---
title: "Hidden Gems of the Gunnison River: A Fly Fishing Adventure"
description: Discover the hidden gems of the Gunnison River for an unforgettable fly fishing adventure. Learn the best spots, flies, and techniques for catching trophy trout in Colorado.
image: https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Fly%20fishing%20high%20water.jpg
---

[Skip to content](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/hidden-gems-gunnison-river-fly-fishing#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),
- [Black Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/black-canyon),
- [Gunnison Gorge](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/gunnison-gorge),
- [Blue Mesa Reservoir](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/blue-mesa-reservoir)

# Hidden Gems of the Gunnison River: A Fly Fishing Adventure

- February 27, 2025

![Justin Bauer](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Angler%20in%20River/bauer%20prizr.jpg)

[Justin Bauer](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/justin-bauer)

The Gunnison River, nestled in Colorado’s dramatic landscapes, is more than just a renowned fishing destination—it’s a hidden paradise for those in search of wild, untamed fly fishing experiences. While much of the river attracts anglers from across the globe, several under-the-radar spots offer solitude, stunning scenery, and a shot at catching some of the largest trout in the state.

![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=1800080&height=1800080&name=Gunnison%20River%20Near%20Gunnison%20-%20The%20Gunnison%20Rivers%20deep%20blue%20waters%20cutting%20through%20steep%20canyons.png)

### Where to Fish: Underrated Sections of the Gunnison

**1. The Black Canyon**  
One of the most dramatic stretches, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers both breathtaking beauty and the opportunity to hook wild rainbow and brown trout. A float trip through this section is a bucket-list adventure featuring towering cliffs and rapid waters. Hiring a guide is highly recommended due to the canyon’s rugged nature and intense rapids​(

**2. Below the Blue Mesa Reservoir**  
For those looking to avoid the crowds, head below Blue Mesa Reservoir. This section is known for its consistency and massive trout. The tailwater’s steady flow and cooler temperatures create an ideal environment for fly fishing year-round. Here, nymphs like Pheasant Tail Nymphs (size 20) and Elk Hair Caddis (size 18) are great choices​(

**3. The Gunnison Gorge**  
Wade or float through the Gunnison Gorge, a lesser-known stretch, for some of the best Gold Medal waters in the state. With fewer visitors than other sections, anglers can enjoy pristine conditions, bountiful hatches, and sizable rainbow and brown trout​

### Best Flies for the Gunnison River

![Gunnison River Match the Hatch Box Image 1](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gunnison%20River%20Match%20the%20Hatch%20Box%20Image%201.png?width=800&height=800&name=Gunnison%20River%20Match%20the%20Hatch%20Box%20Image%201.png)

The Gunnison is famous for its wide variety of insect hatches, making fly selection critical. Matching the hatch is always a good practice, but here are some top-performing flies:

- **[Elk Hair Caddis](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/) (Size 16-18)**: A classic for caddis hatches, especially in summer months.
- **[Pheasant Tail Nymph](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/) (Size 20)**: Ideal for trout feeding on small nymphs in the river's riffles.
- **[Woolly Bugger](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/) (Size 6)**: For those deep runs and pools, a black Woolly Bugger stripped or swung through the water works wonders​(

### Fishing Techniques: Wade or Float?

![gunnison black cnayon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gunnison%20black%20cnayon.jpg?width=600&height=600&name=gunnison%20black%20cnayon.jpg)

- [**Wade Fishing**](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/best-waders-for-colorado): The upper sections, especially near the town of Gunnison, offer fantastic wading opportunities. With shallow waters and accessible banks, you can drift dries, nymphs, and streamers. Wade fishing allows you to get up close to the river’s fish-holding spots without disturbing the flow​
  
  [Guide Recommended](https://guiderecommended.com/where-to-fly-fish-on-gunnison-river/)
- [**Float Fishing**:](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/essential-gears-for-a-successful-colorado-river-drift-fly-fishing-trip)For those wanting to cover more ground, floating down the Gunnison is both relaxing and rewarding. Float trips, particularly in the Black Canyon, give you access to untouched areas and allow you to fish the deep pools where larger trout reside​.
  
  [Gunnison River Expeditions](https://gunnisonriverexpeditions.com/fly-fish-black-canyon)

### Best Seasons to Fish

- **Spring**: As the snow melts, trout become more active. The influx of cold, fresh water triggers insect hatches, particularly caddis and stoneflies, making this a perfect time for dry fly enthusiasts.
- **Fall**: Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make autumn ideal for fly fishing. Brown trout are particularly active, and streamer fishing is highly productive during this season​
  
   

### Conservation and Regulations

It’s important to note that many stretches of the Gunnison are fly fishing only, with regulations in place to protect the trout populations. The use of barbless hooks and practicing catch and release are common on this river. Make sure to check local regulations before heading out to ensure a sustainable fishing experience​

 

### Pro Tip: An Angler’s Dream

The Gunnison River is a fly fishing gem, offering everything from challenging canyon floats to peaceful wade fishing through secluded stretches. Whether you’re chasing large browns in deep pools or matching the hatch for rising rainbows, the Gunnison delivers an unforgettable angling experience in one of Colorado’s most spectacular settings.

 Blog Post

## Related Articles

[![An angler wading in the Slate River near Crested Butte, Colorado, surrounded by autumn colors and casting into the crystal-clear water.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/21.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/slate-river-fly-fishing-report-aug-22-2025-hopper-droppers-green-drake-action-clone)

[Gunnison River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/gunnison-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Western Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/western-colorado), [Slate River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/slate-river), [Crested Butte Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/crested-butte-fly-fishing)

### [Slate River Fly Fishing Report (Aug 22, 2025) – Hopper-Droppers & Green Drake Action (Clone)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/slate-river-fly-fishing-report-aug-22-2025-hopper-droppers-green-drake-action-clone)

 August 22, 2025

 The Slate River, located just north of Crested Butte, Colorado, offers some fantastic small-stream fly fishing for...

[Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/slate-river-fly-fishing-report-aug-22-2025-hopper-droppers-green-drake-action-clone)

[![An angler wading in the Slate River near Crested Butte, Colorado, surrounded by autumn colors and casting into the crystal-clear water.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/21.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/slate-river-fly-fishing-report-near-crested-butte-colorado-feb-2025)

[Gunnison River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/gunnison-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Slate River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/slate-river), [Crested Butte Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/crested-butte-fly-fishing)

### [Slate River Fly Fishing Report Near Crested Butte Colorado - Feb 2025](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/slate-river-fly-fishing-report-near-crested-butte-colorado-feb-2025)

 May 6, 2025

 The Slate River, located just north of Crested Butte, Colorado, offers some fantastic small-stream fly fishing for...

[Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/slate-river-fly-fishing-report-near-crested-butte-colorado-feb-2025)

[![An angler wading in the Slate River near Crested Butte, Colorado, surrounded by autumn colors and casting into the crystal-clear water.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Stream%20Fly%20Fishing%20Reports%20(39).png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/slate-river-fly-fishing-report-0)

[Gunnison River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/gunnison-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Slate River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/slate-river), [Crested Butte Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/crested-butte-fly-fishing)

### [Slate River Fly Fishing Report Near Crested Butte Colorado Oct 2024](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/slate-river-fly-fishing-report-0)

 October 21, 2024

 The Slate River, located just north of Crested Butte, Colorado, offers some fantastic small-stream fly fishing for...

[Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/slate-river-fly-fishing-report-0)

 Check all articles

 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" : "Justin Bauer",
    "url" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/justin-bauer"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-02-27T07:30:00.926Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-02-27T07:30:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Hidden Gems of the Gunnison River: A Fly Fishing Adventure",
  "image" : [ "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Fly%20fishing%20high%20water.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/hidden-gems-gunnison-river-fly-fishing",
    "@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"
  }
}
```