Colorado Fishing Reports ยท Gunnison Basin
From Almont down past the town of Gunnison to Blue Mesa, the Gunnison is a big freestone with strong fall BWO hatches and a kokanee run.
Looking for the latest Upper Gunnison River report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Upper Gunnison River.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Upper Gunnison River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Flows are high for the season, around 390 to 420 cfs, and expected to drop, so use care wading. The water is clear and in the mid 40s.
There are heavy BWO and midge hatches. Swing streamers in the morning, then fish nymphs such as an RS2 or Juju Baetis under a big dry. The main window is 10 am to 2 pm.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Gunnison, bring: RS2 Emerger #20-22, JuJu Baetis #20-22, Zebra Midge #20, Pheasant Tail Nymph #18-20, Parachute Adams #18-22, Woolly Bugger #6-8, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Upper Gunnison River details
| Access | Almont to Blue Mesa, mixed public and private water, with easements and town access. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 7,700 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 210 miles, roughly 4 hours 38 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | Spring, summer and fall |
| Fish | Brown and rainbow trout, whitefish and fall kokanee |
| Regulations | Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 12 to 14 ft leaders, 5X to 6X tippet |
| Camping | Almont-area national forest campgrounds and Blue Mesa campgrounds |
| Kids | Yes at the town parks. |
| Good to know | Watch property lines carefully. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Midges in open water.
Spring
BWOs, then runoff.
Summer
Caddis and hoppers, float trips.
Fall
BWOs and streamers.
How to get there
Access points are along US-50 west of Gunnison and Highway 135 toward Almont.