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.

No, you don’t need 8 people to reserve a trip. We recommend booking this trip with a buddy to enhance the experience. If you’d like to go solo, we’ll do our best to accommodate you by pairing you with another solo guest.

Please contact the shop before booking if you’re planning to go solo, so we can discuss the best options for your trip.

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
The trip wraps at the take-out around 3:00 PM on Day 3, so the trip ends after lunch. We recommend bringing your own snacks to have on hand between meals. Our guides handle all meal preparations, with thoughtful menus emphasizing fresh ingredients.

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 is $2,500 per angler. Trips are booked in pairs of two anglers per boat. If you are booking solo, give us a call. We keep a list of single anglers looking to share a boat and do our best to pair people up. Pricing includes all guide services, all meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3, all camping gear, leaders, tippet, flies, and terminal tackle. Anglers bring their own fly rod and reel. Gratuities are not included.

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 Chukar Trail to reach the Gunnison Gorge. The trail descends roughly 1,000 feet over the mile, so it is moderately steep. Sturdy hiking shoes and a basic level of 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.

Beginners are welcome on this trip. Our guides are excellent teachers, and we regularly have first-time fly anglers leave the river with multiple fish caught and a passion for the sport. The trip does involve a 1-mile hike down to the river and three days of camping in the wilderness, so a basic level of fitness and comfort with the outdoors is helpful. If you are not sure whether the trip is right for you, give us a call and we will talk it through.

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.