Reserve Your Spot Today!
This trip is extremely popular and availability is very limited—don’t wait to secure your adventure. Reserve your spot in our rafts now by clicking the button below.
Overview
Custom Float Fishing Trips on the Gunnison River Gorge
Experience the adventure of a lifetime with our fully guided fly-fishing trips on the breathtaking Gunnison River Gorge. This Catch & Release fishery boasts an incredible fish count of over 7,000 Rainbow and Brown trout per mile, with 1,000 trout ranging from 14 to 35 inches. Recognized as a Gold Medal Fishery, the Gunnison River exceeds expectations with over 400 pounds of fish per acre—far surpassing the 60-pound per acre requirement for this designation.
The Journey into the Gorge
Accessible only by foot, the journey begins with a 1-mile hike down the Chucker Trail, leading you to the wilderness canyon floor. To prepare for your adventure, Ed's Fly Shop will horse-pack rafts and gear into the Gorge the day before your trip. This remote and pristine canyon rewards those willing to go the extra mile, offering unmatched solitude, breathtaking scenery, and a true wilderness experience.
Trip Details
- Gear Transport: Guests carry personal gear in Ed’s Fly Shop-issued dry bag backpacks (14" Dia x 24" H), provided for your convenience. For added ease, you can opt for a horse to carry your bags to the river’s edge (gear must be delivered to us two days before your trip).
- Raft Setup: Rafts accommodate 2 anglers per boat, offering plenty of space and personalized guidance throughout your journey.
- Guided Experience: Our professional guides manage every aspect of your trip—from preparing meals (lunch through lunch on multi-day trips) to setting up camp—allowing you to focus entirely on fishing and enjoying the breathtaking surroundings.
- Additional Guide: This trip includes an extra guide dedicated to rowing and transporting much of the gear. This guide will arrive at the camp ahead of the group to set up, ensuring everything is ready when you arrive. This allows the group to spend more time on the water without delays.
- Meeting Point: Trips start at Ed’s Fly Shop in Montrose, with the option for hotel or designated parking lot pick-up if arranged in advance. After the trip, we’ll return you to the same location to complete your adventure.
Why Choose the Gunnison River Gorge Prestige Package?
- Unique June Stonefly Hatch: Experience the thrill of fishing during this rare and exciting hatch, a highlight of the season for anglers.
- Exclusive Access: With a limit of only 6 participants per trip, enjoy an intimate and personalized fishing experience in the pristine Gunnison River Gorge.
- Catch & Release: Help preserve this extraordinary fishery for future generations by practicing sustainable fishing.
- Gold Medal Waters: Renowned for its exceptional trout population and unparalleled angling opportunities, the Gunnison River Gorge is a destination like no other.
Important Information
- Minimum Group Size: 2 anglers per raft.
- Fishing Style: Fly fishing only.
- Fishing License: A valid Colorado fishing license is required (link).
- Gratuities: Not included in the trip cost.
- Limited Space: Only 6 spots available per trip—book early!
Premium Gear for Your Gunnison Gorge Adventure
At Ed’s Fly Shop, we strive to make your Gunnison Gorge trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible by providing high-quality gear for your adventure.
- Comfortable Rafts: Our rafts are equipped with high-back seats in the back, providing both comfort and extra room for anglers. These seats are perfect for long days on the water, allowing you to focus on fishing and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
- Big Agnes Camping Gear: We use top-tier Big Agnes gear to ensure a great camping experience.
Our attention to detail and commitment to providing premium gear ensures your Gunnison Gorge trip is not only memorable but also incredibly comfortable. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on reeling in trophy trout and soaking in the beauty of the Gorge.
Let's Fish
Experience the wild and the solitude on the Gunnison
Delicious Meals Throughout Your Journey
Our meals are thoughtfully planned with an emphasis on fresh, wholesome vegetables, salads, and gourmet selections to delight our guests. Your guides will handle all the preparations, ensuring you enjoy delicious and satisfying meals throughout your adventure.
We’re happy to accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice—just let us know when booking!
Alcohol Policy for Multi-Day Expeditions
You’re welcome to bring alcohol on multi-day trips, provided it is stored in unbreakable containers. We strongly advise discretion in alcohol consumption, especially during whitewater days, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
If you’d like us to purchase specific beer or spirits for your trip, let us know in advance, and payment can be arranged through the shop prior to departure.
We can also have the mules carry your alcohol to the river as part of our gear transport. However, please note that we use a set number of mules for gear transportation. If additional mules are required for extra items, an additional charge will apply.
Meeting Place
The meeting place for your trip will vary depending on your lodging arrangements. We recommend staying in Montrose, Colorado, the night before your launch date and arranging to park your vehicle (if applicable) at your hotel. If you need lodging suggestions, our staff will be happy to provide recommendations.
Travel Recommendations
Getting to Montrose
By Plane: Fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), served by United, American, Southwest, and Delta airlines. We can arrange pick-up at your hotel or the airport.
By Car: Option 1: Take I-70 to Grand Junction then Hwy 550 South Bound to Montrose. Option 2: Take Hwy 50 into Montrose.
Let us know if you have any questions or need assistance with your travel plans!
Gratuity Information
Gratuity is not included in your trip cost and is entirely at your discretion. While tipping is optional, it serves as a helpful gauge of customer satisfaction for our team. If you’re ever not satisfied with your experience, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve and enhance our expeditions for future guests.
Trip Insurance Recommendation
We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance for your Gunnison Gorge adventure. Unexpected events can arise, and having trip insurance ensures you're covered in case plans need to change. It’s a small investment for peace of mind and protection for your trip.
Ready to Go?
Reserve Your Spot Today!
This trip is extremely popular and availability is very limited—don’t wait to secure your adventure. Reserve your spot in our rafts now by clicking the button below.
FAQs
Late Spring to Early Summer (May to June)
- Highlights: The famous Stonefly Hatch occurs during this time, offering some of the most exciting dry fly fishing of the year. Trout are actively feeding on the surface, making it a favorite time for anglers.
- Weather: Mild temperatures with increasing warmth as summer approaches.
- Water Conditions: Flows can be higher due to snowmelt, but this also means the river is at its most dynamic and exhilarating.
Summer (July to August)
- Highlights: Consistent fishing opportunities with a mix of dry fly and nymph fishing. This is also a popular time for those who enjoy the sunny, warm weather.
- Weather: Warm days and cooler nights. Perfect for camping along the river.
- Water Conditions: Flows stabilize, creating ideal floating and fishing conditions.
Fall (September to October)
- Highlights: Stunning fall foliage and quieter conditions on the river. Brown trout become more active as they prepare for spawning, creating great opportunities for larger catches.
- Weather: Cooler, crisp days and chilly nights. Layers are essential for comfort.
- Water Conditions: Flows are typically lower, offering a more serene and intimate experience.
We provide freshly prepared meals throughout your trip to keep you fueled and satisfied:
- Day 1: Lunch and dinner.
- Day 2: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Day 3: Breakfast and lunch.
We recommend bringing your own snacks to have on hand in case you’d like something between meals. Our guides handle all meal preparations, ensuring hearty and delicious options to enhance your experience.
Our trips tend to sell out quickly, largely due to repeat bookings from our loyal clients. To secure a date that works best for you, we highly recommend booking early.
Please note that all of our trip dates are preassigned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), so availability is limited. Don’t wait too long to reserve your spot!
The trip includes:
- A fully guided 3-day float trip through the stunning Gunnison Gorge.
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3.
- Rafts accommodating 2 anglers per boat.
- Terminal tackle (leader, tippet, and flies).
- Professional guide services for fishing, navigation, and camp setup.
Our shuttle will pick you up at your hotel or a designated parking lot. From there, we’ll transport you to the Chukar Trailhead, where you’ll embark on a 1-mile hike down to the river to kick off your adventure.
Yes, the trip requires a 1-mile hike down the Chucker Trail to reach the Gunnison Gorge. This hike is moderately steep, so proper footwear and physical fitness are recommended.
The Gunnison Gorge is home to Rainbow and Brown trout, with opportunities to catch trophy-sized fish thanks to the river’s Gold Medal designation.
We recommend bringing:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- A hat and layered clothing to accommodate changing weather conditions
- Sturdy hiking shoes for the 1-mile descent into the gorge
- We provide a complimentary water bottle for your trip to keep you hydrated throughout the adventure.
- Personal toiletries and any medications
We’ll provide a detailed packing list upon booking.
Yes, you’re welcome to bring alcohol, provided it is stored in unbreakable containers. We recommend responsible consumption to ensure safety during the trip.
The Gunnison Gorge 3-Day Float is best suited for anglers with some fly-fishing experience due to the technical fishing opportunities and the physical requirements of the trip.
All meals are prepared by your guides and include hearty, delicious selections to keep you energized. Let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or preferences.
We recommend bringing your own rod and reel for the trip. Waders are not needed. We’ll provide you with a dry bag to carry your personal gear down to the river. If you’d prefer for us to transport your gear, it must be ready 24 hours before the trip so we can bring it down for you.
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. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to adjust your booking.
The Gunnison Gorge is a remote, pristine wilderness offering unmatched solitude, breathtaking scenery, and world-class fishing. Its Gold Medal waters boast some of the highest trout densities in the state, making it a bucket-list destination for anglers.
Ready to Go?
Reserve Your Spot Today!
This trip is extremely popular and availability is very limited—don’t wait to secure your adventure. Reserve your spot in our rafts now by clicking the button below.