With hundreds of miles of scenic waterways and 3 million new fish released each year from the state’s Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, Gunnison County is an excellent choice for a fishing vacation. The Gunnison River, East River, Taylor River, Blue Mesa Lake and Taylor Reservoir are among the many exceptional habitats for kokanee salmon, northern pike, and brown, rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Mackinaw trout. The people who like to fish also are well fed with a plethora of fishing events and great package deals available for this summer and fall.Visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com for a list of outfitters and to sign up for an email newsletter about fly-fishing conditions.
Check out a full list of fishing events after the jump.
Kiwanis/Monarch Blue Mesa Lake Fishing Tournament, May 16 – 17
Kiwanis and Monarch Search & Rescue are combining their fishing tournaments into one this year on May 16 – 17. Teams of two will start at Elk Creek Marina and angle for trout (rainbow, brown, cutthroat and other). The entry fee is approximately $120 per team, with an extra cost to enter the Mackinaw trout competition. Historically, the prize has been in excess of $1,000 for first place.
In addition, the names of 10 lucky participants will be drawn on May 16 to be eligible for the grand prize drawing on May 17 sponsored by Canyon Marine. For information and a registration form visit www.GunnisonChamber.com or call Joanne Stone at (970) 641-2663 and Bruce Saunders at (970) 901-0110.
Ninth Annual Taylor Park Marina Fishing Derby, June 13
Cash prizes will be presented for longest northern pike, largest pike by weight, most pike caught, and largest trout caught in the Taylor Park Reservoir. Registration begins at 6 a.m., with eligible fishing times between 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. The entry fee is $25 per person. Registration for the kids’ division is free (non-cash prizes). Everyone receives a door prize. For information, contact Taylor Park Marina at (970) 641-2922 or (719) 395-6484 or visit www.taylorparkmarina.com.
Eighth Annual Caddis Cup Fly-Fishing Tournament, July 16 – 17
Catch the biggest flopper or tell the biggest whopper during the Crested Butte Land Trust Caddis Cup fly-fishing tournament. The event will start with a casting and knot-tying clinic followed by an opening barbecue at Cement Creek Ranch, where guides are matched with competitors to plot strategy. The next morning, each pair heads into the wilds for catch-and-release fly-fishing adventures in the valley’s most prized (and secret) fishing holes. At day’s end, everyone gathers for prizes, beer and tall fish tales, all on behalf of land conservation. The event entry fee is $600. For more information, contact the Crested Butte Land Trust at (970) 349-1206.
FLY-fishing & package Deals
High Alpine Backcountry Fishing Trip
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the West Elk Wilderness on horseback as you ride into “cow camp” and fly-fish high alpine streams. This five-day, four-night excursion from July 12 - 15 includes two nights at the Water Wheel Inn in Gunnison, two nights at camp with Tenderfoot Outfooters, all breakfasts, a cowboy dinner the night off arrival, three lunches and a fly rod if needed. Free time is built in to explore and fish other areas in Gunnison County. There are only 10 spots available at a cost of $674 per person, not including taxes. For all the details, visit www.waterwheelinnatgunnison.com or call (800) 642-1650.
Fly-Fishing School
Surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest and situated at the confluence of three of Colorado’s best fishing rivers, Three Rivers Resort in Almont is the perfect getaway for fishing. Willowfly Anglers, the resort’s Orvis-endorsed outfitting service, offers its fly-fishing school for anglers of all ability levels. Participants work one-on-one with instructor guides to learn casting techniques, essential knots, stream entomology, equipment selection, reading water and more. Choose one day or multiple days. A basic package starts at $395 per person (based on two people) and includes two nights’ lodging in a modern riverfront cabin, one full day of professional fly-fishing instruction and all fishing equipment (if needed). Custom packages may be requested. Visit www.3riversresort.com or call (888) 761-FISH.
Run with the Salmon
Come and experience the country’s largest land-locked kokanee salmon run from late August to late October. At Three Rivers Resort in Almont, just 3 miles from the final salmon destination at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, utilize Willowfly Anglers, to help land the fish. When purchasing any all-day guided fishing trip in September and October, receive a 20 percent discount on lodging accommodations of two nights or more. This offer applies to Sunday – Thursday night stays only, and Labor Day weekend is excluded. Call (888) 761-FISH or go to www.3riversresort.com.
Free Flies
Stop by the Gunnison Visitor Center at 500 E. Tomichi Ave. and pick up a coupon for two free flies from Gene Taylor’s Sporting Goods, located just down the street at 201 W. Tomichi Ave. While there, book a fishing guide for area lakes and rivers.
