Fishing Reports
Fishing Report: Montrose Area Waters
Updated: 10/7/26 | Ed's Fly Shop
Current Flows:
East Portal: 211 cfs | Gunnison Gorge: 211 cfs | Gunnison at Delta: 410 cfs | Uncompahgre at Paco Chu Puk: 74 cfs | Uncompahgre at Colona: 64 cfs | San Miguel: 137 cfs
Gunnison River: East Portal
Current Conditions:
Flows have dropped to about 211 cfs and fall fishing is here. Cooler nights have the fish feeding more through the middle of the day. Blue Winged Olives are showing up on cloudy afternoons, and the browns are getting aggressive ahead of the spawn, so a streamer is worth carrying. Please watch for spawning beds in the gravel and give them room.
Fly Selection:
- BWO Dries #18-22
- Pheasant Tails #16-18
- Zebra Midges #18-22
- Pat's Rubber Legs #8-12
- Woolly Bugger #6-10
Gunnison River: Gunnison Gorge
Current Conditions:
The Gorge is running around 211 cfs. Boating is limited at this level, which keeps pressure low. Hopper fishing is winding down with the cooler weather, and nymph rigs are now the most consistent way to find fish. Watch for BWOs on overcast days and fish streamers along the banks and deeper runs early and late. Browns are starting to stage for the spawn, so avoid wading through gravel beds.
Fly Selection:
- Pat's Rubber Legs #8-12
- Pheasant Tails #14-18
- Blow Torch #14-18
- Spanish Bullet #14-18
- Jig Frenchie #14-18
- BWO Dries #18-22
- Woolly Bugger #6-10
Recommended Gear: 9' 5wt or 6wt
Gunnison River: Pleasure Park (Walk/Wade)
Current Conditions:
Water temperatures are coming down from summer, but the lower river still warms into the mid 60s in the afternoon. Mornings and midday are your best window. Flows on the North Fork affect clarity, so check them before heading out. Nymph rigs along the seams and slower pocket water are producing, with a dry dropper still worth a try on warm afternoons.
Fly Selection:
- Perdigon #14-18
- Caddis Nymphs #14-18
- Pheasant Tails #14-18
- BWO Dries #18-22
Gunnison River: Below Pleasure Park (Delta Section)
Current Conditions:
Flows at Delta are around 410 cfs. Water temperatures are dropping but still reach the mid 60s in the afternoon. Fish early and check water temperatures while you are out.
Uncompahgre River: Paco Chu Puk
Current Conditions:
Flows below Ridgway Reservoir are down to about 74 cfs, so the water is low and clear. The fishing is technical but rewarding, and stealth matters more than ever at these levels. Small dry dropper rigs and light nymph rigs with yarn indicators are the way to fool spooky fish. Keep an eye out for midges and BWOs on cloudy days.
Fly Selection:
- Griffith's Gnats #20-22
- Rainbow Warrior #18-22
- Zebra Midges #18-22
- Perdigons #18-22
- Glass Bullet #20-22
- BWO Dries #20-22
Recommended Gear: 8-9' 4wt or 5wt
Uncompahgre River: Town Section
Current Conditions:
Flows in town are low at about 64 cfs and water temperatures are comfortable. Terrestrials are fading with the cooler weather, and nymphing the banks, slower seams, structure, and pocket water is the most consistent approach. Fish are less spooky here than at Paco, so you can fish larger tippet and bugs. A Woolly Bugger stripped through the deeper runs is a good fall option.
Fly Selection:
- 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 dropped to about 137 cfs and is running cool and clear. Fall is a great time on this river. Caddis are tapering off and BWOs are taking over, with small nymphs fishing well through the day. Afternoons are now the most productive time to be on the water.
Fly Selection:
- BWO Dries #18-22
- Caddis Dries #14-18
- Pheasant Tail #16-18
- Perdigons #14-18
- Hi Vis Para Ant #18-20
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Current Conditions:
Fall is a good time on Blue Mesa as the water cools and fish move shallower. Shore anglers are finding success around points, rocky shorelines, and inlets. Wind can change conditions quickly.
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