Telluride Fly Fishing Guide: San Miguel, Dolores, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison Rivers

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
San Miguel River	June - October (clears mid-June)	100-300 CFS ideal; 90%+ public land
Dolores River	Year-round below McPhee (catch-and-release)	50-90 CFS summer; BWOs through November
Uncompahgre tailwater	Year-round (spring best)	100-200 CFS ideal; browns to 10+ lbs
Gunnison (Black Canyon)	Late May - Oct (salmonflies late May)	400-600 CFS ideal; Gold Medal; hike-in access
Guided trips	Telluride Fly Fishers	Half-day $380, full-day $680

Overview

Telluride sits at the headwaters of the San Miguel River in southwest Colorado's San Juan Mountains, surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. Within 90 minutes of town, anglers can fish four distinct river systems - each with its own character, species mix, and optimal conditions.

The region offers extensive public access. Over 90% of the San Miguel River flows through public land, and the nearby Dolores, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison all have significant fishable stretches. The Gunnison in Black Canyon holds Gold Medal status, while the other three rivers - though lacking that designation - receive far less pressure than the Front Range tailwaters.

This is dry fly country. The San Miguel and Dolores both run caddis and stonefly hatches that put fish on top from June through October. The Uncompahgre tailwater offers year-round fishing with trophy potential, and Black Canyon's Gunnison runs through vertical canyon walls reaching 2,700 feet.

The Four Rivers

San Miguel River

The home water. The San Miguel flows directly through Telluride and runs 90 miles northwest to its confluence with the Dolores. It's one of the few free-flowing rivers in Colorado - no dams regulate the flow, which means the river runs higher in spring and lower by fall.

Character: High-gradient freestone with pocket water, riffles, and runs. Average depths of 1-3 feet with plenty of holding water in deeper pockets. The rocky streambed supports abundant caddis and stoneflies.

Species: Rainbow trout and cutbow hybrids dominate the coldwater sections near Telluride. Brook trout appear in the upper tributaries. Browns become more common downstream toward Placerville and Nulca.

Best Sections:

• Headwaters (above Telluride): Brook trout and cutthroat in small water. Best accessed on foot from town.
• Town section: Convenient fishing right in Telluride. Fish the pocket water early morning before foot traffic picks up. Access from Town Park or along the River Trail.
• Placerville area: Faster, colder water with rainbows and cutbows. More room to cast. Park at Placerville Town Park and walk to the river - the small town offers easy access with minimal crowds.
• Nulca/Brooks Bridge: Slower, warmer downstream water. Browns and rainbows. Shallower runs. Look for pullouts along CO-141 west of Naturita.

Access: Highway 145 parallels the river from Telluride to Placerville, with 25+ miles of public access on BLM and National Forest land. Key access points:

• Telluride Town Park (37.9375, -107.8125): Central town access, parking at park, walk to river. Most accessible for beginners.
• Society Turn area (37.9460, -107.8755): 3 miles west of Telluride on CO-145. Park at pullouts near the roundabout and walk to river. Marks the transition from town section to public BLM water.
• CO-145 Mile 63-67: Multiple pullouts between Society Turn and Placerville. Watch for BLM access signs.
• Placerville (37.9975, -108.0850): Park in town at Placerville Town Park or use pullouts along the highway. Walk to river - easy access with minimal crowds.
• Sawpit area (37.9850, -108.0450): Between Society Turn and Placerville, look for pullouts with BLM markers.

Note: Most land in Telluride town limits is private. Stay below high-water mark or access from Town Park. Downstream from Society Turn, the corridor becomes predominantly public land.

Pressure: Compared to Front Range rivers, fishing pressure is light. The town section sees the most foot traffic, especially during summer festivals. For solitude, fish early morning or head downstream toward Placerville. Weekday mornings are virtually empty.

Flow Windows:

CFS	Conditions
Under 100	Low water - fish spooky, concentrate on deeper pools
100-300	Ideal - good visibility, fish active, dry flies productive
300-600	Higher but fishable - nymphing more productive
600+	Runoff - muddy, difficult fishing

Season: June through October is prime. The river typically clears from snowmelt by mid-June. Fall fishing (September-October) can be exceptional as flows drop and October Caddis emerge. Winter fishing is possible but challenging - lower elevation rivers fish better in cold months.

Best Time of Day: Mornings are generally most productive, especially for rising fish. Nymphing works before 9am; dry fly action picks up mid-morning as temperatures warm. Hot summer afternoons can be slow - plan to fish early or wait for evening. In cooler months (September-October), midday is often best when water temperatures peak.

Track San Miguel River flows near Placerville to find current conditions.

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Dolores River

The wilderness option. Just south of Telluride near the Wilson Range, the Dolores offers cutthroat and brook trout fishing in high mountain meadows and forested canyons.

Character: The upper Dolores (above McPhee Reservoir) runs through high mountain meadows and forested canyons. Below the dam, the river is catch-and-release water with rainbows and browns in the 12-16 inch range and occasional fish exceeding 20 inches.

Species: Rainbow, brown, brook, cutthroat, and cutbow trout depending on the section.

Key Sections:

West Dolores (upper): High-country fishing above 9,000 feet for cutthroat and brook trout. Best July-September after snowmelt. Access points:

• West Dolores Campground (37.6597, -108.2761): From Dolores, travel 21 miles north on CO-145 and Forest Road 535. Campground is on the river with direct fishing access.
• Mavreeso and Emerson Campgrounds: Additional national forest campgrounds with river access along FR 535.
• Main Dolores near Lizard Head Pass: CO-145 parallels the river from milepost 49 to Lizard Head Pass summit. Park at pullouts along the "S" curves.
• East Fork access: Forest Road 204 and East Fork Trail reach the upper river near Lizard Head Pass (rough road, high-clearance recommended).

Below McPhee Dam (12 miles to Bradfield Bridge):

• Catch-and-release only, artificial flies and lures
• Easy wading, low gradient
• Managed flows from the reservoir
• Fish in the 12-16 inch range with larger specimens possible

Flow Windows (below McPhee):

CFS	Conditions
30-50	Winter flows - very low, technical fishing
50-90	Summer flows - good wading, fish spread throughout
90-200	Higher flows - faster water, fish concentrated
200+	Spring releases - check conditions

Season: The first few weeks after runoff (usually mid-June) fish well. Summer fishing slows in heat but picks up again in fall. The brown trout spawn brings aggressive fish in October-November. BWO hatches run strong into late fall - size 24 BWOs are the most consistent hatch through November.

Best Time of Day: Midday BWO hatches (11am-2pm) are reliable in spring and fall, especially in slower pools. Cloudy days typically fish better than bright sun. Early morning and late afternoon produce well with terrestrials in summer.

Key Flies: Blue-winged Olives (18-24), Pale Morning Duns (14-18), Elk Hair Caddis (14-18), Stimulators, terrestrials (hoppers, beetles, ants) June through September.

Track Dolores River flows below McPhee Reservoir before your trip.

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Uncompahgre River

The tailwater. About one hour from Telluride, the Uncompahgre below Ridgway Reservoir is one of Colorado's least-known tailwaters. The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk section in Ridgway State Park holds some of the largest trout in the state.

Character: True tailwater with consistent flows and cold, clear water year-round. The 1.5-mile section below the dam was enhanced with boulder and log structures in the early 2000s, creating excellent holding water. The fishery holds 264 pounds of trout per acre - exceptional density.

Species: Rainbow trout (stocked regularly, some fish to 30+ inches), brown trout (naturally reproducing, many exceeding 10 pounds), and Snake River cutthroat. The tailwater may hold the largest fish in the region.

Access: Ridgway State Park at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk ("Paco").

Getting There:

• From Montrose: US-550 south for 22 miles to the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk entrance
• From Ridgway: US-550 north for 4 miles to the entrance
• GPS: 38.24372, -107.76383

Parking: Paved designated parking with three accessible disabled spots. $10 day-use fee required (annual Colorado State Parks pass also works). Short walk from parking to the river. Restrooms with running water adjacent to parking area.

Water Access: Approximately 1 mile of fishable water starting just below Ridgway Dam and stretching to the end of park property. Five distinct fishing locations with varying accessibility - two are fully paved and ADA accessible, others require walking packed-dirt trails.

Easy access suitable for beginners or anglers with mobility issues, but the large, selective trout challenge experienced anglers.

Flow Windows:

CFS	Conditions
50-100	Winter flows - fish deep, slow presentations
100-200	Ideal - sight fishing productive
200-400	Higher flows - still fishable
400+	Dam releases - wait for levels to drop

Technique: This is sight-fishing water. Locate feeding trout before casting, stalk to position, select flies based on observed behavior, and present accurately on the first cast. Clear water demands fluorocarbon tippet (5X-6X) and long leaders. Patience matters more than volume of casts.

Key Flies: Zebra Midges (20-24), Mercury Midges, Rainbow Warrior (18), Pheasant Tail (16), mini leeches (14), caddis pupa (16). Spring brings PMD dry fly action; fall fishing with leeches can be exceptional.

Season: Fishable year-round. Spring (March-May) is arguably the best time on the tailwater. Summer brings PMD hatches. Fall brings aggressive feeding before winter - leeches become highly effective as fish bulk up.

Best Time of Day: Patience matters more than timing here, but midday midge activity (10am-2pm) can be productive year-round. Fish feed consistently through the day when flows are stable. The biggest fish often feed in low-light conditions - early morning and late evening.

Pressure: Moderate but manageable. The park sees regular visitors, especially on summer weekends. The water is technical enough that casual anglers often leave frustrated, which keeps serious pressure lower than you'd expect for a trophy fishery. Weekday mornings offer the most solitude.

Track Uncompahgre River flows below Ridgway Reservoir for current conditions. Regulations apply from the fence below the dam downstream to Cow Creek confluence.

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Gunnison River (Black Canyon)

The adventure. An hour and a half northeast of Telluride, Black Canyon of the Gunnison holds 14.5 miles of Gold Medal water. The canyon walls reach 2,700 feet, creating a challenging and remote fishing environment.

Character: The Gunnison flows through vertical canyon walls reaching 2,700 feet. The river is designated Gold Medal Water and Wild Trout Water, holding over 8,000 trout per mile. Mixed water types - riffles, pocket water, deep pools - suit dry-dropper and streamer tactics.

Species: Wild brown trout and a mix of wild and stocked rainbow trout. Trophy potential exists with fish exceeding 20 inches.

Access: This is not casual water. Options include:

East Portal Road: The primary access point. Extremely steep (16% grade) with hairpin curves - vehicle length limited to 22 feet including trailers. Road is closed in winter and can be rough even in dry weather. From East Portal, fish upstream into the canyon. No permit needed for day-use fishing from East Portal.

Inner Canyon Routes: Extremely difficult scrambles requiring excellent physical condition. Free backcountry permit required (available at South Rim and North Rim visitor centers). Expect 3+ hours each way on exposed, steep terrain. Not for casual hikers.

Gunnison Gorge (below Black Canyon): 14 miles of Class II-III water with scattered Class IV rapids. The difficult put-in via Chukar Trail keeps crowds manageable.

Gunnison Gorge Float Details

For anglers willing to work for it, the Gorge float combines outstanding fishing with stunning scenery.

Put-in: Chukar Boat Launch - the only boater put-in for the Gorge. Access via a steep 1-mile trail that requires carrying all gear down (and packing it back up). The trail keeps casual paddlers away.

Getting to Chukar Trailhead: From Olathe, take Falcon Road east into Gunnison Gorge NCA where it becomes Peach Valley Road. About 0.25 miles past Peach Valley Recreation Site, turn right on Chukar Road. Follow for 7 miles to the trailhead. First half is 2WD gravel; last half requires high-clearance 4WD and becomes impassable when wet. Do not bring trailers.

Take-out: Pleasure Park or Gunnison Forks Day Use Area. Pleasure Park is the most common take-out and offers showers and camping.

Permits: Self-issuing at the trailhead. $3 per person wilderness fee (16+). For overnight trips: $10/person for one night, $15/person for two nights (maximum stay). Sign up for campsites at the boat ramp on launch day - no advance reservations.

Shuttle: Pleasure Park offers shuttle service: (970) 872-2525. $100 per vehicle if you have 4WD with good clearance (they send a driver with you and drive your vehicle back). $350 per trip in their Suburban if you don't have an appropriate vehicle.

Mule Packing: J and Ray Outfitters in Montrose (970-323-0115) is the only permitted outfit for horse-packing gear to the Chukar launch.

The Float: 10 miles of paddling through a deep gorge with Class III-IV rapids, followed by 4 miles of flatwater paddle to the take-out. Plan for a long day or overnight.

Regulations:

• Rainbow trout: catch and release only throughout the canyon
• Brown trout: 4 daily limit
• Artificial flies and lures only - no bait
• Fishing prohibited within 200 yards of Crystal Dam

Flow Windows:

CFS	Conditions
300-450	Low water - excellent wading, hard to float
400-600	Ideal - wade or float
600-800	Good drift boat water
800+	Easier floating, wade fishing limited

Hazard: Dam releases can change flows rapidly. Check conditions and be prepared for rising water.

Hatches:

• Salmonflies (late May-June): The biblical emergence. Starts at Pleasure Park and moves upriver over several weeks. Golden stones follow immediately.
• Caddis and Stoneflies: Throughout summer
• Midges: Year-round, important September through April

Key Flies: Salmonfly patterns (4-8), Golden Stones (8-12), Elk Hair Caddis (14-18), Pat's Rubber Legs, Pheasant Tails.

Best Time of Day: The canyon is deep enough that direct sunlight is limited. Fish feed throughout the day during hatches. The salmonfly emergence can produce action from morning through evening. In general, fish when you can - access logistics often dictate timing more than optimal conditions.

Pressure: The difficult access keeps pressure lower than you'd expect for Gold Medal water. East Portal sees moderate use, especially during salmonfly season. The inner canyon routes are lightly fished. The Gorge float requires enough commitment that it never feels crowded.

Track Gunnison River flows near Gunnison - dam releases can change conditions rapidly.

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Seasonal Calendar

Month	Best Water	Conditions
January-March	Uncompahgre tailwater	Midges, slow presentations, biggest fish of year
April	Uncompahgre, Lower Dolores	Spring hatches beginning, BWOs
May	Uncompahgre, Gunnison	Salmonfly hatch starts on Gunnison late month
June	Gunnison, San Miguel	Salmonflies continue, San Miguel clears mid-month
July	San Miguel, Dolores	Prime dry fly season, stoneflies, caddis
August	San Miguel, Dolores	Terrestrials, evening hatches
September	All rivers	BWOs return, October Caddis beginning
October	Dolores, San Miguel	Peak fall fishing, brown spawning aggression
November	Uncompahgre, Lower Dolores	Late season, BWOs, slower fishing
December	Uncompahgre	Winter tailwater fishing

Hatches and Flies

San Miguel River

Stoneflies (February-September): Multiple species provide consistent food. Early season (Feb-April): Little Yellow Stoneflies (#14-16) - fish yellow Stimulators or Pat's Rubber Legs. May-June: Salmonflies/pteronarcys (#4-8) during high water - fish Sofa Pillow, Chubby Chernobyl, or large black stonefly nymphs blind. June-July: Golden Stoneflies (#8-12) - yellow Stimulators, Rubber Legs. August-September: Smaller golden stones (#14-16).

Caddis (May-October): The dominant hatch. Biblical emergences in July-August with morning and evening activity. Match with Elk Hair Caddis (#14-18), X-Caddis, Lafontaine Sparkle Pupa. Vary colors - olive, tan, green, gray. October Caddis (#8-10) signal fall transition - fish in afternoons.

Mayflies: Blue-winged Olives (#16-20) in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Fish with Parachute Adams, Sparkle Dun, or RS2 emergers. Pale Morning Duns (#16-18) in summer (June-July) during late morning hatches.

Terrestrials (July-September): Hoppers (#10-14), ants (#14-18), beetles (#14-16). Fish dry-dropper rigs - hopper on top with dropper nymph 18-24 inches below. Work grassy banks and slower runs.

Essential Fly Box:

• Pat's Rubber Legs #8-12, #14-16 (stoneflies year-round)
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18 (multiple colors)
• Parachute Adams #16-20 (BWOs, general mayfly)
• Chubby Chernobyl #10-14 (attractor/hopper)
• RS2 #18-22 (BWO emerger)
• Pheasant Tail #16-18 (nymph)
• Zebra Midge #18-22 (slow water)
• October Caddis #8-10 (fall)

Dolores River

Blue-winged Olives: The most consistent hatch. Size 24 through fall and into November. Midday hatches in slower pools.

Pale Morning Duns (late May-July): Late morning hatches, sizes 14-18.

Caddis (May-October): Olive, green, yellow, tan, black. Match coloration to what you see on the water.

Terrestrials (June-September): Hoppers (6-10), beetles, ants. Fish along grassy banks.

Uncompahgre Tailwater

Midges (year-round): Zebra Midges, D-Midges, Mercury Midges in sizes 18-24.

BWO Emergers (spring/fall): Barr's Beadhead BWO Emerger, RS2.

PMDs (summer): Pink Cahill, Harrop's PMD patterns for surface feeding.

Leeches (fall): Hell Razor Leeches in black, olive, brown. Fish slow in deeper runs.

Gunnison River

Salmonflies (late May-June): Sofa Pillow, Pat's Rubber Legs, Chubby Chernobyl in sizes 4-8.

Golden Stones (June-July): Yellow Stimulators, golden stonefly patterns sizes 8-12.

Caddis: Elk Hair Caddis, peacock caddis patterns.

Streamers: Woolly Buggers, Slumpbusters for big browns.

Gear Recommendations

Rods:

• 9' 5-weight covers all water in the region
• 9' 4-weight preferred July-September on San Miguel and Dolores
• Short 3-weight for alpine creeks in summer months
• 9-10' 5-6 weight for Uncompahgre tailwater (handles wind, larger fish)

Lines: Weight-forward floating lines for most situations. Consider a sink-tip for streamer fishing on the Gunnison.

Leaders/Tippet:

• 9' 4X-5X for most freestone fishing
• 12'+ leaders with 5X-6X for Uncompahgre tailwater (fluorocarbon recommended)
• 6X for technical situations on any river

Wading:

• Breathable waders for all seasons
• Felt or rubber soles - the San Miguel has slippery rocks
• Wading staff recommended for Gunnison

Local Guide Services

Two Orvis-endorsed outfitters operate in the Telluride area:

Telluride Fly Fishers: Established 1989, offers half-day ($380/1 angler) and full-day ($680/1 angler) walk-wade trips. Access to San Miguel, Dolores, tributaries, and alpine lakes. Rental gear available.

Telluride Angler (Telluride Outside): Operating since 1984, guides the San Miguel, Dolores, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison. Known for teaching-focused trips.

RIGS Fly Shop: Based in Ridgway (45 minutes from Telluride), specializes in the Uncompahgre tailwater and Gunnison. Full-service fly shop with detailed fishing reports.

A guide makes sense if you're new to the area, want to learn specific techniques, or need access to private water.

Regulations

Colorado Parks & Wildlife manages all waters. Key rules:

• License required for anglers 16 and older
• Youth 15 and under fish free
• Standard statewide limits: 4 trout per day unless otherwise posted

Special Regulations:

• Dolores below McPhee: Catch-and-release only, artificial flies and lures
• Gunnison in Black Canyon: Rainbow trout catch-and-release only, artificial only, no bait
• Watch for private property postings near Telluride on the San Miguel

Always check current Colorado fishing regulations before your trip.

San Miguel Rafting

The San Miguel also offers excellent whitewater rafting, typically late May through mid-July depending on snowpack.

Lower San Miguel (Class II-III): 9 miles from Specie Creek to Beaver Creek. Family-friendly, suitable for beginners. About 2 hours on water.

Upper San Miguel (Class III-III+): More continuous rapids, 10 miles from Deep Creek to below Placerville. Not always available - depends on flows.

Telluride Outside operates rafting trips starting in late May. The natural flood cycles keep the river in excellent condition, with 40 miles of Class I-III+ whitewater in total.

Safety Considerations

Cold water: All rivers run cold. The Uncompahgre tailwater rarely exceeds 50°F. Even in summer, extended immersion can lead to hypothermia.

Spring runoff: May through mid-June brings high, fast, muddy water on freestone rivers. The San Miguel and Dolores are unfishable during peak runoff.

Altitude: Telluride sits at 8,750 feet. Rivers in the area range from 5,000 to 11,500 feet. Acclimate before strenuous activity.

Afternoon thunderstorms: Summer afternoons bring lightning. Plan to be off exposed water by early afternoon, especially on the Gunnison.

Black Canyon hazards: The Gunnison requires serious planning. Sudden dam releases, difficult access, remote location. Don't underestimate the physical demands.

Using RiverReports

Check current conditions before your trip:

• Compare flows to the ideal windows listed above
• Track whether flows are rising, stable, or falling
• Use historical data to understand typical conditions for your travel dates
• If one river is blown out, find alternatives in the region

Track all these rivers on RiverReports Colorado to compare conditions and find fishable water.

Pro tip: The San Miguel and Dolores are freestone rivers - flows respond quickly to rain and snowmelt. Check conditions 24-48 hours before your trip. The Uncompahgre and Gunnison are tailwaters with more predictable flows, but dam releases can still change conditions rapidly.

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