Colorado
Gunnison River below Gunnison Tunnel
Location Snapshot
Gunnison River below Gunnison Tunnel is a western Colorado mainstem reach below the Gunnison Tunnel diversion and upstream of the lower canyon system. Brown and rainbow trout define the coldwater fishery across broad runs, riffles, and deeper pools.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 213 CFS
- Gage Height
- 1.44 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 8:30 PM
Updated recently · USGS station 09128000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
62°F
Feels like
57°F
Wind
7 mph NW
Wind gust
9 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 2:45 PM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.01 in
Last 48 hours
0.01 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 3 PM
Clear
Temp 62°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 7 PM
Clear
Temp 54°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 11 PM
Partly cloudy
Temp 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Wed 3 AM
Overcast
Temp 48°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Wed 7 AM
Overcast
Temp 48°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 9 mph
Wed 11 AM
Overcast
Temp 62°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 10 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Partly cloudy
High 63°F / Low 43°F
Chance 5%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 13 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Rain
High 62°F / Low 48°F
Chance 42%
Precip 0.19 in
Max gust 18 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Rain
High 60°F / Low 50°F
Chance 83%
Precip 0.47 in
Max gust 19 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Drizzle
High 63°F / Low 48°F
Chance 83%
Precip 0.09 in
Max gust 20 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Wild brown and rainbow trout are in the Gunnison River below Gunnison Tunnel.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Gunnison River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Mixed flow regime
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Montrose, Colorado
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Montrose
Management Category
Gold Medal canyon trout river
Regulation Scope
Gunnison below Gunnison Tunnel / Gorge Gold Medal corridor.
Regulation Summary
CPW Gold Medal Gunnison from 200 yards below Crystal Dam to the North Fork. Confirm current brochure and NPS/BLM rules.
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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