Summer is in full swing around Crested Butte and Gunnison, so we’re here with the latest Colorado fly fishing report to inform your angling decisions this season. Happy fishing!

How Last Month Is Impacting Summer Conditions

May was a month of river fluctuations, unpredictable weather patterns, fickle hatches, and fishing productivity that shines one day, and tests you the next. These classic spring Colorado fly fishing conditions can be challenging. But, the rivers are beginning to settle here in the Gunnison Drainage, and we are all eagerly awaiting our standard midafternoon hatches, when we trim back the tungsten, and Gink up the dries!

A Promising Forecast for June

The Colorado fly fishing forecast is showing favorable conditions as we work through the first part of June. Caddis will continue to flutter about while we look for the golden stones and yellow sallies to insert themselves into the menu. Focus on these hatches until the pale morning duns and green drakes take over.

Wading vs Floating – Which is Best Right Now?

The Gunnison River may be too swift for walk and wade opportunities so plan to hop in a boat for the best Colorado fly fishing experience on this particular stretch of water. Those looking to lace up the boots for the day should focus on the feeder creeks and tributaries to the larger rivers. Right now is the best time of year to target fish in these smaller systems and will give you an opportunity to seclude yourself from the crowds.

What’s In Our Fly Box

These patterns have been our best bet recently, so try these to get the most out of your next Colorado fly fishing adventure:

• • Yellow sallies 14-18
  • Missing link caddis 14-18
  • Rogue foam golden stone 8-10
  • Green drakes 8-10
  • PMDs 14-16
  • Pat’s rubberlegs size 8-14
  • Guide’s choice hare’s ear 14-18
  • 20 Incher 8-12
  • Iron lotus 14-16
  • Micro & psycho mayflies 14-18
  • Copper johns 14-18
  • Pheasant tails 12-18

It’s Time To Get Back Out on the Water

Colorado fly fishing can be excellent this time of year as high flows and early season water temperatures mean healthy, strong fish. Give us a call today to learn more about the current conditions here in Crested Butte and Gunnison, and be amongst the first to get out on the water this season.

By: Elliot Manning
Colorado Angling Manager