Gunnison River Expeditions

Fishing the Gunnison River

Fly fishing in the Gunnison River is world-renowned among fly fishing enthusiasts. Known for large wild rainbows and brown trout, the resource stands above most fisheries in the United States.

The Fishery

• Gold medal trout water
• Large wild rainbows
• Large wild brown trout
• Class III-IV white water through Gunnison Gorge
• Wade and float fishing opportunities

The Salmonfly Hatch
One of the most unique aspects of fishing the Gunnison River is its prolific salmonfly hatch. Each year around the beginning to middle of June, massive bugs hatch in droves, bringing every single fish in the river to the surface. This hatch is truly a sight to behold and provides anglers with the best opportunity of the year to catch large trout on dry flies.

Target Species

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Large wild fish.

• Fishery: Gold medal water
• Method: Wade and float fishing

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
Large wild fish.

• Fishery: Gold medal water
• Method: Wade and float fishing

Trip Options:

1-Day Float Trip

• Full day guided float fishing
• Wade and float opportunities
• 6:00am meet at Gunnison River Pleasure Park
• 3:00-4:00pm takeout at Gunnison River Pleasure Park
• $1,400 per boat (2 people per boat)

2-Day Float Trip

• Two full days guided float fishing
• Riverside camping (first night)
• Wade and float opportunities
• Camp set up by guides
• Food prepared by guides
• 6:00am meet Day 1
• 3:00-4:00pm takeout Day 2
• $3,400 per boat (2 people per boat)

3-Day Float Trip

• Three full days guided float fishing
• Two nights riverside camping
• Wade and float opportunities
• Camp set up by guides
• Food prepared by guides
• 6:00am meet Day 1
• 3:00-4:00pm takeout Day 3
• $4,200 per boat (2 people per boat)

Gunnison River Expeditions

Lodging varies by trip type.

Multi-Day Float Trips (2-Day and 3-Day)
Camp on the banks of the Gunnison River:

• Tents provided
• Camp set up by guides
• Skies devoid of light pollution
• Delicious food prepared by guides
• Riverside camping locations

Single-Day Float Trips
Lodging options in Hotchkiss, Colorado (arrangements can be made):

• The North Rim Fishing and Hunting Lodge
• Hotchkiss Inn

Included Equipment:

• Rafting and safety equipment
• Life jackets
• Food (multi-day trips)
• Kitchen gear (multi-day trips)
• Tents (multi-day trips)

Travel to Gunnison River Expeditions

Meeting Location (Standard)
Gunnison River Pleasure Park

• 6:00am meeting time
• Takeout location: Same (Gunnison River Pleasure Park)
• End time: 3:00-4:00pm final day

Meeting Location (From Delta, CO)
If lodging in Delta, Colorado:

• Arrangements can be made for pickup from hotel
• Shuttle driver will drive your vehicle back to Gunnison River Pleasure Park
• Please inform in advance of travel plans

Meeting Location (From Telluride Area)
If coming from Telluride area:

• Meet in Olathe, CO at 7:00am
• Shuttle driver will drive your vehicle back to Gunnison River Pleasure Park
• Additional cost applies
• Please inform in advance of travel plans

Important: Let Gunnison River Expeditions know your travel plans in advance to coordinate meeting time and place.

Sample Itineraries

1-DAY FLOAT TRIP

• 6:00am meet at Gunnison River Pleasure Park
• Gear up with rafting and safety equipment
• Launch into Gunnison Gorge
• Float and fish through Class III-IV white water
• Wade fishing opportunities
• Target large wild rainbows and brown trout
• Lunch on the river
• Continue float fishing through afternoon
• 3:00-4:00pm takeout at Gunnison River Pleasure Par

• 2-DAY FLOAT TRIP

Day 1:

• 6:00am meet at Gunnison River Pleasure Park
• Gear up and launch into Gunnison Gorge
• Float and fish through morning
• Wade fishing opportunities
• Lunch on the river
• Continue float fishing through afternoon
• Arrive at riverside camp location
• Guides set up camp
• Dinner prepared by guides
• First night camping on the banks of the Gunnison River

Day 2:

• Breakfast prepared by guides
• Break camp
• Continue float fishing through Gunnison Gorge
• Wade fishing opportunities
• Lunch on the river
• Afternoon float fishing
• 3:00-4:00pm takeout at Gunnison River Pleasure Park

3-DAY FLOAT TRIP

Day 1:

• 6:00am meet at Gunnison River Pleasure Park
• Gear up and launch
• Float and fish through Gunnison Gorge
• Wade fishing opportunities
• Lunch on the river
• Continue float fishing
• Arrive at riverside camp location
• Guides set up camp
• Dinner prepared by guides
• First night camping under dark skies

Day 2:

• Breakfast prepared by guides
• Full day float fishing through the gorge
• Wade fishing opportunities
• Lunch on the river
• Continue fishing through afternoon
• Arrive at second camp location
• Guides set up camp
• Dinner prepared by guides
• Second night riverside camping

Day 3:

• Breakfast prepared by guides
• Break camp
• Final day float fishing
• Wade fishing opportunities
• Lunch on the river
• Afternoon fishing
• 3:00-4:00pm takeout at Gunnison River Pleasure Park

Package Rates

2024 Rates (per boat, 2 people per boat):

1-Day Float Trip:

• $1,400 per boat

2-Day Float Trip:

• $3,400 per boat

3-Day Float Trip:

• $4,200 per boat

Contact Front Range Anglers for current availability and dates

What's Included:

• Professional guide per boat (2 anglers)
• Rafting and safety equipment
• Life jackets
• Multi-day trips: Food, kitchen gear, tents

Not Included:

• BLM fees
• Rental equipment (camping gear, fishing gear, etc.)
• Personal items
• Colorado fishing licenses
• Flies and terminal tackle
• Lodging (single-day trips)
• Taxes
• Gratuities for guides
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance (recommended)

Reservation Policy

• At booking: 50% deposit due and payable
• 90 days before trip: Remainder plus taxes due

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation 90+ days out: Full refund less $100 fee (if replacement found)
• Cancellation within 90 days: No refund unless qualified replacement provided
• No refunds for weather, acts of God, or travel issues

Travel Insurance
Front Range Anglers recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue) and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

For insurance questions contact:Jessica Minard | 617.210.8106 | jminard@globalrescue.com

Connect with Our Colorado River Experts

Ready to float and fish the Gunnison River through the spectacular Gunnison Gorge? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions about trip options, the salmonfly hatch, travel logistics, and what to expect on this gold medal fishery.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager
Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide and Sage Elite Pro with extensive Colorado river experience. He can provide detailed insights on Gunnison River tactics, salmonfly hatch timing, and trip preparation.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator
John handles trip logistics and coordination, ensuring every detail of your Gunnison River adventure is handled seamlessly from booking through meeting arrangements to departure.

What We Can Help With:

• Trip selection (1-day vs. 2-day vs. 3-day)
• Salmonfly hatch timing and strategies
• Fly selection for Gunnison River trout
• Tackle recommendations for large wild trout
• Travel logistics and meeting locations
• What to expect on Class III-IV white water
• Multi-day camping vs. single-day options
• Pre-trip preparation and packing consultation

Contact Us:
Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see Colorado river gear and talk with our team about your Gunnison River Expeditions adventure.

What to Bring to Gunnison River

Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels:

• 5-6 weight rod for dry flies and nymphs
• Floating line
• Spare spool with sink-tip line
• Large arbor reel

Leaders & Tippet:

• 9-foot leaders (4X-6X)
• Fluorocarbon tippet spools

Flies:

• Salmonfly patterns (if fishing June)
• Large dry flies (Stimulators, Chubby Chernobyls)
• Attractor dry flies (Royal Wulff, Parachute Adams)
• Nymphs (Stonefly nymphs, Prince, Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear)
• Streamers (Woolly Buggers, Sculpins)

Note: Fishing gear rental available, but bring your preferences

Clothing for River & Rafting

On-Water Clothing:

• Quick-dry long-sleeve shirt
• Quick-dry pants or shorts
• Fleece or insulating layer
• Rain jacket (waterproof, breathable)
• Sun hat or cap
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Wading boots or water shoes

Sun Protection:

• Polarized sunglasses (essential)
• Sunglasses retainer
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip balm with SPF

Multi-Day Camping Gear

Note: Tents, kitchen gear, and food provided

Personal Camping Items:

• Sleeping bag (appropriate for season)
• Sleeping pad
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Toiletries
• Towel
• Personal medications
• Change of clothes for camp

Waterproof Protection:

• Dry bag for personal items
• Waterproof phone case

Personal Items

Documents:

• Colorado fishing license (required)
• Photo ID
• Cash for BLM fees, gratuities, incidentals

Medications & First Aid:

• Personal medications
• Basic first aid items