Gold Medal Waters of the Gunnison River
Fishing is considered a slow-paced, often static pursuit. A relaxing, borderline-lazy hobby. You're allegedly whiling away time, communing with nature, passively waiting for something to happen. That's untrue of any serious angling, though. I tell people who have never experienced the Gunnison Gorge that fishing is only half of the trip. It’s the beauty of the Black Canyon, the wildlife you encounter, the amazing peacefulness and, of course, the world class fishing.
The Gunnison River runs from Almont to Grand Junction and passes through the Black Canyon, after leaving Blue Mesa Reservoir just west of Gunnison. Access from Delta can be through the Gunnison Gorge NCA or drive east on Hwy 92 to the Pleasure Park, just outside of Hotchkiss.
Within the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Gunnison River is designated as Gold Medal Water & Wild Trout Water. 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.
The Gunnison River runs from Almont to Grand Junction and passes through the Black Canyon, after leaving Blue Mesa Reservoir just west of Gunnison. Access from Delta can be through the Gunnison Gorge NCA or drive east on Hwy 92 to the Pleasure Park, just outside of Hotchkiss.
Within the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Gunnison River is designated as Gold Medal Water & Wild Trout Water. 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.
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In addition, for a couple of days every year, the Gunnison rivals the world's finest fishing spots. Every summer, the salmon flies hatch: They crawl out of the water in adult form, mate, and then fall back to the chilly surface in staggering numbers. Waiting to pounce, are big trout driven crazy by this sudden abundance of comparatively huge insects.
It's a food-chain-reaction; Flies hatch, trout go into feeding frenzy, and fishermen go berserk as well. The problem is, the flies don't hatch by calendar or alarm clock. Weather plays the key role, and the weather is |
famously fickle on the Western Slope of Colorado (might snow in June, might be 90 degrees). So anglers have to take an educated guess, and plan their trips up to a year in advance for the prime summer dates, hoping they've timed it out just right.
Other than during the renowned Salmon fly hatch, which might, maybe, could, typically begin the first week of June, the Canyon section is best fished with streamers and deeply-drifted nymphs. Fishing the Gunnison from a raft is physically demanding, and requires very accurate casts. Big browns, and the occasional rainbow, will chase the flies, often hammering them right next to the boat but there are lots of places to get out and wade along the shore, as well.
Wonderful campsites are found throughout this stretch of water but keep in mind that the days are very hot in the summer in the Canyon, and the nights can often remain warm, as heat from the Canyon walls keeps the air temperature high. If you’re new to fishing in our area, check out one of the local guide services. They can get you right where you want to be without the hassle of transporting gear and wondering if you’ll end up in the right spot.
Other than during the renowned Salmon fly hatch, which might, maybe, could, typically begin the first week of June, the Canyon section is best fished with streamers and deeply-drifted nymphs. Fishing the Gunnison from a raft is physically demanding, and requires very accurate casts. Big browns, and the occasional rainbow, will chase the flies, often hammering them right next to the boat but there are lots of places to get out and wade along the shore, as well.
Wonderful campsites are found throughout this stretch of water but keep in mind that the days are very hot in the summer in the Canyon, and the nights can often remain warm, as heat from the Canyon walls keeps the air temperature high. If you’re new to fishing in our area, check out one of the local guide services. They can get you right where you want to be without the hassle of transporting gear and wondering if you’ll end up in the right spot.