Report by Gareth York
Overview
April is here! The flows are rising, and the fish are biting! Check the forecast before you go out. The spring weather in Gunnison can vary from the low 60s and sunny to the mid-30s and snowy. Up in Crested Butte the weather is about the same, just 10 degrees colder. As the temperatures begin to rise and the snow starts melting, we begin to think about runoff in May/June. Snowpack in the Gunnison basin is at 101% of the median, meaning we should have average flows this year. Looks like float season beginning in mid to late June is a go!
More Colorado Snowpack Data Here
The fish are still hanging in the deeper holes and soft riffles. However, the warmer days have the fish moving a lot more. Fish hard around rocks and structure. Keep your eyes peeled for some risers. Especially in the afternoon.
Shop News- Spring is here and we are getting shipments in. At the end of March through May we are getting more flies and more gear to get you ready for the 2024 fishing season. Hours are limited, but we’re here most days at least 10am-4pm.
Gunnison River Conditions
· Flows are fluctuating around to 350 CFS Gunnison River Flows
· Nymphing and Streamer fishing are your best bet until you see a pod rising.
· Look for midges and BWO’s hatching in the afternoons.
· Wading is the best option at these flows, but it is floatable.
Flies for the Gunnison
Streamers
· MFC Galloup’s Micro Dungeon- Black, Yellow, Olive
· Mini-Dungeon- Black, Olive, and White
· Sculpin patterns- Black, Olive, and White
· Galloup’s Peanut Envy- Tan, and Olive
Nymphs
· Eggs- Size 12-16
· San Juan Worm- Brown and Pink
· Spanish Bullet- Size 14-18
· Flashback Pheasant Tail- Size 14-18
· Top Secret Midge- Size 18-20
· Pats Rubber Legs- Size 8-12
· RS2- Grey, Olive, and Black- Size 18-22
Dries
· Parachute Adams- Size 16-20
· Mother Shucker- Size 18-22
· Purple Haze- Size 18-20
· BWO patterns- Size 18-22
Taylor River Conditions
· Flows are steady at 103 CFS Taylor River Flows
· The river is open throughout the entire canyon
· Wading is the only option at these flows
· Nymphing deeper holes and around structure is your best bet
· Look for BWO’s and midges hatching in the afternoon
Flies for the Taylor
Nymphs
· Mysis Shrimp- Size 14-18
· Flashback Pheasant Tail- Size 16-22
· Zebra Midge- Black, Purple, and Olive- Size, 18-24
· Top Secret Midge- Size 18-22
· Radiation Baetis- Size 18-22
· RS2- Grey, Olive, and Black- Size 18-22
Dries
· Parachute Adams- Size 16-20
· Sprout Midge- size 18-22
· BWO patterns- Size 18-22
Streamers
· MFC Galloup’s Micro Dungeon- Black, Yellow, Olive
· Sculpin patterns- black, olive, and white
· Wooly bugger- black, olive, and tan
East River Conditions
· Flows have been fluctuating around 100 CFS East River Flows
· Best place to access is at Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery
· Low flows means fish deeper water
Flies for the East River
Nymphs
· Duracell- Size 14-18
· Flashback Pheasant Tail- Size 16-22
· San Juan Worm- Brown and Pink
· Zebra Midge- Black, Purple, and Olive- Size, 18-24
· Jig head Frenchie- Size 14-18
· Rainbow Warrior- size 14-18
· RS2- Grey, Olive, and Black- Size 18-22
Dries
· Parachute Adams- Size 16-20
· Mother Shucker- Size 18-22
· BWO patterns- Size 18-22
Streamers
· Sculpin patterns- black, olive, and white
· Thin Mint- Size 6-10
Creeks and Small Streams
· They are starting to thaw
· Lower elevation creeks are open!
· Higher elevation creeks are partially thawed depending on how high up you go
· The fish are going to be sitting in the deep holes
Blue Mesa Conditions
· The Lake Fork boat ramp is open!
· The Sapinero and Cebolla basins are open
· Iola basin is mostly open water
Springtime is a great time to get out on the water! We have guides available for walk-wade and float trips now. Click here to read more, or give us a call at (970)-349-1228 to book a trip!