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The quiet part of the season has its own soundtrack
By November, most anglers have swapped rods for rakes. But in the high country, the Gunnison and its tributaries are whispering to those still listening. The crowds are gone. The mornings bite back. And the trout — heavier, hungrier, and far less pressured — are finally showing up in predictable lies again.
As water temps drop into the low 50s and 40s, trout metabolism slows, forcing them to feed smarter and move less. The good news? You don’t have to cover miles of river to find them — just focus on where they’d be if they wanted to eat without working too hard.
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Slow water, fast results
This time of year, fish slide out of riffles and stack in softer seams, tailouts, and inside bends where current is moderate. A nymph drifted through those lanes — slow, low, and steady — will draw strikes from trout conserving energy for winter. Forget the frantic summer speed. One perfect drift beats ten sloppy ones.
Pro tip: on the Upper Gunnison, anything over 400 CFS means you’ll want a bit more split shot and longer tippet. When flows fall below that, lighten up — you’ll spook fewer fish and see more eats.
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Match the hatch (or don’t)
Late-season bugs are minimal but mighty. Midges and BWOs dominate the menu, and trout key in on them with laser focus. Keep a few #20-24 midges and #18-22 BWOs handy, but don’t be afraid to switch things up.
When light fades, an unweighted streamer like a small Olive Sculpzilla swung through a tailout can produce an outsized brown that’s been sulking all day.
The reward for showing up
The upper Gunnison in November isn’t about numbers — it’s about moments. The steam rising from your guides, the crunch of frost under wading boots, and that slow, heavy head shake at the end of a perfect drift.
When cold water brings big trout, the only trick is showing up after everyone else has gone home.
Need a Guide? Book Rigs Fly Fishing Near for the Black Canyon.
