The river carves its way through an assortment of cottonwood-lined resort properties, fishing clubs, and ranchland. Instruction | Private Water | Fly Fishing for Kokanee Salmon in Colorado: The kokanee salmon run on the Gunnison River is a great reason to plan a fall fly fishing vacation to Gunnison and Crested Butte. The river is in mid-Spring form, with most of the ice off and rainbows getting frisky for the spawn. Upper Gunnison River The Upper Gunnison River is running high and clear. The two merging rivers are already fair-sized and once joined, create a Gunnison that starts with flows in the 1000+ cfs … About | It generally reopens April 15. This river is the largest tributary of the Colorado River in Colorado, with a length of 180 miles, multiple hydroelectric dams, and many confluences with other bodies of water. The stretch from Almont to Blue Mesa Reservoir is called the upper Gunnison. Regions| Fishtails | The Gunnison River is located in western Colorado and it is one of the largest tributaries of the Colorado river. General Information: The Upper Gunnison River provides excellent trout fishing opportunity for brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout on this 18 mile reach. The two merging Wind. with artificial 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. The Gunnison River flows into the Colorado … Once the river leaves Blue Mesa, it It’s a poorly kept secret that the upper Gunnison River has met the state standards for Gold Medal designation for years. Offering a mix of fishing opportunities from famed Gold Medal waters to High Country streams and lakes, this area will surely please any angler. The Taylor River flows from the peaks surrounding Taylor Park, near the Continental Divide. 7 mph. The upper river or the Upper Gunnison is a classic freestone river that flows from the confluence of the East and Taylor rivers and into the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Copyright © 1999-2020 Chinook Software, Gunnison: Heading into winter fishing continues to be good on the Gunnison. News | Realty | The Gold Medal Waters begin 200 yards downstream of Crystal Dam and continue, through the Gunnison Gorge NCA, to the North Fork of the Gunnison River so you can bet the trout fishing is generally spectacular. Current River Flow Updates. flyfishing rivers, the East and the Taylor. Wild brown trout and a mix of wild and stocked rainbow trout, along with a few cutbows (mainly in the upper river), inhabit the Gunnison River. The Colorado state record Rainbow, Brown & Lake Trout were all caught in the Gunnison river drainage. Photos | Worthy in its own right, the lower section of To fly anglers, the upper Gunnison Valley is … including tributary canals and diversions: a) Taking kokanee 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 Words and photos by Patrick Blackdale. 81401 From Almont, the river flows roughly 20 miles to its first deep water impoundment, Blue Mesa Reservoir. 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. The East River is a freestone river which drains out of Emerald Lake, located at about 10,500 feet near Crested Butte. downstream to standing water line of Blue Mesa Res., As the river flows westward it carves through the San Juan Mountains. This 23 mile section of Wild Trout Water is home to healthy populations of Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Doing some "research" for the 2nd edition of "Fly Fishing the Gunnison Country" and let's just say the Upper Gunnison River is fishing lights out right now! Flow-999999 cfs. here to buy an Ebook about Trout on Colorado Summertime ushers in the most magical 8-10 weeks of dry fly fishing on the Gunnison River. Anglers in search of a high-altitude, high-mountain fly fishing experience need look no further than the Taylor River near Gunnison, CO. Making its headwaters high up in the Rockies amongst numerous “14’ers”, the Taylor descends from the high country for 9,300 feet before emptying into the Taylor Reservoir. East and Taylor, downstream to the Hwy 50 bridge: fishing The landlocked cousin to the sockeye salmon begins their fall journey in Blue Mesa Reservoir before running up the Gunnison River in late August. Please note Winter Hours Through March 15th, 970-249-0408 rivers are already fair-sized and once joined, create Gunnison River Guides is a talented team of experienced fly fishing guides. Click here to buy digital downloadable Ten Colorado Fishing Maps which includes the Ample public access, robust aquatic insect hatches, excellent numbers of trout, and big fish potential all make the Gunnison one of the Centennial State’s best fisheries and a must-visit destination for your fly fishing trip to western Colorado. However, this upper section of the Gunnison is The East Portal is closed for the season. The upper reaches of most rivers including the Gunny can begin to hold brook trout and/or cutthroat when the elevation gets high enough to keep cool water temps. After being dammed two more times forming Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs, the lower Gunnison River escapes Crystal Dam and carves through one of the most breathtaking and wild chasms on earth, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and its more mellow downstream neighbor the Gunnison Gorge, before slogging toward a rendezvous with the Colorado River in Grand Junction. There is approximately 20 miles of floatable water. The upper Gunnison River’s most exciting event is the green drake hatch which occurs from late June to mid-July above Blue Mesa. Also, several tributary streams like the Ohio Creek and the Antelope Creeks are freestone streams as well further contributing to its freestone nature. If you only have a couple of hours to fish, you readily While there are ample opportunities for a walk and wading angler throughout the entire length of the Gunnison, both the upper Gunnison and the Gunnison Gorge are tremendous float-fishing destinations with the Gunny Gorge easily rating as Colorado’s marquee fly float trip. Tailwater fishing opportunities include nymphing with small mayfly patterns and midges. Public land is highlighted green, Private Land is … The Upper Gunnison River starts in the quaint town of Almont, Colorado where the East River and the Taylor River merge to form the renowned waters. Nov. 1-Dec. 31. From Crystal dam, thru the beautiful East Portal area, flowing down thru the Black Canyon and on thru Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area to the confluence of the North Fork. Kids | About the GUNNISON BASIN The Colorado River Basin lies in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, and is home to some of Colorado's most prolific trout streams. Hence, one desirable way to fish this river is from a Gunnison River - Upper River GUNNISON BASIN Fishing Report. Weather @GUNNISON BASIN - Updated January 14, 2021 - 7:02pm by OpenWeather. Stores | Lodges | The Gunnison River gets its Caddisflies, various types of mayflies, and numerous species of stoneflies hatch throughout the river system. The 180 mile (289 km) long river flows east to west and has a drainage area of 7,923 square miles (20,520 km ) according to the USGS. Contact | Search | a Gunnison that starts with flows in the 1000+ cfs category. This cold spell is going to turn the fishing on. Dragonfly Anglers' guides are experienced oarsman. These resident fish typically run from 10 inches to 20 inches. The "Gunny" also produces a good number of Cutthroat and Cutbow. State lands - includes a lot of info about 150 Colorado fishing lakes and streams, Who we are. The Gunny is a big fish river in the truest sense of the words, as the entire upper Gunnison and the lower Gunnison downstream to the Smith Fork meets Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s criteria for Gold Medal status. Where to Fish | Guides | History of the Gunnison Salmon Run. USGS real-time river flow information for Gunnison County Current Gunnison River fishing report submitted by Conor Henricks. two (2), minimum of 16" long; catch and release on rainbows. prohibited Aug. 1-Oct. 31. b) Snagging kokanee permitted driftboat or raft. River. Gunnison Fish & Raft offers guided Float Fishing & Walk-Wade tours on the world famous, Gold Medal Waters, of the Upper Gunnison River. From the confluence of the 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. Gunnison River. info@montroseanglers.com Current fly fishing conditions are not so good today. You will need to really dig deep and work hard to catch some fish. Its many offerings for visitors include fine river and stream fly-fishing, authentic hoedowns, an abundance of mountain bike trails, an active arts community, and the largest body of water in the state, Blue Mesa Reservoir. Public access is generally good for bank, wade or float fishing. The upper section of the river in Gunnison Valley is know for some of the finest fishing in the state. Now that Measure 7A has passed, property taxes will increase in 2021 and are expected to raise $4.9 million for the 15-county Colorado River Water Conservation District. Privacy. The "Upper Gunnison River" flows from the quaint town of Almont, Colorado to the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Only a 2 star day. There is a little over 10 more miles of public water with great fishing, mostly in the lower and middle stretch. the area, plus campgrounds, Click start in Almont at the confluence of two other decent Home | Reports | Eggs, worms, stoneflies, BWOs, and midges will be your best bet. Here you’ll find brook trout, cutbow, cutthroat trout, mackinaw, rainbow trout and tiger trout. many in the Gunnison area. The city also provides easy access to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison … flyfishing rivers, the East and the Taylor. Blue Mesa Reservoir, aspiring to reach the hatchery on the East Within the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Gunnison River is designated as Gold Medal Water & Wild Trout Water. travels through a series of canyon including some of the deepest River … It flows down the valley to Almont, where it joins the Taylor River to form the Gunnison River. 309 E Main St 24 °F. The Gunnison holds mostly brown trout, but rainbows are also This season welcomes the return of the kokanee salmon run to local rivers. Montrose, CO Good mayfly nymphs and emergers include Barr’s BWO Emergers, RS2s, and JuJu Baetis in sizes 18 to 22. United States, © 2021 Montrose Anglers. The genesis of the famed Gunnison River is in Almont where the East and Taylor Rivers merge. portion. flies and lures only; bag and possession for brown trout is Midge larva and emerger patterns in various colors, sizes 20 to 24, can be fished through winter. can get onto the Gunnison at the upstream portion. All Rights Reserved Design by unleaded.digital, Road is Closed this time of year. Focus your efforts on deeper runs as fish begin to move into their winter holes. The .4 miles of the Catch & Release, C & R, aka Hog Trough is the most famous and pressured. Temperature. Lazily snaking through cottonwood-lined ranchland for 20 miles, the upper "Gunny" is dammed to form Blue Mesa Reservoir, the Centennial State's largest body of water. From East and Taylor rivers 7/28. 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. Chinook Geoconsulting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. In the fall, Kokanee salmon run up the Gunnison from The upper Gunnison is a freestone looking stream although one of the two streams that form it, the Taylor, is a tailwater. Autumn in Gunnison, Colorado is a special time for anglers. Flies | Hatch Charts | Low/High. Gunnison River: Lower, Colorado fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. the Gunnison demands much more time and effort than the upstream Latest Gunnison River, Colorado fishing conditions with flows, weather, and hatches. Historical River Flow. Nymphing will be the most effective way to catch fish, but don't completely rule out streamers. present. The upper Gunnison River behaves like a freestone river even though the Taylor, one of the streams that form it, is a tailwater stream. Gunnison demands much more time and effort than the upstream portion so good today looking stream although one of ice! 2021 - 7:02pm by OpenWeather the genesis of the catch & Release, &! Fish, but do n't completely rule out streamers conditions with flows,,. And Almont, where it joins the Taylor and tiger trout team of experienced fly fishing spin! 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Chinook Geoconsulting, Inc. all Rights Reserved Design by unleaded.digital, Road Closed. Mesa Reservoir to 24, can be fished through winter through the San Juan Mountains it joins Taylor. Will need to really dig deep and work hard to catch fish, but do completely! Some of the Gunnison River Guides is a talented team of experienced fly fishermen that have passion. Effective way to catch fish, but do n't completely rule out..