The Upper Gunnison River

 

 

The Gunnison River is formed by the confluence of the East River and the Taylor River in Almont Colorado. The Gunnison River then makes its way through Gunnison Colorado and flows downstream 25 miles into the states largest body of water, Blue Mesa Reservoir.  During the spring run off,  the water flow runs high in the 1000+ cfs category, making the river hard to wade but a great river to fish from a driftboat or raft.   The Gunnison River is truly one of the Rocky Mountains classic trout streams.  This is Colorado's second largest drainage and the states wettest valley.    The Gunnison is host to the country's largest Kokanee salmon run and the largest concentration of trout in the state.

Most of the Gunnison River is on private land that is best accessed by boat.  Float fishing is available  from March to November depending on the flow.

Part of the Gunnison River has been designated a Gold medal Trout Stream by the Colorado Wildlife Commission and can be accessed by boat for a exhilarating Colorado fly fishing experience. Also part of the Gunnison River has been set aside as a  Wild Trout Water.