Free Resource · Updated 2026
The Gunnison River through the Black Canyon and the Gunnison Gorge below is one of the most dramatic and remote fly fisheries in Colorado. The canyon walls rise hundreds of feet above the river and the trout grow large in water that sees relatively little pressure given how difficult access can be.
Gunnison River Hatch Calendar — Quick Reference
Getting to the Gunnison in the gorge requires either a long hike down steep trails or a float trip. Most anglers target the gorge section below the Black Canyon, which is a designated wilderness area. The effort filters out casual fishers and the rewards are proportional.
The Stonefly hatch in late May and June is the event that draws most anglers to the Gunnison. Salmonflies and Golden Stones hatch in large numbers and the big browns feed recklessly compared to their usual behavior. The canyon gets a lot of sun and the hatch can be earlier here than on rivers at higher elevations.
Caddis provide the most consistent summer fishing. Evening hatches through July and August bring trout up in every run and pool. The Gunnison also has good PMD and Yellow Sally hatches in summer. Fall BWOs round out the season and the river is largely empty of anglers by October.
See the full Colorado Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Colorado's top trout streams.
Check Conditions Near Gunnison RiverWhat to Fish
The Stonefly hatch on the Gunnison is world-class. The gorge section sees large hatches of both Salmonflies and Golden Stones. Fish big dry flies close to the canyon walls where adults fall onto the water. Large trout that are otherwise invisible become active during this hatch. Time your trip carefully as the hatch moves and peaks fast.
Recommended: Salmonfly #4-6, Golden Stone #6-8
Caddis are the most reliable summer hatch on the Gunnison. Evening rises in the gorge can be dense and the fish are opportunistic. After the technical sight fishing of the early season, Caddis evenings are a welcome change of pace. An Elk Hair Caddis or Goddard Caddis fished with some wake works well.
Recommended: Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis #14-18
PMDs hatch mid-morning on summer days in the gorge. The sun hits the canyon late so morning hatches start later here than on open rivers. Fish the slower water in the bends where trout can hold and feed without fighting current. A size 16 Comparadun is the right starting point.
Recommended: PMD Comparadun #16-18
Fall BWO hatches on the Gunnison are excellent and the river is nearly empty of other anglers by October. The canyon section protects fish from early cold weather and the hatches continue into November. Fish a size 20 RS2 or small Parachute Adams on the surface and expect the best fish of the day to come up during a good hatch.
Recommended: Parachute Adams, RS2 #18-22
FlyFishFinder combines hatch knowledge with live gauge alerts, Prime condition indicators, and real angler intel so you show up on the right day, not the wrong one.
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