big trout in Durango, Colorado.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Stream%20Fly%20Fishing%20Reports%20(50).png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/animas-river-fly-fishing-report-near-durango-10.07.2024) [Gunnison River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/gunnison-river), [Las Animas River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/las-animas-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Durango Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/durango-colorado), [Durango Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/durango-fly-fishing) ### [Animas River Fly Fishing Report Near Durango 10.07.2024](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/animas-river-fly-fishing-report-near-durango-10.07.2024) October 7, 2024 Animas River Fly Fishing Report The Animas River is flowing beautifully this October, offering anglers the perfect mix... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/animas-river-fly-fishing-report-near-durango-10.07.2024) [![Angler casting a fly rod on the clear waters of the Taylor River, surrounded by autumn foliage near Crested Butte, Colorado.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/The%20Taylor%20Rivers%20pristine%20flow%20bordered%20by%20dense%20forests-1.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/taylor-river-fly-fishing-report) [Gunnison River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/gunnison-river), [Taylor River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/taylor-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report) ### [Taylor River Fly Fishing Report Near Crested Butte Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/taylor-river-fly-fishing-report) February 6, 2025 The Taylor River, flowing from high in the Rockies and through Taylor Park Reservoir near Crested Butte, offers some of... [Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/taylor-river-fly-fishing-report) Check all articles GET STARTED Subscribe for ### Our Blog [![Rise Beyond Logo 10.29.24 300x100px (3)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2010.29.24%20300x100px%20(3).png?width=300&height=100&name=Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2010.29.24%20300x100px%20(3).png "Rise Beyond Logo 10.29.24 300x100px (3)")](https://www.risebeyondflyfishing.com) #### Wonder | Wander  At Rise Beyond Fly Fishing, our mission is to equip you with the tools and expertise to confidently traverse the beautiful Colorado waters. Tread lightly, pack out your shit, and leave it better than it was without changing how it's supposed to be. Anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Moderation is for cowards. Enjoy the Rise.  ### Colorado Fly Fishing Spots & Hatch Charts - [See Today’s River Reports](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper) - [South Platte Access](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fishing-access-points-archive) - [Colorado River Access](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fishing-access-points-archive) - [South Platte Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fly-box) - [Colorado River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-river-hatch-chart) - [Clear Creek Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/clear-creek-hatch-chart) - [Blue River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blue-river-hatch-chart-crack-the-code-on-the-blue-river-hatch) - [Yampa Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/yampa-river-hatch-chart) - [Arkansas Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/arkansas-river-hatch-chart) - [Gunnison Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/gunnison-river-hatch-chart) #### Colorado Fishing Reports - [Waterton Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/south-platte-river-at-waterton-canyon-modern-reports-for-modern-anglers) - [Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report) - [Clear Creek](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-clear-creek-colorado) - [Deckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers) - [Dream Stream](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/dream-stream-fishing-report) - [Poudre River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cache-la-poudre-river-fishing-report) - [Yampa River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/yampa-river-fly-fishing-report-near-steamboat-springs) - [Blue River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-colorado-green-mountain) - [Arkansas River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-arkansas-river-middle-basin) ### Company & Resources - [River Report Sign Up](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/the-river-report) - [River Whisper App](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper) - [About Us](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/about-us) - [Privacy Policy](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/privacy-policy) - Terms and Conditions - [Colorado Parks and Wildlife Resources](https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Fishing.aspx) - [Spotify Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/2PbYHzUT6GQH4jccF85Xs0) - [Audible Podcast](https://www.audible.com/podcast/Rise-Beyond-Colorado-Fly-Fishing-Report/B0DTQZWTB2) - [iHeart Radio Podcast](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rise-beyond-colorado-fly-f-260316777/) #### Shop Small Batch Flies - [Subscription Fly Boxes](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/fly-box-subscription) - [Nymphs](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/nymphs) - [Dry Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/dry-flies) - [Terrestrials](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/hoppers) - [Streamers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/streamers) --- - Terms and Services - [Privacy Policy](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/privacy-policy) - [Bantam.Digital](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/Bantam.Digital) Powered by Bantam.Digital [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/risebeyondflyfishing/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://www.pinterest.com/risebeyondflyfishing/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Tymothe Meskel", "url" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel" }, "dateModified" : "2025-11-03T16:32:27.132Z", "datePublished" : "2025-11-03T15:57:42.000Z", "headline" : "Winter Fly Fishing Report: Gunnison River's Black Canyon Insights", "image" : [ "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Gunnison%20River%20Near%20Gunnison%20-%20The%20Gunnison%20Rivers%20deep%20blue%20waters%20cutting%20through%20steep%20canyons.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/gunnison-river-fly-fishing-report", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png" }, "name" : "Rise Beyond" } } ```