Smith Fork Trailheadon Gunnison River (Gunnison Gorge)
River flow last 30 days
What's working on Gunnison River
- 01Cooling water temperatures stimulate increased fish activity.
- 02Opportunistic Whitefish are likely to key into egg patterns as trout begin spawning.
- 03Intermittent hatches of Blue-Winged Olives and Pale Morning Duns are providing dry fly opportunities.
- 04Subsurface nymphs, including midges and various mayfly patterns, remain highly effective.
- 05Streamers imitating baitfish and leeches can entice aggressive strikes from larger fish.
What to tie on at Smith Fork Trailhead
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round, effective as a subsurface searching pattern in cooler fall water.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
The absolute staple for Colorado winter fishing. Black or red in sizes 18-22 effectively mimics midge pupae which are the primary food source right now.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
Fall marks the egg season for trout below spawning areas, and Whitefish are opportunistic feeders on these available protein sources.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A reliable year-round streamer, effective for imitating leeches and baitfish that Whitefish will actively pursue in cooling fall waters.
Soft Hackle Wet (Partridge & Orange)
Caddis hatches extend through fall, making this a good general wet fly to swing through currents, mimicking emergers.
Buy at AmazonPMD Comparadun (BWO)
PMD hatches are active in October, and Whitefish are opportunistic feeders.
Pat's Rubber Legs
Stonefly nymphs are a significant food source in rocky rivers, and this weighted pattern is excellent for getting deep to Whitefish.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are a primary mayfly hatch in the spring, and Whitefish actively feed on the adult duns during overcast days.
Buy at AmazonSan Juan Worm
Aquatic worms become more active and available to fish, especially after spring runoff or rain events, making this a highly effective pattern.
Buy at AmazonColorado season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.