Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, Colorado



Considering the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the country's newest national parks, one can already imagine the scenic beauty of this famous Colorado fishery. Although the Gunnison is fishable nearly all year, the only time commercial float trips can be run are mid May to early October. The most publicized hatch of the season is the Stone Fly which occurs from early to late June running occasionally into early July. During this time, one can expect to catch wild rainbow trout from 17 to a fabled 24 inches as well as large brown commonly in the 14 to 16 inch range with many much larger. Whirling Disease has impacted this river to the point that smaller rainbows basically do not exist at this time and the large ones make for challenging quarry.

The trip begins by arriving the night before at Gunnison River Farms to have a gourmet meal with the guides and purchase your flies for the trip. An early arrival offers you a chance to fish the stocked ponds on this thousand plus acre orchard for rainbow and cutthroat trout, some weighing in at nearly 10 pounds. An early morning 7-mile ride on a 4 wheel drive road will drop you at the Chukar trailhead. A one mile hike with your personal gear down to the river is the next step. The guides, boats and all other necessary equipment will be awaiting your arrival. While the guides get the boats rigged for the day, you will fish some of the most pristine trout water the state of Colorado has to offer.

During the next 3 days, you will enjoy sleeping out under more stars than you ever thought exist, eating gourmet food that your guide Woodfin "Woody" Underwood Patishall will prepare. Woody is one of the legendary Black Canyon fishing guides starting his long and animated career over 20 years ago, when the first commercial trips floated the Gunnison. While he prepares the evening cuisine, you can take some of Woodys' tips for skittering a caddis at dusk or enjoy the evening sipping your favorite bourbon you thoughtfully packed in.
The final day consists almost entirely of boat fishing, for you will travel nearly 10 to 15 miles on the final day of this 20 mile float. These trips are offered and outfitted by Black Canyon Anglers, which owns one of only a few commercial permits on the river.







Additional photos from the Gunnison

Clothing and equipment checklist -- Summer

Pricing:

$2,400.00	2 day/1 night float trip including meals on river, tents, dry bags for personal gear, transportation to the river from Gunnison River Farms, and guided fly-fishing for 2 anglers.
$3,000.00	3 day/2 night float trip including meals on river, tents, dry bags for personal gear, transportation to the river from Gunnison River Farms, and guided fly-fishing for 2 anglers.

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Colorado Outfitter and River Outfitter permit numbers 618 and 279.