The Lake Fork of the Gunnison River has continued to fish well at the low flows. Fish are seeking the deeper slow water with the colder temps. Fishing a nymph rig or a tightline rig is going to be the most effective technique. Fishing small baetis and midge patterns in natural colors such as brown, black, olive, and grey have all been catching fish. Fishing a small streamer such as the Sculpzilla #8 has also been finding a few fish along the banks and rock croppings.

Be on the look out for spawning brown trout and their reds in the shallow tailouts. 

HOT FLIES: Chubby Chernoybl #12, Morrish Hopper #10, Rubberlegs #10-#12, San Juan #10, Leech #14, Duracell #16, Mic Drop #16, Two Bit Hooker Brown #16, Frenchie #18, Sexy Walts Worm #14

Gear Suggestions

• Fly Rod: The Lake Fork of the Gunnison is an exciting river where you never know what you'll encounter on the water. We suggest using a 4wt or 5wt fly rod in a 9' or 10' length. The longer rod length really excels nymphing, allowing for better reach and lift off the water, ensuring effective drifts and presentations. A 4wt setup makes fishing dry flies on this freestone river a dream. While the 5wt ensures you'll be ready for whatever the conditions call for, as well as being able to handle that trophy trout that lurks deep in these waters. 
  • Go-to Fly Rod: Orvis Recon Fly Rod 
    • The Orvis Recon Fly Rod is a versatile, high-performance option for trout fishing, offering a perfect balance of power and sensitivity. Its fast action and lightweight design provide excellent accuracy and distance, making it ideal for casting dry flies, nymphs, or streamers with ease.

• Fly Reel: A fly reel with a large arbor allows for faster line retrieval, helping you stay connected with fast-moving fish. An adjustable drag system provides customizable tension, ensuring control during the fight with varying fish sizes. These features work together to prevent break-offs and improve overall performance.
  • Go-to Fly Reel: Ross Reels Animas Reel  
    • The Ross Reels Animas Fly Reel is built for smooth performance and reliability, featuring a powerful, fully sealed drag system to handle hard-fighting fish. Its large arbor design ensures quick line retrieval, while the lightweight construction provides balance and comfort for long days on the water.

• Fly Line: A quality fly line is essential for trout fishing, offering the versatility to switch easily between dry fly and nymphing techniques. It improves control for delicate presentations and depth management, while reducing drag for better accuracy in changing currents. The right line helps anglers adapt to variable conditions, enhancing success on waters like the Lake Fork of the Gunnison.
  • Go-to Fly Line: Airflo Ridge 2.0 Superflo Universal 
    • The Airflo Ridge 2.0 Universal Fly Line is designed for exceptional versatility, offering smooth casting performance across a wide range of conditions. Its unique Ridge technology reduces friction, allowing for longer, more accurate casts with less effort. Ideal for both freshwater and saltwater applications, this fly line excels in all types of fishing, providing durability and precision for anglers of all levels.