River Reports

Lake Fork of the Gunnison

The Lake Fork of the Gunnison is a pristine freestone river that runs through the town of Lake City, CO and the Curecanti National Recreation Area until it finally flows into Blue Mesa Reservoir. This river provides ample oppurtunities to catch wild trout in some of the most scenic areas in the region.

Flow -999999cfs

Temperature 9°F

Wind 5 mph

Hi / Low 9/9

Current Conditions

January 13, 2025

The Lake Fork of the Gunnison River has dropped to low winter flows. We'd recommend fishing somewhere else right now. 

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.