Fishing,Boating and Rafting

Fishing

Gunnison County is a fisherman’s dream!  The Gunnison River and it’s tributaries offer very diverse trout fishing for beginners to avid fly fisherman.  You can cast dry flies to catch native cutthroats on a clear mountain stream or float the Gunnison River for rainbow trout, brown trout and kokanee salmon.  The Taylor River is a desired fishing spot where it’s common to sight -fish large trout, brooks and browns.  Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water attracts ice fisherman in the winter and summer boating and fishing in the summer.  It is said that the top eight fishing spots in the Gunnison Country are: Taylor River, Gunnison River, Italian Creek, Emerald Lake, Costco Lake, East River, Taylor Reservoir and Texas Creek…but there is always a chance that you will discover your own secret fishing hole in these Gold Medal trophy trout waters.

Boating

One of Gunnison’s newest recreational attractions is the  Gunnison Whitewater Park on the Gunnison River, built for  recreational canoeing, kayaking and rafting. Of course on Blue Mesa Reservoir  you can find anything from sail boats and pontoon boats to canoes and wind surfers.

Rafting

 According to Raft Colorado, the Taylor River is Gunnison County’s most popular river adventure.  The Taylor river is divided into three sections that can be enjoyed solo or combined for a full day of rafting fun.  The upper is the most popular with a consistent flow of class III rapids geared for the first timer or experienced rafters.  The Lower is more casual and a great relaxing float trip with mostly Class II and III waters.  The Lotis Creek is the advanced portion and recommended only for the experienced rafters.  Rafting the Gunnison River is a fun family adventure.  The most popular float is accessing the river at the North Bridge(across from Garlic Mike’s) down to McCabe’s Lane at the Whitewater park.  Once you  approach the Whitewater park you will have some fun rapids to navigate and is home to the Whitewater River festival in Gunnison.