While it’s still technically fall in the Gunnison Valley, it feels like winter has come in with no restraint. All small mountain streams have become virtually un-fishable due to low water levels. Hence, this will primarily be a Gunnison, East, and Taylor River Fishing Report.

Fly fishing in Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley has slowed down significantly, but some opportunities to catch trout remain intact.

Short days, sub-freezing temps at night, and low flows mean it’s time to adjust our angling tactics again. Because there are very few tourists in town, we find that late fall fly fishing to be one of the most peaceful and serene activities to do in Crested Butte.

Get out there and enjoy it while you still can!

Trout are now starting to hunker down into their winter rhythm and can primarily be generally found in deep, slow holes and runs.

The East River at Cement creek is reading “Ice.” However, we can see from Highway 135 that not all hope is lost, as it is still very much running freely. The Taylor is also free of ice, for now, and is running at 83 cfs below the dam and 130 cfs at Almont.

Due to October precipitation, the Gunnison River has held between 240 and 260 cfs for the past week. These flows are higher than this time last year when the flows on the Gunnison River were between 215 and 225 for the same week.

More aggressive trout guarding their zone can still be found taking the streamer, or at least bumping the prey imitation out of their home. However, most action comes from nymphing with smaller bugs.

The water in most rivers is crystal clear and requires precision and stealth when approaching your target zone.

Your leaders must be long, and I recommend using the smallest tippet possible. Apply ample weight to your system to get your bugs down quickly. Winter trout don’t want to exert too much energy to eat.

Drag-free drifts are essential, so mend, mend, mend!

Size 20-24 Midges and 18-22 BWO nymph patterns are the go-to bugs this time of year. You can look for warmer afternoons for possible dry fly or dry-dropper opportunities.

I have now put all of my Scott Fly Rods away for the season and use lower-end gear to avoid the risk of ice breaking anything too expensive.

My go-to rig for winter fly fishing near Crested Butte is an Orvis Clearwater 9-foot, 4-weight rod.

SUMMARY: Gunnison and Crested Butte angling opportunities still exist for the committed angler. Days are short and temperatures are low, so dress appropriately. It is easiest to catch trout in deep, slow water using midges and other small nymph patterns.

For more up-to-date fishing reports, visit the Crested Butte and Gunnison Fishing Report page.

I am still taking clients for guided fly fishing trips throughout the winter so please contact me at trout@jonesguides.com to learn more!