Canyons and pools and runs, OH MY!

Gunnison River
Hatch Chart 2025

The Gunnison River is a crown jewel of Colorado fly fishing—tailwaters, freestone runs, and canyon stretches create ideal conditions for prolific insect hatches. From midge-heavy winters to explosive stonefly and caddis hatches in late spring, understanding the seasonal timing can unlock some of the most productive fishing in the state. Use our 2025 hatch chart to match flies to months and fish the Gunnison with confidence.

Hatch Charts

Master the Hatch on the Gunnison River

From Blue Mesa tailwater tricks to big stonefly strikes in the Black Canyon, here’s your full month-by-month hatch breakdown for the Gunnison River.

 

The Gunnison River: Colorado’s Big Water Masterclass

They don’t call it “The Gunny” for nothing. This river runs wild, carves deep, and holds browns and rainbows that are downright rude to small tippet. From the upper freestone stretches to the legendary Black Canyon and the tailwaters below Blue Mesa, the Gunnison is a multi-chapter story for every angler.

Hatches here are powerful and predictable—if you know where to look. Salmonflies bring chaos in June, BWOs get fish looking up in spring and fall, and terrestrials rule the canyon banks come summer. If you’re not matching the hatch, you’re just exercising your arm.

Top Fly Patterns for the Gunnison River
Gunnison River Hatch Chart by Month
Month Main Hatch Secondary Bugs Tertiary Bugs Guide Tip
JanuaryMidges (#20–#24)Winter StonesBaetisFocus on tailouts with deep double-midge rigs and slow drifts.
FebruaryMidgesWinter StonesMicro BaetisUse zebra midges and small eggs in slower, deeper water.
MarchBWOs (#18–#20)MidgesEarly StonesCloudy afternoons = BWO magic. Try dry-dropper rigs in riffles.
AprilBWOsCaddis (early)MidgesStart fishing shallower seams with BWO emergers and trailers.
MayCaddis (#14–#18)BWOsPMDsSkated caddis and soft hackle swings are killer near dusk.
JuneSalmonfliesCaddisGolden StonesFoam bugs fished tight to canyon walls = explosive eats.
JulyPMDsCaddisHoppersDry-dropper season is on. Fish foam + tungsten jigs mid-river.
AugustHoppersAnts & BeetlesPMDsTwitch beetles in shadow lines. Fish eat aggressively late-day.
SeptemberBWOsCaddisTricosFish light tippet and small dries around soft seams and pockets.
OctoberBWOsFall CaddisEggsBrowns are pre-spawn. Egg-midge rigs and streamers = fireworks.
NovemberMidgesBWOsSmall StonesFocus on slower runs. Double midges under indicators produce well.
DecemberMidgesWinter StonesBaetisStay warm, fish slow. Small midge larva and a soft hand wins.

 

Top Fly Patterns for the Gunnison River
Hatch Type Fly Patterns Sizes
Midges Zebra Midge, Top Secret Midge, Black Beauty 20–26
Blue-Winged Olive Sparkle Dun, Juju Baetis, RS2 18–22
Caddis Elk Hair Caddis, Graphic Caddis, LaFontaine Sparkle Pupa 14–18
PMDs Barr’s Emerger, Split Case PMD 16–20
Tricos CDC Trico Spinner, Morgan’s Midge 20–24
Golden Stones Pat’s Rubber Legs, 20 Incher 8–12
Hoppers Chubby Chernobyl, Foam Ant 10–14
Streamers Sculpzilla, Thin Mint, Mini Dungeon 4–10
Seasonal Fly Fishing Tips for the Gunnison River
  • Hike in = reward. The deeper you go in the canyon, the less picky the fish.
  • Stoneflies = thunder. When they pop, throw foam with bad intentions.
  • Euro nymphing slays in early spring. Especially around rock gardens.
  • Float or wade? Do both. Drift for distance, but pull over for the pockets.
  • Streamers shine from late September through the first snow.
Top Fly Fishing Spots on the Gunnison River

📍 Blue Mesa Tailwater (Near Blue Mesa Dam)

Why fish here: Stable flows and cold water provide consistent midge and BWO hatches year-round. Deep pools and defined channels make it ideal for nymphing.
Best time: January–May & September–November
Map it | ⭐️ Rating: 8.5/10


📍 North Fork Confluence (Colona, CO)

Why fish here: Productive confluence with slower flows and pocket water. Expect reliable PMDs and Caddis.
Best time: June–August
Map it | ⭐️ Rating: 7.5/10


📍 Delta Spring Creek Diversion Reach

Why fish here: A spring-fed reach with reliable BWO and March Brown hatches. Great for euro nymphing and emergers.
Best time: March–May
Map it | ⭐️ Rating: 8/10


📍 Pa-Co-Chu-Puk (Ridgway State Park Area)

Why fish here: Complex structure and vegetation make this a dry-fly gem. PMDs and Caddis excel during runoff windows.
Best time: May–July
Map it | ⭐️ Rating: 8/10


📍 Red Rocks Canyon (Below Gunnison)

Why fish here: Less crowded, scenic, and loaded with structure. Excellent for fall streamer work.
Best time: August–October
Map it | ⭐️ Rating: 7/10


📍 Gunnison City Run (Downtown Gunnison)

Why fish here: Quick access, consistent flows, and great bug life. Perfect for after-work sessions and family-friendly days.
Best time: March–June, September
Map it | ⭐️ Rating: 9/10

FAQs About the Gunnison River Hatch Chart

Q: When is the best dry fly fishing on the Gunnison River?
A: June through August is ideal. PMDs, Caddis, and Tricos dominate the surface action, especially around midday.

Q: What flies should I use in winter on the Gunnison?
A: Focus on small midges—Zebra Midges, Top Secret Midges, and RS2s in sizes 20–26.

Q: Do hatches differ between upper and lower Gunnison River sections?
A: Yes. Tailwaters below Blue Mesa and in the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk area offer more consistent year-round hatches, while freestone stretches experience stronger hatches in spring and summer.

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