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Master the Hatch on the Gunnison River
The Gunnison River fishes like two different rivers depending on where you are. Upper sections behave like a classic freestone with strong seasonal swings, while lower canyon and tailwater-influenced stretches offer more consistency once flows stabilize. Runoff timing plays a major role in hatch activity, but when conditions line up, the Gunnison produces some of the most reliable dry fly fishing in western Colorado.
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.
| 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 |
Fish the Gunnison with runoff timing in mind. Upper sections shine before and after peak flows, while lower canyon and tailwater-influenced stretches offer more consistency once water levels stabilize. Match your approach to the section you are fishing, and let insect activity dictate when to move from nymphs to dries.
- 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.
📍 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
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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