Gunnison River Fly Fishing Report - January 1/18/2026
GUNNISON RIVER FLY FISHING REPORT
Colorado — Winter Tailwater & Freestone Notes
Report Date: January 18, 2026 | Next Update: January 25, 2026
Current River Conditions
Winter fishing on the Gunnison is focused and deliberate. Fish are holding deep and feeding slowly — your best days will come when the sun warms runs and you present small offerings slowly and precisely.
Flows & Sections
Tailwater sections are stable with managed releases; many freestone reaches have reduced flow and localized ice. Expect variable discharges depending on the reach (tailwater to lower river). Check local gages before you go.
Tailwater sections are stable with managed releases; many freestone reaches have reduced flow and localized ice. Expect variable discharges depending on the reach (tailwater to lower river). Check local gages before you go.
Water Temperature
Most productive water sits in the mid-30s to low 40s °F. Thermal windows (late morning–mid afternoon) open as sun warms shallow shelves — fish those periods for best activity.
Most productive water sits in the mid-30s to low 40s °F. Thermal windows (late morning–mid afternoon) open as sun warms shallow shelves — fish those periods for best activity.
Water Clarity & Structure
Clarity is generally good; fish near deep holes, pocket water, and seams where trout congregate. Look for undercut banks, submerged boulders and tailout shelves.
Clarity is generally good; fish near deep holes, pocket water, and seams where trout congregate. Look for undercut banks, submerged boulders and tailout shelves.
Access & Safety
Some side roads and put-ins can have frost/ice — bring traction for boots and expect shorter days. Pack an extra layer and a headlamp if you plan to be on the water early or late.
Some side roads and put-ins can have frost/ice — bring traction for boots and expect shorter days. Pack an extra layer and a headlamp if you plan to be on the water early or late.
Hatch Chart & Insect Activity
| Insect | Size | Activity Level | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midges (all forms) | #18–24 | High — winter staple | All day; best late morning–afternoon |
| Baetis / Small Mayflies | #18–22 | Moderate — thermal windows | Late morning to mid-afternoon |
| Caddis (pupa/emergers) | #16–20 | Light — pockets/eddies | Afternoon/early evening |
| Stonefly nymphs | #6–12 | Occasional — deeper rubble | All day in deep runs |
| Terrestrials (when weather warms) | #8–16 | Low — watch banks after midday warm-up | Midday to afternoon |
Recommended Flies (linked)
Choose flies that match the small, deliberate winter menu. Below are field-tested patterns available online — links go to the same fly models you can pick up quickly. Each sub-list has at least four patterns to cover typical winter scenarios.
Dry Flies & Surface
- Bionic Ant 2.0 - Black — great as an attractor on calm pockets and during brief terrestrial activity.
- Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan — low-profile, deadly when caddis are present along banks.
- Parachute - Blue Wing Olive — simple, fish-like profile for any small mayfly resting on the surface.
- Chubby Chernobyl - Purple — highly visible attractor for bank-feeding trout and fizzing rises.
Nymphs (indicator / Euro)
- Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Olive — tungsten jig good as a point fly deep in runs.
- Egan's Frenchie — classic attractor/nymph for cold-weather searching rigs.
- Tungsten Split Case Nymph - PMD — perfect for imitating mayfly pupae in faster currents.
- Pheasant Tail Tungsten — universal mayfly nymph profile in tight deep presentations.
Streamers & Larger Profiles
- Egan's Poacher - Olive — compact, heavy profile for deep runs and tailouts.
- Egan's Poacher - Black — darker option for low-light or stained water.
- Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin — sculpin-imitator for aggressive predators in deeper structure.
- Sculpzilla - Olive — articulated, fishy silhouette for slow strip work along drop-offs.
Midges & Micro Flies
- Black Zebra Midge (TBH) — top winter go-to; fish multiple sizes and bead colors.
- Top Secret Midge — thin, realistic midge for tight takes.
- Bling Midge - Black — adds a touch of flash for wary fish in clear water.
- Pat's Midge — reliable small emerger profile for picky trout.
Terrestrials / Hoppers (carry a few)
- Bionic Hopper - Tan — useful when warm pockets trigger opportunistic surface feeding.
- Bionic Ant 2.0 - Brown — small, buoyant ant for winter bank-edge takes.
- Keller's Henneberry Hopper - Tan — classic terrestrial silhouette.
- Phat Azz Hopper - Tan — visible and buoyant for late afternoon dries.
Tactics & Tips for January 18, 2026
- Nymphing is the steady winner right now. Fish a heavy jig or tungsten point fly with trailing lighter nymphs on a short, tight leaders. Depth control is everything; start deep and work upward until trout respond.
- Euro nymphing or tight-line techniques shine in low, clear water — use slim beadheads and soft tippets (5x–6x) for subtle takes.
- Thermal window fishing: target late morning through mid-afternoon where sun-exposed banks warm the water. Fish will use seams and shallow shelves then.
- Streamers: slow strips and short pauses along structure and deep pocket seams provoke follows. Make each pass count — fish are conserving energy in cold water.
- Dry-dropper rigs: a small dry for strike detection (or an indicator) with a tungsten jig on point produces opportunistic strikes when fish move up from holes.
- Euro nymphing or tight-line techniques shine in low, clear water — use slim beadheads and soft tippets (5x–6x) for subtle takes.
- Thermal window fishing: target late morning through mid-afternoon where sun-exposed banks warm the water. Fish will use seams and shallow shelves then.
- Streamers: slow strips and short pauses along structure and deep pocket seams provoke follows. Make each pass count — fish are conserving energy in cold water.
- Dry-dropper rigs: a small dry for strike detection (or an indicator) with a tungsten jig on point produces opportunistic strikes when fish move up from holes.
Quick Rigging Guide
Indicator Nymph Rig
9–11' tapered leader to 3–4' tippet section, indicator set to get your point deep; tungsten jig as anchor, softer nymph or beadhead as trailer.
9–11' tapered leader to 3–4' tippet section, indicator set to get your point deep; tungsten jig as anchor, softer nymph or beadhead as trailer.
Euro / Tight-Line
Short, high-stretch leaders or fluorocarbon to a pair of tungsten nymphs; no strike indicator; keep contact and feel for subtle bumps.
Short, high-stretch leaders or fluorocarbon to a pair of tungsten nymphs; no strike indicator; keep contact and feel for subtle bumps.
Streamer Setup
6–8 wt, fast-action rod; weight forward line, 2–6' fluorocarbon leader; slow strip with pauses along structure.
6–8 wt, fast-action rod; weight forward line, 2–6' fluorocarbon leader; slow strip with pauses along structure.
Access, Regulations & Safety
- Check local USGS/State gages and the Bureau of Reclamation releases if you plan to float or fish below dams.
- Dress for cold water safety — waders, PFD if boating, and an emergency kit. Hypothermia risk is real in January.
- Be mindful of private land access; use public put-ins and respect posted closures.
Winter Checklist
Pack list: layered clothing, neoprene gloves, waterproof waders, polarized sunglasses, headlamp, thermometer, spare leaders & tippet (5x–7x), small selection of the flies linked above, hand warmers, and a phone with a charged battery.
If You Have One Hour on the River
- Pick a deep run or outside bend near a drop-off.
- Start with a tungsten jig nymph (Egan's Thread Frenchie) on point and a soft nymph trailer (Pheasant Tail Tungsten).
- Cover the water slowly; if fish follow, switch to streamer pass; if you see rises, put on a small midge (Top Secret Midge) and fish the thermal window.
