Gunnison County, CO · Inland River
Gunnison River (Black Canyon)
A Gold Medal trout river plunging through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison — big wild rainbows and browns in dramatic, hard-to-reach water below the dams, plus the more accessible Gunnison Gorge. Live USGS flow below the Gunnison Tunnel.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (49/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Gunnison River (Black Canyon).
Fire Weather Watch issued June 5 at 10:47AM MDT until June 9 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Gunnison River (Black Canyon)
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Marginal conditions for Rainbow Trout. In season 49/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 4
Statewide trout aggregate: 4/day, 8 in possession (rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat). No statewide minimum size; many waters carry slot or gear restrictions — confirm the water-specific CPW rule.
Source: Colorado non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Brown Trout Marginal conditions for Brown Trout. In season 49/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
What's hurting
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 4
Part of the statewide 4-fish trout aggregate (8 in possession). No statewide minimum size; Gold Medal and trophy waters often add gear and slot limits.
Source: Colorado non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Colorado non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
Colorado Gold Medal water: artificial flies and lures only on the designated reaches, with reduced trout limits — confirm the section.
Local reports & rules for Gunnison River (Black Canyon): Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Gunnison River (Black Canyon)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Gunnison River (Black Canyon) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Gunnison River (Black Canyon)?
Gunnison River (Black Canyon) is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Gunnison River (Black Canyon)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Gunnison River (Black Canyon) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Gunnison River (Black Canyon) have?
Gunnison River (Black Canyon) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Colorado Gold Medal water: artificial flies and lures only on the designated reaches, with reduced trout limits — confirm the section.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Gunnison River (Black Canyon)?
state agency regulations apply at Gunnison River (Black Canyon). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Gunnison River (Black Canyon) tidal water?
No. Gunnison River (Black Canyon) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.