The Gunnison River within the Black Canyon National Park and downstream in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area is nationally acclaimed as one of the best trout streams in the west.

Few rivers can boast of fish populations as great and such a high quantity of fish equal in average size.

           
Brown and rainbow trout are numerous. Brown trout of 8 to 12 inches are common, with some going to over 20 inches and weighing several pounds. Although less numerous, rainbows well over 20 inches are occasionally caught. Browns like to put up a dogged fight in heavy current while rainbows will leap and run hard.  But quality fishing comes at a price – the river is difficult to access for all but those in good physical shape. Contained within a deep canyon, the Gunnison River is primarily accessed by foot, hiking down trails with depths of 800 feet to over 2,000 feet.

           
Foot trails are steep and difficult. A hiking permit is required. Trails in the Black Canyon are accessed from the paved rim road within the park. Trails in the Gunnison Gorge are accessed via rough dirt roads northeast of Montrose. Hiking time can be up to two hours to hike down, and visitors should allow double the time to hike back up and out. Poison ivy and ticks are common in season.

Within both the Black Canyon and the Gunnison Gorge, the river is deep, fast, and usually unwadable. Anglers can expect to fish only from the banks and edges in all but the lowest of water flows. Fishing is by fly or lure only and limited kill regulations are in effect for both rainbow and brown trout.

Drive to access to the canyon floor is only via the East Portal Road within the national park. The paved, dead end road, open only during summer and fall, is very steep and winding. Picnic facilities are available and primitive tent camping for a fee. No trailers are allowed. River access by road and by foot is limited.

For the Black Canyon National Park , take U.S. Highway 50 east from Montrose six miles, turn left onto Colorado 347 and continue six miles to the park entrance. An entrance fee is required. Access to the Gunnison Gorge is northeast of Montrose near Olathe . Inquire locally for directions to the dirt roads 
 

Article by: Joel Evans, a Financial Advisor with EdwaredJones in Montrose
(970) 249-2381  www.edwardjones.com

Additional Fishing Day Trips:

Portal Fishing
 
Chipeta Lake State Wildlife Area 

Cimarron River/Silver Jack Reservoir

Uncompahgre River /Ridgway Reservoir