Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. Use a hook disgorger to remove hooks in the throat. The upper Gunnison is a freestone looking stream although one of the two streams that form it, the Taylor, is a tailwater. Fly Fishing Information for Gunnison River & Tributaries in Colorado by Pat Dorsey The Gunnnison and its tributaries run through a basin between the Collegiate Range and the rugged San Juan Mountains. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing Regulations. Fly fishing for salmon on the upper Gunnison River can be productive from late August through the end of October. Lower Gunnison River, Colorado Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions Reported by Gunnison River Expeditions River is fishing great. The Where to Fish: Gunnison Region Move your mouse over the map to find fishing areas in the Gunnison area, or select from list Select a fishing area East River Taylor River Cochetopa Creek Lake Fork of the Gunn Gunnison River- upper Gunnison River- lower Pinos Creek See the Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing brochure for special regulations that apply to the Gunnison River. The upper section of the river in Gunnison Valley is know for some of the finest fishing in the state. Nymphs, midge larva and caddisfly larva imitations will fish okay from late March until the runoff that occurs in May. The two merging rivers are already fair-sized and once joined, create a Gunnison that starts with flows in the 1000+ cfs category. The first big hatch of salmonfly occurs from mid June until the first of July which leads to much better overall fishing. It's Time For Summer Float Fishing! The Gunnison River at 164 miles in length is the fifth largest tributary in the Colorado River system. Its confluence, formed by the Taylor River and East River, are well known themselves as excellent trout streams. Nymphing will be the most effective way to catch fish, but don't completely rule out streamers. Using knowledge for local fishing guides and experts who have lived and fished the Gunnison River for over 30 years, we created this awesome map that details the the Gunnison River from Almont downstream through Blue Mesa Reservoir to the dam. Keep the fish in the water. The Gunnison River gets its start in Almont at the confluence of two other decent flyfishing rivers, the East and the Taylor. How do I put it? REGULATIONS Trouts Fly Fishing has detailed river reports within the whole basin, with supplemental information on the best seasons to fish, flies to use, and access for most streams in the Gunnison River Basin The authoritative Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing licensure, legal, and regulatory information can be found here . There are a number of area fly shops and on-line retailers that publish Gunnison River fishing reports. Gunnison River Tips & Resources Use these epic resources to get ready for your adventure. A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Gunnison River. Other flies used for fishing the river include: caddisflies, Western March Browns, Pale Morning Duns, Green Drakes, Red Quills, Stoneflies, Yellow Sallies, Great Gray Spotted Wing Sedges, and Streamers. We specialize in wilderness float fishing, walk/wade trips and Class III-IV white water rafting experiences. Float Fishing Float fishing takes place on the Gunnison River between the town of Almont, CO and Blue Mesa reservoir, and it is a wonderful way to enjoy a day on the water. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Gunnison River, Central CO Rockies in Colorado! Visit our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Colorado. Pods tend to hold in deep pools The Gunnison river holds all kinds of trout within it’s forks, but most of the fish caught will be rainbows and browns. Special regulations are required to maintain gold medal quality experiences. Bring the fish in as quickly as possible. It's formed by two major streams, the Taylor River Colorado’s largest body of water—Blue Mesa … Do not remove a deep hook, but cut the line just above the lure. Riverwalk Estates is an exclusive development of more than 100 acres, nestled along the winding stretches of the Gunnison River, a fly-fishing, and recreation paradise. Black Canyon Anglers offers the only fishing lodge on the Gunnison River and we are located on a working farm. USGS real-time river flow information for Gunnison County Fly Fishing Guide to the Gunnison River: The methods and techniques used for fly fishing the Gunnison River vary depending on the section and of course, the time of year. Gunnison River Float Trips From put-in to take-out, float trips are a high action adventure. Our valley offers both great river and stream fishing and lake fishing. The river has many long runs and deep pools, and aquatic insects are to be found just about everywhere. Dragonfly Anglers' guides are experienced oarsman. The upper section of the river is largest above the Blue Mesa Reservoir which is a renowned kokanee salmon fishery. Downstream of the Black Canyon, just south of the confluence of the river, is Gunnison Gorge. Information from the Northern Colorado Plateau Network. How do I put it? Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Gunnison River, Central CO Rockies in Colorado! Gunnison Tourism; ... "We LOVED our full day rafting trip with Scenic River Tours!! Current fly fishing conditions are not going to be good today. Long riffles spill into deep pools … Here, within the steep-walls of the gorge, the river offers one of the top fly fishing destinations to be found anywhere in the lower 48 states. There is approximately 20 miles of floatable water. There are 21 miles of the Taylor River between the Reservoir and our shop where the Taylor joins the East river to form the Gunnison River. This 3.24-acre parcel is located about 10 minutes north of Gunnison on the Gunnison River Ranch, a 455 acre shared ranch in the middle of Gunnison The Gunny, as it is known locally, has a reputation among Colorado natives as the scene of some of the best river and lake fishing to be found anywhere in the state. Shaded beneath the eves of towering cottonwoods, every season within Riverwalk Estates brings new wonders and delivers the genuine Colorado experience. In winter, fishing the Gunnison is tough and for only the heartiest of fisherman. Streams and rivers in Colorado are designated as Gold Medal Waters by the state wildlife commission because they provide outstanding angling opportunities for large trout. Joel was the consummate guide. While there, you’re likely to see herds of mule deer and North American elk in the surrounding forest, and the sights of walls of ebony schist towering at more than 2,000 feet tall in the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park is a sight that can only be described as majestic. Jul 14, 2015 - Gunnison River Details: Brown Trout with a Rigs fly shop in Colorado has great flys, used a rainbow imitation streamer Fly fishing with a 4wt fly rod 4x tippet and ripping a streamer threw the eddies near the bank Shaded beneath the eves of towering cottonwoods, every season We recommend these actions to increase the survival chances of a catch and release fish: How Do I Get to the River? Last episode I setup camp at the blue mesa escape camp ground, and went to fish the Gunnison river. Good conditions for float fishing over the next several days. With snow pack levels in the Gunnison basin at over 500% of the June 1st average we're going to experience well above average flows and delayed float fishing dates. Guided fishing trips on the Gunnison River and Taylor River with Gunnison Valley Anglers in Gunnison, Almont, and Crested Butte, Colorado We strive to provide an unforgettable fly fishing experience in the Gunnison Valley. The Gunnison River offers several public access points (see map above) for wading, though fishing from drift boats when the waters are high is preferable. Looking for more places to fish? Fishing is prohibited within 200 yards downstream of Crystal Dam. In the waters of the Gunnison River you’ll find record size brown and rainbow trout and even Kokanee salmon. Copyright 2020 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. This season welcomes the return of the kokanee salmon run to local rivers. The numbers of fish important to anglers are declining for a variety of reasons. Accessible only by foot or horseback, a Gunnison fly fishing trip is a wilderness experience of the finest caliber. Whether you're planning your trip, learning your insects, improving your fishing with expert tips or getting detailed resources from the Fly fishing in the Gunnison River is world renowned among fly fishing enthusiasts. Of the more than 9,000 miles of trout streams in Colorado, only 168 miles are designated as Gold Medal. Only a one star day. Minimize handling the fish. According to Chris Santella’s book 50 places to fish before you die it is considered one of the best fishing trips in Colorado. Gunnison River Expeditions in Colorado was established in 1985 and is recognized as the largest, most experienced Gunnison River fly fishing outfitter. EXPLORE MORE…. The East Portal Road is closed in winter. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 6X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. View the DIY Fly Fishing Web Map to get turn-by-turn directions to the access points shown on the map above. Anglers often catch fish that the law requires them to return to the water, such as rainbows in the Gunnison. There was lots of confusion including the group size, how many guides were reserved, if waders and boots were included, what river would be fished - not minor details. Gunnison: Heading into winter fishing continues to be good on the Gunnison. The exact timing differs each year, but mid-September is generally the run’s peak. There is a little over 10 more miles of public water with great fishing, mostly in the lower and middle stretch. Gunnison River Fly Shop is located in the heart of the legendary Gunnison River Valley of Colorado. Here below the headwaters, the river grows in size as it rolls down through the ranch on its way to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Gunnison River: Lower, Colorado fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. for additional information. Best Flies to Fish: The Gunnison River There’s no task more daunting in a fisherman’s life than fishing a new river. Fish become stressed through capture and handling which upsets their blood chemistry. Only a one star day. Fishing within 200 yards downstream of Crystal Dam is prohibited. At our shop, you'll find the best fly selecton in the valley. This is a great section of river if you want to get away from the crowds of the East Trampe’s – Gunnison River: The Trampe ranch on the Gunnison River is just a few miles south of our fly shop. Gunnison River Expeditions specializes in wade and float fishing trips in this gold medal trout fishery. Gunnison River Fishing Tips A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Gunnison River. This should make for fantastic late summer and fall fishing with very good water conditions. Dry fly fishing and the major hatches are in full force in summer. Kokanee salmon begin their run upriver from Blue Mesa Reservoir to spawn in August through October, which is also the time when the big browns in the reservoir spawn. The Gunnison River within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is designated as Gold Medal Water & Wild Trout Water. The state’s second largest river has a wide variation of widths that range from 100 to 1,000 feet, and the strong current and rapids found upstream make travel virtually impossible. Eggs, worms, stoneflies, BWOs, and midges will be your best bet. Fishing & Activities A float through the steep walled Gunnison Gorge is recognized as one of the top fly fishing and white water rafting trips in the lower 48. The Gunnison River at 164 miles in length is the fifth largest tributary in the Colorado River system. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 6X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. Use a net with knotless mesh. We specialize in wilderness float fishing, walk-and-wade fly fishing and classic whitewater rafting adventures. Formed at the confluence of the East and Taylor Rivers in Gunnison County, this River provides multiple opportunities for fishing. You can stay in the city of Grand Junction or in towns closer to the actual river and fishing such as Hotchkiss, Crawford, Sapinero and Gunnison. For larger nymphs and streamers a 9-foot 6-wt with a sink tip fly line makes life easier. Anglers seeking a more secluded experience can hike one of the inner canyon routes. Call your local ninja because you will need them. Top Gunnison Fishing Charters & Tours: See reviews and photos of fishing charters & tours in Gunnison, Colorado on Tripadvisor. A few to check out are listed below. We specialize in fly fishing retreats and trips that refresh your soul, sharpen your appreciation for the outdoors and recharge your spirit of adventure. For others it means the start of fishing season, and quite possibly the best chance at a big fish on the Gunnison or one of its main tributaries: the East or the Taylor. A free backcountry permit is required, and can be obtained at the South Rim Visitor Center, North Rim Ranger Station, or East Portal registration board. Whether it’s a new stretch of tailwater or a roaring torrent of fish and bugs, there’s nothing quite as gratifying as hooking up on an unfamiliar lip and feeling as if … Gunnison River Expeditions in Colorado was established in 1985 and is recognized as the largest, most experienced Gunnison River fly fishing outfitter. The Gunnison River Gorge as been awarded Gold Medal status for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat fishing. Fish are eating hoppers on top and smaller bugs subsurface. Use barbless hooks, or crimp the barbs with needle nose pliers. Our Deluxe Format provides a more intimate experience, with smaller client group sizes, additional amenities and services, and a dedicated gear boat allows for lighter rafts. Description: Download the best map ever created of the Gunnison River located in central Colorado. The Gunnison basin has many angling options: fishing small, isolated creeks for native cutthroat and brook trout; sight-nymphing for 5- to 10-pound trout on the Taylor River; float fishing near the town of Gunnison; wade fishing the many accesses along the Lake Fork; or trekking into the Black Canyon or Gunnison Gorge. Lower Gunnison River, Colorado Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions Reported by Gunnison River Expeditions. RIGS Colorado fishing report is regularly updated and provides all the information you need for fly fishing on the Gunnison River (Black Canyon National Park & Gunnison Gorge), San Miguel River, Uncompahgre River & Cimarron River.