WOODY'S WISDOM

My name is Woodfin Pattishall and over the past two decades I've had the pleasure of spending my summers guiding fishermen on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. I've floated and fished this river as low as 225 CFS all the way up to 6500 CFS. As senior guide of Black Canyon Anglers, I would like to share some of the knowledge I've acquired fishing this famous stretch of water.

First, fishing with a guide will increase your chances at hooking a big fish and even more so your chances of landing that fish.

Second, understanding the river throughout its ever-changing seasons makes catching less of a random activity.

Third, knowing the bugs - when they hatch (time of day and season) and having that size and type of fly in your box is what will make you succeed. This is where our guides really come in handy.

The inside scoop - high season fishing months are outlined below covering typical river flows, hatches and movement of fish. Throughout the summer, we all enjoy the evening caddis hatch (elk hair caddis), matching the size and color.

MAY
May can be a great month, depending on flows - high waters are typical. Early season nymphing is the general routine; however, I've seen the salmon fly hatch as early as May 25th.

JUNE
Flows stabilize. The well known salmon fly hatch (Pteronarcys californica) begins to make its way upstream. The fly of choice early in this hatch is the fluttering stone. As the bugs progress up the river, the Rogue River stone becomes the hot pattern. This hatch can last up to four weeks with the peak falling around the middle of June.

After the fish rebound from this "gorging", a variety of nymphs work well. We fish a 9ft. 4x leader with two different sizes of nymphs, about 16 inches apart.

JULY
Lower water flows. July on the Gunnison means fishing a variety of nymphs. Here is a selection of some of my favorites: hares ear, olive LaFontane, brassie or red copper John, Barrs emerger, beadhead prince nymph, pheasant tail and lots of emerging caddis.

AUGUST
Low water flows, clear water. August gets quite hot and fish move to the deeper holes. This means longer leaders and more weight.

During high water years, the strategy changes. We use big streamers, stripping them from the bank to the boat. Some of the best: wooly buggers and zonkers. Bring lots of colors to elicit the best response.

SEPTEMBER
Low water flows, clear water. Fish are once again on the active bite...I like to throw double dry rigs. Maybe a Turks Trantula or a big parachute hopper, followed by small stimulator or royal coachman. This month also sees the fish lining up in the feeding lanes, sucking up the nymphs, trying to bulk up before winter. The fishing float season extends through September.

From myself and all the great guides at Black Canyon Anglers, we wish you tight lines, clear water and lots of feeding fish.

To the river.
Woodfin Pattishal, Senior Guide

RESERVATIONS OR QUESTIONS?
Contact us at (970) 835-5050
info@blackcanyonanglers.com

Black Canyon Anglers
Box 180
2474 J-50
Austin, CO 81410

phone: (970) 835-5050
fax: (970) 835-4625
web: blackcanyonanglers.com
email: info@blackcanyonanglers.com