How to use our fishing calendar
Planning your next fishing trip in Grand Junction, United States ? Today is a poor day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular solunar tables, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...
- Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise solunar tables and the best moon phases.
- Use the forecast calendar section to sync bite times with major weather changes.
- Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
- Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.
Fishing in Grand Junction, Colorado centers on the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, along with nearby reservoirs and high-desert ponds that offer diverse freshwater angling. From trophy smallmouth bass and walleye in Mack Mesa and Highline Lake to river-run brown trout, channel catfish, and pike, Grand Junction fishing blends classic Western river fishing with productive stillwater opportunities. read more...
Sun and Moon Times
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Nautical Twilight begins:Sunrise:
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Sunset:Nautical Twilight ends:
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Moonrise:
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Moonset:
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Moon over:
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Moon under:
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Visibility:71%
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Waning Gibbous
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Distance to earth:384,629 kmProximity:49.5 %
Moon Phases for Grand Junction
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poor Day
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major Time:04:19 am - 06:19 am
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minor Time:10:23 am - 12:23 pm
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major Time:04:39 pm - 06:39 pm
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minor Time:10:56 pm - 12:56 am
Current Fishing Weather
Wind Speed and Direction
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:
Wind Direction and Speed are one of the most important aspects for choosing a fishing spot. An offshore wind can help land-based anglers with longer casting distances, while an onshore wind will make kayak fishing safer. Often fish will also move to certain feeding areas depending on the wind direction. Check out the long term wind forecast at the charts below.
Fishing Barometer
Atmospheric Pressure:
Change since midnight:
Trend for next 6 hours:
Atmospheric or Barometric Pressure affects fish activity. The best fishing can be had on a rising barometer and also the time just before it is falling. A steady barometer in the higher ranges can also mean good fishing. A falling or low barometer reading without much change is usually not a very good time for fishing.
UV Effect on Fishing
As a rule of thumb, the higher the UV index, the deeper fish will move. Shallow water fishing is best done at times with a low UV index. When the UV is high, stick to early mornings, late evenings and shaded areas. The effect is less noticable in deeper water, but often a higher UV index can produce good results in the deep.
7 Day Fishing Weather
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 Third Quarter Moon |
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 Waning Crescent |
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Fishing Overview Grand Junction
Fishing in Grand Junction, CO revolves around three core systems: the Colorado River, the Gunnison River, and a network of lakes like Highline Lake, Mack Mesa, Corn Lake, and smaller state wildlife areas. This high-desert region offers year-round opportunities, with peak fishing running from March through November depending on species and water levels.
On the Colorado River through Grand Junction, anglers target trout, smallmouth bass, carp, and catfish. Spring brings rising flows and off-color water, so focus on slower inside bends, eddies, and backwaters. Use bright or bulky lures: 3–4 inch soft-plastic swimbaits, chartreuse spinnerbaits, and rattling crankbaits fished tight to current seams. Fly anglers do well with large streamers and stonefly nymphs bounced near the bottom using heavy indicator rigs.
The Gunnison River near its confluence is more trout-centric but also holds bass and carp. In late spring and early summer, wade or float to work riffle corners and deeper runs with nymph rigs (pheasant tails, hare’s ears, and small mayfly patterns) under an indicator. As water clears and drops, switch to dry-dropper setups with hoppers and attractor dries. Early and late light are prime for swinging olive and black streamers along undercut banks for larger browns.
Stillwater fishing around Grand Junction is dominated by Highline Lake and Mack Mesa, plus nearby ponds. In spring, target warming north and west shorelines where baitfish and panfish congregate. Smallmouth and largemouth bass move shallow when water temps push into the 50s–60s°F: work 1/8–1/4 oz jigheads with finesse worms, Ned rigs, or small craw imitations along rocky banks and riprap. Walleye at Highline often relate to points and drop-offs—slow-drift live bait rigs or jig-and-minnow combos just off bottom at dawn, dusk, and after dark.
Summer fishing shifts to low-light windows. On calm mornings, throw topwater poppers and walking baits for bass along weed edges and rocky points. As the sun rises, move deeper with Carolina rigs, drop-shots, and deep-diving crankbaits. Panfish like bluegill and crappie stack on submerged brush and docks; use small jigs or pieces of worm under a slip bobber. Catfish bite best from evening into night on cut bait, chicken liver, or stink baits set near channel edges and the mouths of coves.
Fall is a prime trophy season in Grand Junction. Cooling water pulls bass and walleye shallower and fires up trout in both rivers. Cover water quickly with medium-running crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and 3–4 inch paddletails along wind-blown banks and rocky structure. In the rivers, match the hatch with smaller mayfly and midge imitations, but keep a streamer rod ready—aggressive pre-winter browns often chase larger baitfish patterns stripped tight to structure.
In winter, open-water fishing is still possible most years on the Colorado and Gunnison rivers and select lakes. Fish slowly and tight to bottom with jigs, spoons, and nymphs in the deepest pools and basins. Focus on mid-day when temperatures improve slightly, downsizing presentations and using lighter line for more bites across Grand Junction’s clear, cold waters.
Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Grand Junction area
We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Grand Junction. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.
Indian Wash - 1.99320606461km , Gunnison River - 2.41695258277km , Redlands Dam - 4.03791239009km , Connecticut Lake - 4.20186066723km , Gardner Lake Dam - 5.37309691228km , Leach Creek - 5.57050375284km , Lewis Wash - 6.09596943351km , Hartman Retention Dam - 7.18916766029km , Indian Wash Detention Dam - 8.0769032831km , Persigo Wash - 10.6784474912km , Pritchard Wash - 10.93480292592km , Hunter Wash - 11.85292014245km , Callow Creek - 12.00103442881km , Whitewater Creek - 12.70862535238km , Kannah Creek - 16.60438501301km , North East Creek - 16.75425501258km , Fruita Settling Basin Number 2 Dam - 17.24332906986km , Cruse Wash - 17.58231574015km , Thompson Number 2 Dam - 18.88159511196km , Thompson Number 1 Dam - 19.10360479249km , Little Salt Wash - 19.85740190802km , Thompson Number 3 Dam - 19.8968574402km , Watson Creek - 20.01468299489km , East Branch Big Salt Wash - 21.57373427732km , G H and S Number 2 Dam - 22.18067250372km , Reeder Dam - 22.55620003686km , Payne Wash - 22.88163058654km , North Fork Kannah Creek - 22.9822519968km , Aubert Dam - 23.76741873955km , Jerry Creek - 23.84500002138km , King Number 1 Dam - 24.05620806876km , Palisade Cabin Dam - 24.05707816568km , Bulkley Wash - 24.38356504433km , Moore Creek - 24.43258076474km , Phylcon Number 1 Dam - 24.52367451054km , Hallenbeck Number 1 Dam - 24.55229965745km , Gobbo Number 2 Dam - 24.70552477474km , Juniata Ditch - 24.77492022273km , East Branch Reed Wash - 24.88040013942km , Reed Wash - 24.90204129605km
Harbours and
Marinas
Beaches
Bays
Wharfs
Points,Reefs,etc
Latest Catches
uploaded by: Charlie Pifer
uploaded by: Charlie Pifer
uploaded by: Charlie Pifer
uploaded by: Russell Gray
uploaded by: Russell Gray
uploaded by: John Matthews
uploaded by: MAD MUSKY WATER SPORTS RENTALS Stacy Ellard Owner
uploaded by: Charlie Pifer
uploaded by: Charlie Pifer
uploaded by: Charlie Pifer
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