What to Expect on a Gunnison Gorge Float Trip with Ed's Fly Shop
The Gunnison Gorge is one of the most celebrated fly fishing destinations in the American West. Named one of the 50 places to fish before you die, this remote wilderness canyon below Black Canyon National Park offers over 7,000 Rainbow and Brown trout per mile in some of the most spectacular scenery Colorado has to offer.
But what is it actually like to go on a 3 day guided float trip through the Gorge? What happens each day? What do you eat? How hard is the hike? What do you bring?
At Ed's Fly Shop in Montrose we have been guiding anglers through the Gunnison Gorge for years and we get these questions all the time. Here is your complete inside look at what to expect on a Gunnison Gorge float trip with our team.
The Basics
The Gunnison Gorge is a 14 mile stretch of Gold Medal water located in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Wilderness below Black Canyon National Park. Because it sits within a designated wilderness area, no motorized vehicles are allowed inside the canyon. The only way in is on foot and the only way to fully experience the river is by raft with a licensed, permitted outfitter.
Ed's Fly Shop holds BLM permitted dates for our 3 Day Gunnison Gorge Float Trip. These dates are strictly limited and allocated by the Bureau of Land Management which means availability is genuinely scarce. We strongly recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially if you have your eye on the June Stonefly hatch dates.
Before You Arrive: Getting Ready for the Trip
Getting to Montrose
Most anglers fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) which is served by United, American, Southwest, and Delta airlines. We can arrange pickup at the airport or your hotel. If you are driving, Montrose is easily accessible via I-70 west to Grand Junction then south on Hwy 550, or via Hwy 50.
We recommend arriving in Montrose the evening before your trip starts. Get a good night's sleep, enjoy dinner downtown, and be rested and ready to go the next morning.
What to Pack
We will send you a detailed packing list when you book. The key items to have ready include:
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots for the 1 mile hike down to the river. Layered clothing for warm days and cool canyon evenings. Polarized sunglasses. Sunscreen and lip balm. Personal toiletries and any medications. Your own rod and reel if you have one — we provide terminal tackle but recommend bringing your own rod for the best experience. A dry bag backpack is provided by Ed's Fly Shop for carrying your personal gear down to the river.
One important note: if you would like us to transport your gear via horse rather than carry it yourself, your gear must be delivered to the shop at least two days before your trip so we can pack it in ahead of time.
Day 1: The Adventure Begins
The Morning
Your trip begins early at Ed's Fly Shop in Montrose where you will meet your guides, get your gear sorted, and receive a safety briefing. From there it is a scenic drive to the Chukar Trailhead.
The hike down to the river is approximately 1 mile with around 560 feet of elevation loss. It goes directly down into the canyon and the trail is moderately steep but very manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Most anglers find the anticipation of what lies below carries them down faster than expected.
When you reach the canyon floor your rafts are already rigged and waiting. Ed's Fly Shop sends a guide down to the river the day before your trip to set everything up so that you are not standing around waiting when you arrive. You step off the trail and you are ready to fish.
On the Water
Day 1 is typically a mix of floating the river and stopping at prime locations to walk and wade. Your guide will read the water throughout the day, positioning the raft at the best angles for casting and pulling over at spots best fished on foot.
Depending on the time of year you can expect to be throwing nymph rigs in the early season, large stonefly dries during the June hatch, hopper and dropper rigs in summer, or streamers and BWO patterns in fall. Your guides will have a complete read on what the fish are eating and will set you up with the right flies for the conditions.
Camp at Night
As the afternoon light fades in the canyon your guide will float you down to camp which has already been set up and is ready for your arrival. Sandy riverside beaches make for spectacular campsites under towering canyon walls.
After a day of world class fishing settle in for a hearty guide prepared dinner around camp. Our guides take the meals seriously and the food on a Gunnison Gorge trip is consistently one of the highlights our guests talk about most.
Meals on Day 1 Lunch and dinner are included.
Day 2: The Heart of the Trip
Day 2 is when most anglers hit their stride. You wake up to the sound of the river, enjoy a guide prepared breakfast, and step straight from camp onto some of the most productive water in the canyon.
The middle section of the float takes you through the heart of the Gunnison Gorge. Towering black granite walls, crystal clear water, and pools teeming with trout make this the most visually stunning stretch of the trip. With over 7,000 fish per mile and 1,000 trout ranging from 14 to 35 inches, the opportunities are exceptional.
Your guides will fish you both from the raft and on foot throughout the day. Some of the best runs in the Gorge are only accessible by boat, making the float essential to reaching the prime water. There are also sections where pulling over and wading is far more productive and your guide will know exactly which approach to take at each spot.
Day 2 typically features the most time on the water of the entire trip. Your guide handles all camp logistics including breaking down the previous camp, transporting gear downriver, and having the next camp fully set up before you arrive at the end of the day.
Meals on Day 2 Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included.
Day 3: The Final Float
The last morning of the trip brings one more guide prepared breakfast and a final session of fishing before the float out to the takeout at Pleasure Park. Day 3 is bittersweet for most guests — the fishing is still exceptional but the end of the canyon adventure is approaching.
Your guides will make the most of every hour on the water on the final day, stopping at their favorite spots and giving you every opportunity to land one more trophy trout before the trip concludes.
Meals on Day 3 Breakfast and lunch are included through the end of the trip.
The Fish: What to Expect
The Gunnison Gorge is a Gold Medal Catch and Release fishery. All Rainbow trout must be released. The fish density in the Gorge is exceptional with over 400 pounds of fish per acre, far surpassing the 60 pound per acre minimum requirement for Gold Medal designation.
Rainbow and Brown trout are the primary targets. Fish in the 14 to 20 inch range are common and trophy fish exceeding 20 inches are caught regularly. Our guides know every productive run and pool in the canyon and will put you in the best possible position to catch fish throughout the trip.
Two Options: The Standard Trip and the Prestige Package
Ed's Fly Shop offers two versions of the Gunnison Gorge 3 Day Float Trip:
The Standard 3 Day Float Trip Our fully guided 3 day trip with up to 8 participants, 2 anglers per raft, all meals included from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3, and terminal tackle provided.
The Prestige Package Our premium experience includes everything in the standard trip plus a dedicated gear boat and an extra guide whose sole focus is rowing gear and setting up camp ahead of the group. With the Prestige Package your group spends maximum time on the water because all logistics are handled by the extra guide. Limited to 6 participants for a more intimate experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be? You need to be able to complete a 1 mile moderately steep hike down to the river with a daypack. Most reasonably active adults handle this without difficulty. If you have specific mobility concerns give us a call and we can discuss what to expect.
Do I need fly fishing experience? Some experience is recommended. The Gorge offers technical fishing opportunities and the physical demands of the trip are more suited to anglers with some time on the water. That said our guides are excellent teachers and beginners who are eager to learn have had fantastic experiences on the Gorge.
What about the rapids? The Gunnison Gorge features Class III rapids which add an exciting dimension to the float. Our guides are experienced raft operators and will navigate the rapids safely. No prior rafting experience is required.
Is alcohol allowed? Yes you are welcome to bring alcohol in unbreakable containers. We strongly recommend responsible consumption especially on whitewater days. We can also pre-purchase specific beer or spirits on your behalf if you let us know in advance.
What is the cancellation policy? Due to the logistics involved in planning this trip, cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the trip date may not be eligible for a refund. We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. Contact us as soon as possible if your plans need to change.
Book Your Gunnison Gorge Float Trip
Dates fill up fast, especially for the June Stonefly hatch. All trip dates are preassigned by the BLM so availability is strictly limited. Don't wait to secure your spot.
Book the Gunnison Gorge 3 Day Float Trip
Book the Gunnison Gorge Prestige Package
Have questions? Call us at 970-964-9991 or stop by the shop at 432 E Main St, Montrose, CO. We love talking about the Gorge and are happy to help you figure out which trip is the right fit for you.