Fall fishing in Gunnison and Almont

Colorado Fall fly fishing in Gunnison and Almont guarantees adventure, beautiful scenery and prime water conditions. Catch the exciting kokanee salmon run on the Gunnison River, or seek the trout that thrive in the Gunnison Valley’s rivers year-round. The fall fishing season runs in tandem with the spectacular transition of aspen trees, so the riverside views are especially beautiful during this time of year. Plan a trip in September or October to align with prime fall fishing season and pleasant autumn weather.

What makes fall fishing in Gunnison and Almont unique?

Dam-controlled rivers

A dam controls the flow of the Taylor River, one of the Gunnison Valley’s hot spots for fly-fishing. Taylor Dam consistently releases cold water from the bottom of Taylor Reservoir, which flows from the Taylor River to the Gunnison River in spring, summer and fall.

This steady flow of cold water out of Taylor Dam produces several unique effects on the downstream ecosystem. The first is that fish thrive in colder water. The second is that the Taylor and Gunnison rivers seldom see river closures due to heat. These “hoot owl restrictions” are common on rivers in Montana and in other parts of Colorado, such as the Poudre and the South Platte near Denver.

The kokanee salmon run

The Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery releases kokanee salmon fry into the East River each spring. The salmon spend most of their lives deep in Blue Mesa Reservoir. 20,000 of them make the journey upstream every fall to spawn where they were born.

Kokanee salmon fishing season peaks in September and October. Anglers fight the feisty fish on the Gunnison River from Blue Mesa to its confluence with the East River near the hatchery.

Better wading access

As water levels drop on the Taylor and the Gunnison during fall, wade-fishing becomes possible in places where only boats can access earlier in the season.

When is the best time to visit for fall fishing in Gunnison and Almont?

Visit on weekdays

During fall, weekends tend to be the most popular time to fish the rivers in Gunnison and Almont. If possible, book your fall fishing trip on weekdays for more space on the river and often, cheaper lodging.

Fall weather

Expect clear, cool weather during September and October in the Gunnison Valley. Crisp mornings give way to warm afternoons. Rain rarely falls during this time of year. Mosquitoes disappear after the first frost, which usually occurs in early September. Bring several layers and plenty of sunscreen.

Fall foliage

It’s impossible to predict when the area’s famous aspen groves will peak in their fall colors, but visiting between mid-September and late October guarantees at least some golden foliage. Aspens grow thickly along the banks of the East River. The cottonwood trees that line the Gunnison River also put on a colorful show in fall, with leaves turning bright yellow in early to mid-October.

Why hire a fishing guide in the Gunnison Valley?

Hiring a fishing guide in Gunnison, Almont or Crested Butte can enhance a Gunnison Valley fishing trip in several ways.

Local knowledge and experience

In a county 1.5 times the size of Delaware, it helps to hire a guide to show you the best fishing spots. Guides work on the river nearly every day. They know what sections of river fish the best during certain times of year or during certain flows. They keep a pulse on what bugs are currently hatching and can provide flies to match the hatch. They can also predict how local weather patterns affect fish behavior. Guides know every turn of the river down to tiny details, like an individual fish that often hunkers down under a specific rock.

Gear

Guides and outfitters provide everything you need for a fall fishing trip:

• A fully outfitted fishing boat (if floating)
• Flies
• Tackle
• Rods
• Reels
• Waders and boots (if wading)

All you need to bring is a fishing license and polarized glasses. A guided fishing trip is ideal for visitors who fly here and don’t want to lug all their gear on a plane.

Outfitters also take care of running shuttle for float trips, so a car and trailer are waiting at the end of the trip.

Private land access

About half of the land along the banks of the Taylor, East and Gunnison Rivers is private. Many shops have agreements with private landowners to get access to places where no one else can go. Some shops even offer reservable slots to fish from private lands on the East River, Brush Creek, Cebolla Creek and Gunnison River.

Find guides

Browse a list of fishing outfitters on our fishing page.

Fishing in the Gunnison Valley

A wide variety of waterways and lakes

The draw of planning a fishing trip to the Gunnison Valley lies in the area’s diversity. Cast a line into tiny creeks in the canyons south of Gunnison, explore small streams near Pitkin, or pursue large trout in the tailwaters of Taylor Dam. Traverse a river via a raft, or wade into it on foot. Try your hand at fishing in bodies of water ranging from tiny, remote alpine lakes to popular hubs like Taylor Reservoir and Blue Mesa Reservoir.

An adventurous fishing destination

Gunnison and Crested Butte are tucked away in the Western Slope of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, hours away from any major city. The area’s remoteness contributes to the unspoiled landscapes and prime fish habitat found here. Adventurous anglers come to this place to experience world-class fishing in remote terrain surrounded by the rugged peaks.

Ice fishing

Looking for a winter fishing trip? Try ice fishing in Almont, Taylor Park and Gunnison. Hire a guide to transport anglers of all ages onto the thick ice of Blue Mesa Reservoir or Taylor Reservoir. Set up shop in a cozy tent and reel ‘em in! Learn more about winter fishing on our ice fishing page.