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Gunnison River


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Rating - Good   

Wednesday, Mar 25 2026
Fishing conditions on the Gunnison River as of March 25, 2026, are excellent and shifting into early spring patterns. Most of the river is now ice-free, though some shifting ice remains in the upper reaches. Hatches of midges and Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are driving consistent daily activity. Upper Gunnison (Above Blue Mesa)Flows & Conditions: Currently around 160260 CFS. The river is nearly ice-free and "getting hot" as runoff begins to hint.Strategy: Targeted deeper, slower pools. Nymphing is most productive.Recommended Flies: Stonefly nymphs (Beaded Twenty Inchers), eggs, midges, and attractor patterns. The Black Canyon & Gunnison Gorge Flows & Conditions: Consistent at approximately 355 CFS with high water clarity.Strategy: Fish the deeper, slower tailouts and edges of runs with a deep nymph rig.Recommended Flies: Stonefly imitations (Pats Rubberlegs), Micro Mays (#16-20), RS2s, and Pheasant Tails. Lower Gunnison (Confluence to Delta) Flows & Conditions: Flows are around 358 CFS. The North Fork has added a slight tint below the confluence, but visibility remains good for most stretches.Strategy: Midge activity is strong in the mornings, followed by BWO hatches in the late morning and early afternoon. Surface activity is "spooky," requiring long leaders (12-14ft) and 6x tippet for success.Recommended Flies: Small midge dries/emergers, BWO adults, and streamers (Dungeons in black, olive, or white).

Wednesday, Mar 25 2026



Weather Report

Gunnison River Weather

Access Info

Generally running just East of the city of Montrose.

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Gunnison River

RECEIVE FISHING REPORT UPDATES!


Rating - Good

Fishing conditions on the Gunnison River as of March 25, 2026, are excellent and shifting into early spring patterns. Most of the river is now ice-free, though some shifting ice remains in the upper reaches. Hatches of midges and Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are driving consistent daily activity. Upper Gunnison (Above Blue Mesa)Flows & Conditions: Currently around 160260 CFS. The river is nearly ice-free and "getting hot" as runoff begins to hint.Strategy: Targeted deeper, slower pools. Nymphing is most productive.Recommended Flies: Stonefly nymphs (Beaded Twenty Inchers), eggs, midges, and attractor patterns. The Black Canyon & Gunnison Gorge Flows & Conditions: Consistent at approximately 355 CFS with high water clarity.Strategy: Fish the deeper, slower tailouts and edges of runs with a deep nymph rig.Recommended Flies: Stonefly imitations (Pats Rubberlegs), Micro Mays (#16-20), RS2s, and Pheasant Tails. Lower Gunnison (Confluence to Delta) Flows & Conditions: Flows are around 358 CFS. The North Fork has added a slight tint below the confluence, but visibility remains good for most stretches.Strategy: Midge activity is strong in the mornings, followed by BWO hatches in the late morning and early afternoon. Surface activity is "spooky," requiring long leaders (12-14ft) and 6x tippet for success.Recommended Flies: Small midge dries/emergers, BWO adults, and streamers (Dungeons in black, olive, or white).


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