Fly Fishing Gunnison River - Above Blue Mesa

Fly fishing Gunnison River above Blue Mesa Reservoir offers a quintessential high-country freestone experience, flowing through the wide valleys and hay meadows of Gunnison County with cold, clear water sourced from the mountains near Crested Butte. This stretch of river, winding through the town of Gunnison and into the surrounding agricultural landscape, is approachable, scenic, and full of wild brown and rainbow trout that thrive in the river’s oxygen-rich currents and gravel-bottomed structure. With its mix of gentle riffles, undercut grassy banks, and long glides, it’s a perfect destination for walk-and-wade anglers looking for reliable dry fly fishing under Colorado’s signature big skies.

From late spring through early fall, this section comes alive with insect activity. Caddis and blue-winged olives hatch steadily in April and May, followed by strong summer emergences of pale morning duns and yellow sallies. By July, hoppers and other terrestrials become a top choice, especially on breezy afternoons when wind-swept bugs drop into the water along the grassy edges and fence lines near town. Fish here are generally eager but not naive, offering a satisfying mix of quantity and challenge. Dry-dropper rigs are particularly effective in late summer and fall, with trout holding in knee-deep riffles, undercut cutbanks, and the deeper pools formed by irrigation diversions and meander bends.

Public access is plentiful and well-integrated with local infrastructure. Through a combination of state wildlife areas, city parks, and conservation easements, anglers can explore multiple access points, including the Van Tuyl Ranch trail system, Gunnison Whitewater Park, and stretches off County Road 730 and Highway 50. The wide, mellow character of the river makes it ideal for beginners, but savvy anglers can find solitude and technical opportunities just a short walk from the main paths. While floating isn’t common in this upper stretch due to low flows and private land constraints, the entire reach is easily navigable on foot.

Fall fishing (September–October) is marked by golden cottonwoods and stable, clear flows. Blue-winged olives and midges dominate the hatch chart, and brown trout begin staging for their spawn, becoming more aggressive toward streamer presentations and egg patterns. Winter fishing is limited but possible in tailout sections and near town where flows remain open.

Whether you’re casting attractor dries through quiet riffles or presenting a hopper-dropper along an undercut edge, fly fishing Gunnison River above Blue Mesa Reservoir offers a relaxed, productive, and incredibly scenic fly fishing experience—ideal for both newcomers and seasoned anglers who appreciate a small-town river with big potential.