The stunning view from Trail 401, one of the best mountain bike trails in the world.

Experience Colorado’s best fishing in Gunnison and Crested Butte

Pristine waters, stunning scenery

Escape to the Gunnison Valley, where world-class fishing meets the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re casting dry flies on Gold Medal rivers, chasing trophy trout across Blue Mesa Reservoir or wandering down secluded backcountry streams, every stretch of water offers a new adventure for anglers who love to explore.

Take a convenient flight to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, and book lodging just steps away from some of the best fishing spots. Start planning your adventure below!

Book your trip

Lodging

Cozy cabins, historic bed-and-breakfasts, riverside hotels…take your pick! With more affordable lodging than similar mountain destinations, you won’t over-pay, but you might choose to over-stay!

Plug the desired dates of your trip into the tool below to find the perfect accommodations.

Flights

Spend less time traveling and more time on the trails when you fly to Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport (GUC). With expanded flight service, it’s now easier than ever to fly to the Gunnison Valley!

Visiting from Texas? Catch nonstop flights from Dallas or Houston.

Coming from anywhere else? Take the easy one-hour flight from Denver on United Airlines.

Gunnison Valley Fishing guide

Start planning your trip with our fishing guide. Learn where to go, what to bring and whether you’d like to hire a guide or explore on your own.

Other things to do

Fishing is just one way to find adventure in Gunnison and Crested Butte! Hike through waist-high wildflowers in summer and golden aspens in fall. Explore more than 1,100 miles of roads via gravel bike. or 800 miles of singletrack trial on a mountain bike. 

a woman hiking a trail in brush creek

Hiking

Fall Colorado mountain biking in an aspen grove in Crested Butte. A red peak towers in the background.

Mountain biking

Gravel biking past a hay farm in Gunnison, Colorado in summer

Gravel biking

Colorado’s coolest mountain towns

Kick back in one of the Gunnison Valley’s towns after you hang up your waders. Mosey through unique restaurants, cozy bars and one-of-a-kind shops in historic buildings. 

Groups and events

Looking for an event venue, conference room or lodging package for a fishing club or other large group? Click the button below to learn more about group travel to the Gunnison Valley.

Regional travel alerts

Our travel alerts page contains everything you need to know before you arrive:

  • road construction info
  • camping options
  • current campfire restrictions
  • weather

Click the button below to get started.

Keep the Gunnison Valley wild

BATHROOMS

Pit toilets are available in Taylor Canyon and on Blue Mesa Reservoir, but there are few backcountry bathroom facilities. “Go before you go,” and learn how to properly dispose of waste if you have to answer nature’s call outdoors.

BASIC FISHING ETIQUETTE

  • Respect private property and only access rivers and streams from legal public access points. Use a map app on your phone to avoid trespassing.
  • Give fellow anglers plenty of space, especially on smaller rivers and backcountry streams
  • Packing out all trash, fishing line, gear and human waste
  • Handle trout carefully with wet hands, and release fish quickly
  • Check local regulations and seasonal restrictions, including catch limits and river closures
  • Share the river with other users, including boaters. Say hello!

LEAVE NO TRACE

The seven principles of Leave No Trace guide us on how to behave in the outdoors. Abiding by these principles helps minimize human impacts on the land. To learn more about Leave No Trace principles specific to mountain biking, visit LNT.org.

CRESTED BUTTE CAMPING RULES

In most areas of the Gunnison Valley, camping is only allowed in designated sites (sites marked with a sign). Sites are limited and often fill up on weekends, especially during June, July and August. Plan several backup options in case your first campsite choice doesn’t work out. If possible, make reservations in advance. Check out our camping guide for more information.

A mountain biker in a Western Colorado University jersey jumps on a mountain bike on a trail through aspen trees.

Western Colorado University

Small classes, big opportunities

Western Colorado University in Gunnison offers over 100 areas of study, including a first-of-its-kind degree program in outdoor industry engineering. With world-class fishing, skiing and mountain biking right in Western’s backyard, students can seek adventure outdoors after homework is done.

Gunnison Valley economic development

Root your business in the mountains

The Gunnison Valley is a fast-growing hub of outdoor industry small businesses. ICELab staff works one-on-one with local companies and entrepreneurs to raise funds and grow revenues. Click the button below to learn more about what the ICELab does and the benefits of moving your business to Gunnison or Crested Butte.

A man talks to another man with their laptops in front of them at the bright, sunny ICELab coworking space.

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