Lower East River: Crested Butte to Almont
Lower East River: Crested Butte to Almont — Fishing Report for April 24, 2026
Quick Stats
Flow: 138 CFS | Trend: Stable | Fishability: Good | Weather: Sunny, High 48°F
The Bite
With a dramatically light snow year across the Gunnison Basin — snowpack sitting at just 13% of normal — the East River is behaving more like late May than late April. Flows are holding steady at 138 CFS and water temps have climbed to 41°F, both well within the productive range for this time of year. The fish have been feeding more consistently than a typical April would suggest, and the river's riffle-pool sequences are easy to read and wade.
The catch today is the weather. Bright, sunny skies are the enemy of the BWO hatch that defines this stretch in spring — Baetis need overcast, low-light conditions to come off reliably, and a bluebird April afternoon isn't going to deliver that. Don't expect much surface action until cloud cover arrives. The good news: the weekend forecast brings clouds, snow showers, and exactly the kind of grey sky that triggers afternoon hatches. If you can fish Saturday afternoon before the snow moves in, that's your window.
For today, commit to nymphing. At 41°F, trout are active but still holding in slower, deeper water — the kind of structure that rewards a well-presented nymph drifted naturally through the current seam. Browns and rainbows are feeding opportunistically, and midge activity through midday should keep them looking up in the water column even without surface rises.
What to Fish
- Zebra Midge #20-22 — anchor fly, fished deep through runs and pools; most productive 11 AM–2 PM
- Juju Baetis #20-22 — trailing nymph 12–16" above the anchor; olive or grey
- Pheasant Tail #16-18 — a reliable second nymph option when fish seem less selective
- RS2 (olive) #20 — fish as a dropper in slower tailouts where fish are sipping just below the surface
- Parachute BWO #18-20 — hold this for Saturday afternoon if cloud cover builds; fish it on 5X through the riffles
- Griffith's Gnat #18-20 — useful during midday midge activity if you spot subtle surface rings
Tactics & Rigging
Set up a double-nymph rig with a Pat's Rubber Legs or a heavier Zebra Midge on the point to anchor the setup, and trail a Juju Baetis or RS2 12–16" above it on a tag off the tippet. Fish 5X fluorocarbon to the anchor, with 6X to the trailing nymph. Use a strike indicator sized to the depth — the productive slots today are 2–4 feet of water in the riffles and the heads of pools. Let the rig ride the seam untouched; any hesitation in the indicator is worth a lift.
Focus your time on the CO-135 pullouts between Almont and the lower canyon sections. The riffle-to-pool transitions are where fish are staging — work the seam where fast water slows into the pool, and don't overlook the softer water along undercut banks where browns are holding out of the main current.
Access & Logistics
CO-135 parallels the river the entire 15 miles from Crested Butte to Almont, with numerous pullouts offering direct access. Wading is straightforward at current flows — felt-soled waders or rubber soles with studs are fine. Crowds are light this time of year; the CB ski crowd is still on the mountain. Verify current regulations with CPW before fishing, and be aware that some East River tributaries are part of active Colorado River cutthroat recovery efforts — check posted signage at access points.
Stop by The Almont Resort or local CB fly shops for flies, current intel, and to support the shops that keep these fisheries healthy.
Looking Ahead
Saturday afternoon could be the best window of the weekend — partly sunny skies and 48°F highs may be enough to coax a BWO hatch before snow showers arrive Saturday night. Sunday's snow showers will likely push fish down and slow things considerably, so plan your trip for Friday or Saturday if you have flexibility.