Man fishing on the Gunnison river in the spring

As the high desert begins to green and the days grow longer, spring signals the start of one of Colorado’s most rewarding fishing seasons—especially along the Gunnison River in Delta. With rising water temperatures and increased insect activity, trout start to feed aggressively, giving anglers a shot at both quantity and quality.

What’s Biting in the Gunnison This Spring?

Spring fly fishing on the Gunnison means targeting brown and rainbow trout, both of which become more active as runoff begins. Rainbows are especially aggressive in March and April as they prepare to spawn, and browns can often be found cruising the edges for emerging bugs.

As flows increase into May, look for trout holding in slower seams, back eddies, and near structure along the banks. You might also spot the occasional cutthroat or whitefish depending on water temps and location.

🪶 Spring Fly Patterns That Get Results

Fly fishing info graphic for the spring run off on the Gunnison RiverFly anglers in the know are having success on patterns like:

  • Pheasant Tails and Prince Nymphs (sizes 14–18)
  • Egg patterns and San Juan Worms during early runoff
  • Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) emergers and dries—especially on overcast days
  • Stonefly nymphs (especially in pre-runoff stages)
  • Caddis larvae and pupae as hatch season begins

A standard two-fly rig with a bead-head nymph and a trailing emerger can cover a lot of water this time of year.

🛶 Dory vs. Shore: Where to Cast Your Line

Fishing from a dory or drift boat gives anglers a huge advantage during higher spring flows. It allows you to cover more water, access deeper mid-channel runs, and cast into backwaters that shore anglers can’t reach. Just be sure to know the current flow rates and have an experienced oarsman at the helm—spring conditions can be dynamic.

On foot, shoreline fishing is still highly productive. Wade into slower side channels or find pockets near overhanging brush and undercut banks. Keep your approach quiet and deliberate—these trout aren’t pushovers.

📍 Other Local Spots Worth Exploring

While the Gunnison is the headliner, don’t overlook these nearby fisheries:

  • Escalante Canyon offers smaller streams and pools with fewer crowds and rewarding pocket water.
  • Sweitzer Lake State Park is a good option for spinning gear and families—look for stocked trout and warmwater species as spring progresses.
  • North Fork of the Gunnison near Paonia has cold, clear flows and healthy rainbow populations in early spring.

🏕️ Base Your Fishing Trip at Riverwood Resort

Located right on the Gunnison River, Riverwood Resort in Delta offers the perfect home base for your spring fly fishing trip. Step out of your hotel room’s private patio or RV and walk to the river’s edge, or use the resort as a central hub to explore nearby fishing spots. With a mix of hotel rooms, full-hookup RV sites, and peaceful camping options, it’s an easy place to settle in, gear up, and focus on the water.

Come for the fish—but stay for the quiet, the views, and the feeling that you’ve truly found a corner of Colorado worth exploring.

 

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