Fishing Reports
Fishing Report – Montrose Area Waters
Updated: 8/22/26 | Ed's Fly Shop
Current Flows:
East Portal: Closed (mudslide) | Gunnison Gorge: 266 cfs | Uncompahgre – Pa-Co-Chu-Puk: 196 cfs | Uncompahgre – Town Section: 200 cfs | San Miguel: 55 cfs
Gunnison River – East Portal
Note: East Portal Road remains closed due to mudslides, with no estimated reopening date at this time. Call the shop for the latest access updates.
Gunnison River – Gunnison Gorge
Current Conditions:
The Gunnison Gorge is fishing well. Flows are approximately 266 cfs, so boating is limited, which is keeping fishing pressure down. Terrestrials are starting to show up along the banks, and hopper dropper has been the most effective method, with eats coming both on the surface and subsurface. Fish the banks and slower seams with a hopper dropper, and switch to nymphing deeper pools when needed. We recommend checking water temperatures and stopping fishing if they rise above 68 degrees.
Fly Selection:
- Chubby Chernobyl #8–12
- Trico #18–22
- Pheasant Tails #14–18
- Blow Torch #14–18
- Spanish Bullet #14–18
- Jig Frenchie #14–18
- Pat's Rubber Legs #8–12
Recommended Gear: 9' 5wt or 6wt
Gunnison River – Pleasure Park (Walk/Wade)
Note: Water temperatures are running high in this area. Fishing at sunrise and getting off the water early is the safest move for now.
Current Conditions:
Fish are looking up for terrestrials along the banks — target the banks and slower pocket water to find fish. Flows on the North Fork affect water clarity, so check flows before heading out. We recommend checking water temperatures and stopping fishing if they reach 68 degrees or by 12 p.m.
Fly Selection:
- Chubby Chernobyl #8–12
- Perdigon #14–18
- Caddis Nymphs #14–18
Gunnison River – Below Pleasure Park (Delta Section)
Note: Water temperatures are high, and there is a voluntary closure downstream of the North Fork confluence at 12 p.m.
Current Conditions:
We recommend fishing upstream of Pleasure Park or heading up to our alpine lakes to beat the heat.
Uncompahgre River – Paco Chu Puk
Current Conditions:
Paco Chu Puk has been fishing well. As the tailwater of the Uncompahgre River, dam releases keep water temperatures cool here. The fishing is technical but rewarding when it pays off — stealth is key. We recommend small dry-dropper rigs and light nymph rigs with yarn indicators to fool spooky fish.
Fly Selection:
- Griffith's Gnats #20–22
- Rainbow Warrior #18–22
- Zebra Midges #18–22
- Perdigons #18–22
- Glass Bullet #20–22
- Small nymphs and midges #18–24
Recommended Gear: 8–9' 4wt or 5wt
Uncompahgre River – Town Section
Current Conditions:
Fishing in town has been productive, with flows and water temperatures staying consistent. Terrestrials are starting to show up, and hopper dropper has been the most consistent method of fishing. Focus on working banks, slower seams, structure, and pocket water. Fish are less spooky in town than at Paco, allowing us to fish larger tippet and bugs. The Uncompahgre River is currently our best local fishing option.
Fly Selection:
- Chubby Chernobyl #8–12
- Pat's Rubber Legs #8–12
- Hot Head Pheasant Tails #14–18
- Blow Torch #14–18
- Caddis Nymphs #12–16
- Woolly Bugger #6–10
San Miguel River
Current Conditions:
The San Miguel has been staying cool and fishing well. Rain in the area over the past couple of weeks has been causing the river to temporarily blow out, but it has been returning to form shortly after. We still recommend fishing early in the morning. Smaller terrestrials like hoppers and ants are fishing well right now. We recommend checking water temperatures while on the river.
Fly Selection:
- Hi Vis Para Ant #18–20
- Stubby Chubby #16–20
- Caddis Dries #14–18
- Pheasant Tail #16–18
- Perdigons #14–18
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Current Conditions:
Open water fishing remains good. Shore anglers are finding success, and boat anglers have expanded opportunities as temps rise. Look for fish cruising points, rocky shorelines, and transition zones. Wind can change conditions quickly.
Stop by Ed's Fly Shop for the latest bugs, local intel, and daily updates.