Spend the day casting to brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout of the Gunnison River from a custom Aire cataraft or Hyde drift boat. Headwaters of the Gunnison River begin in the small town of Almont, CO where the Taylor and East Rivers combine. From there the river wanders 26 miles downstream to the Blue Mesa Reservoir. A typical full day trip covers 13+ river miles. This freestone river is comprised of an assortment of incredibly productive pocket water, rifles and deep runs. A float trip is perfect opportunity to cover plenty of water while enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the Gunnison River at its best! Much of the Gunnison River is private to the general public; a float trip offers our anglers opportunity to fish otherwise inaccessible private water and less pressured fish.
Anglers of all skill levels are welcome on float trips. Trips usually meet between 8:30 and 9 at the pre-arranged put-in.
A tasty, streamside table lunch is served on all full day trips. Beverages, including water, are provided on full and half day trips. Terminal tackle (tippet, fly floatant, leaders, spit shot, dry shake, etc.) is provided at no charge. Flies are provided for an additional charge. Rods and waders are provided if needed.
Float Trip Rates
1 Angler 1/2 day...$300.00
1 Angler Full Day...$340.00
2 Anglers 1/2 day...$335.00
2 Anglers Full Day...$395.00
Gunnison Valley Walk/Wade Trips
Come discover the rivers and creeks of the Gunnison Country on foot! A lifetime worth of fishable water lies in this valley and now is the time to get started. Well-known rivers such as the East, Gunnison and Taylor only begin the end-less possibilities of angling opportunity. With access to over 25 rivers and creeks, the best fishing in the area can be yours.
Walk/wade trips generally meet at Dragonfly Anglers in Crested Butte between 8:30 and 9 a.m. Anglers of all abilities are welcome on walk/wade trips.
A tasty, streamside table lunch is served on all full day trips. Beverages, including water, are provided on full and half day trips. Terminal tackle (tippet, fly floatant, leaders, spit shot, dry shake, etc.) is provided at no charge. Flies are provided for an additional charge. Rods and waders are provided if needed.
Walk/Wade Rates
1 Angler 1/2 Day.........$225.00
1 Angler Full Day.......$295.00
2 Anglers 1/2 Day........$295.00
2 Anglers Full Day........$350.00
3 Anglers 1/2 Day......$380.00
3 Anglers Full Day......$460.00
When To Come
Spring – Pre run-off fishing March thru May can be highly productive. Rivers that have been locked in ice for several months come alive during this period. Weather plays a big role this time of year. Warm fronts help to increase water temperatures. This warming of the water improves metabolic rate in the trout, and increases urgency to feed. For the angler, this translates to productive fishing. Increases in aquatic insect life, primarily including midges, winter stoneflies, blue winged olives and some caddis are readily available to the trout. This is a great time for the visiting skier to spend the day fishing. Water levels determine if the river can be floated during this time, but generally it is better to be on foot.
Late Spring – Anytime from early May through late June we experience run-off. This is dependant on several key factors. Snow pack, air temperatures, and overnight lows all play a role in determining the severity and extent of run-off. Generally speaking this is not a great time for fishing. However if you are here, there are certainly places to catch fish around the valley so don’t be scared!
Summer – Most years, beginning in mid to late June, river levels begin to decrease. This is the time to experience some of the best fishing of the year! Trout that have been exposed to harsh run-off conditions are hungry and begin feeding veraciously. Strong hatches of golden stones, yellow sallies, caddis, pmd’s, and green drakes are all part of the menu in early summer. Generally the water levels are still relatively high for wading and float fishing provides the best opportunity. Check flows regularly or call for updates, make sure you’re here soon after the river begins to come down. It is amazing fishing! Mid summer, including late July and August, offer our nicest and warmest days of the year. Fishing continues to be highly productive. Solid hatches of stoneflies, caddis, and mayflies continue throughout these months. This is also a great time to take a guided trip into the backcountry. These waters provide breath-taking scenery, solitude and great fishing to very opportunistic native and wild trout on light tackle.