The Gunnison River, one of Colorado’s most diverse fisheries, offers a mix of freestone and tailwater fly fishing. Flowing from Almont through Blue Mesa Reservoir and into deep canyons, it’s home to vibrant rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout populations. With consistent flows due to dam releases, it provides excellent year-round fishing opportunities for both waders and float fishers alike.
October 2024 Fly Fishing Report: Gunnison River
Current Conditions
The Gunnison River is an absolute fall gem this October! With steady flows and crystal-clear water, the trout are out and about, making the most of the cooler weather. Whether you're after rainbows, browns, or the legendary kokanee salmon, this river is fishing hot right now. The browns are getting into pre-spawn mode, and they’re as aggressive as they come—perfect for streamer action. Meanwhile, midges and BWOs are keeping the surface game exciting. Add in the stunning fall colors and fewer crowds, and it’s like having a private fishing show in one of Colorado’s most iconic rivers.
- Flow Rate: 443 cfs (Lower Gunnison)
- Water Temperature: 60°F
- Clarity: Clear
- Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
Source: Colorado Division of Natural Resources Station Flow Reports
Hatches & Recommended Flies
Nymphs
- Pheasant Tail (#16-18): Ideal for mimicking small mayflies. Works great in runs and riffles where trout are actively feeding.
- Copper John (#16-18): A solid choice for deeper water and faster flows. Its flash gets attention when conditions are tough.
- San Juan Worm (#12-14): Especially effective in siltier sections and during increased water flow after rain.
Dry Flies
- Blue-Winged Olive (#18-22): These hatch during overcast days, and trout love them.
- Parachute Adams (#18-20): Versatile, works well during calm and clear days when trout are rising in slower water.
- Hopper Patterns (#10-14): Late-season hoppers along the grassy banks still get aggressive takes from trout.
Streamers
- Sculpzilla (#4-6): A go-to for targeting larger trout hiding in deeper waters and undercut banks.
- Black Matuka (#4-6): Great for swinging through slower pools where big browns hang out.
- Olive Woolly Bugger (#6-8): Perfect for stripping along the edges of currents and deeper pools.
Fishing Tactics on the Gunnison River
- Nymphing: Getting your flies deep is key this time of year. Focus on faster runs and deeper pockets where trout are holding to conserve energy.
- Dry-Dropper Setup: A versatile approach when fish are feeding both above and below the surface. Combine a larger dry fly with a nymph dropper for increased coverage.
- Streamers: Fall is the prime season for streamer fishing, especially for aggressive brown trout. Cast toward banks or near structure, strip in short bursts, and get ready for a hard hit.
Access Points
- Almont to Blue Mesa: This stretch offers excellent riffles and runs perfect for wading. Consistent flows make it an ideal location throughout the season.
- Gunnison Gorge: Below the Black Canyon, this area is known for trophy trout. The steep hike to access makes it perfect for anglers seeking less pressured waters.
- Curecanti National Recreation Area: Great for both wading and float fishing, with convenient access points and parking areas nearby.
This report covers the latest conditions, recommended flies, and effective tactics for the Gunnison River during October 2024. With the kokanee salmon run in full swing, now is a great time to experience exciting trout action along the river.