The Gunnison River Fly Fishing Report 1/28/26

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

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Overall Gunnison River Conditions

Updated: January 26, 2026

The Gunnison system is in classic winter form. Flows are low and stable, clarity is excellent, and overnight freezes have compressed feeding into midday windows. The Upper Gunnison remains technical but fair. The Black Canyon is demanding but rewarding for disciplined anglers. The Lower Gunnison offers the most forgiving water and the longest bite window.

This is not a river you rush. It is a river you read.

Overall Conditions on the Gunnison River

Flow: Low and stable winter flows across all sections

Water Temperature: Near-freezing mornings with slight midday improvement

Air Temperature: Single digits to mid 30s depending on elevation

Clarity: Clear throughout the system

Crowds: Light overall, very low in the Black Canyon

Best Window: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with precise depth control

Upper Gunnison River Fly Fishing Report

(Almont → Gunnison)

The Upper Gunnison fishes cold and technical in winter. Low gradient water and wide channels push trout into deeper troughs, inside bends, and soft walking-speed seams. Wind can shut things down quickly, but calm sunny days open reliable feeding windows.

Upper Gunnison Conditions

• Flow: Low and steady
• Clarity: Clear
• Crowds: Very light
• Best Water: Deep bends and slow mid-channel seams

Top Flies

• Black Beauty 18 to 22
• Zebra Midge 18 to 22
• RS2 gray 18 to 22
• Small Scud 14 to 16

Pro Rig: Upper Gunnison Long-Drift Rig

• Indicator: Yarn or tight-line
• Lead Fly: Scud 14 to 16
• Dropper: Zebra Midge 20 to 22
• Weight: Light to moderate
• Target Water: Deep troughs and soft edges

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 is the most consistent winter section of the Gunnison. Steeper gradient, darker canyon water, and reliable structure keep trout active longer than meadow stretches upstream. This section rewards anglers who slow down and fish methodically.

Black Canyon Conditions

• Flow: Stable winter release
• Clarity: Clear
• Crowds: Light but increasing on weekends
• Best Water: Deep pockets, canyon seams, and tailouts

Top Flies

• Zebra Midge 16 to 20
• Juju Baetis 18 to 20
• RS2 18 to 22
• Mini Leech black or olive 10 to 12

Pro Rig: Black Canyon Pocket Rig

• Indicator: Yarn
• Lead Fly: Mini Leech 10 to 12
• Dropper: Juju Baetis 18 to 20
• Weight: Moderate
• Target Water: Pockets and deep canyon lanes

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 fishes softer and slower in winter, with deeper runs and less gradient. Scuds and leeches play a larger role here, and trout feed more opportunistically during warming periods.

Lower Gunnison Conditions

• Flow: Moderate and stable
• Clarity: Clear
• Crowds: Very light
• Best Water: Slow edges, deep bends, and tailouts

Top Flies

• Scud 12 to 16
• Midge Larva 18 to 22
• Zebra Midge 18 to 22
• Mini Leech 10 to 12

Pro Rig: Lower Gunnison Soft-Edge Rig

• Indicator: Yarn or small float
• Lead Fly: Scud 14
• Dropper: Midge Larva 20
• Weight: Light
• Target Water: Slow winter edges and deep holding lanes

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

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

Artificial flies and lures only in many sections

Ice shelves common along shaded banks

Steep canyon terrain requires caution

Respect private land and posted signage

FAQ

Is the Gunnison River good for fly fishing in winter?
Yes. The Gunnison offers consistent winter fishing for anglers who focus on timing and presentation rather than numbers.

Which Gunnison section is best in winter?
The Lower Gunnison is the most forgiving. The Black Canyon offers the highest reward for disciplined anglers.

Are dry flies an option in winter?
Rarely. Subsurface midge patterns dominate.

How technical is winter fishing here?
Moderate to high depending on section. Clean drifts and exact depth control are critical.

What tippet works best?
5X for lead flies and 6X for midge droppers.

When does the bite shut down?
Typically once canyon shadows return, often shortly after 3:00 p.m.

Companion Article for December

Colorado Winter Trout Fishing Strategy and Behavior Guide