Spring fishing in Gunnison, Colorado

Spring fishing in Gunnison, Colorado offers a chance to fish the Gunnison Valley’s Gold-Medal rivers in relative solitude. Whether you’re planning to wade or float in a boat, fishing in March, April, May or June can be an excellent time for a trip. If you time your trip before the peak spring runoff, you’ll likely encounter hungry, active trout and few other anglers. The Gunnison Valley’s high elevation and cool spring temperatures cause the runoff to peak later than in low-lying or warm areas.

Thanks to Dirk Schumacher at Willowfly Anglers for lending is expertise to this article.

What makes spring fishing in Gunnison, Colorado unique

Spring thaw timing

The spring fishing season on the Taylor and Gunnison rivers usually begins in mid-March, when the ice melts. Exact timing of the spring thaw varies by year.

Wide variety of fishing spots

The Gunnison Valley offers some of the widest-ranging types of fishing areas in Colorado. Fish still water on Blue Mesa Reservoir and Taylor Reservoir. Explore small streams like Cebolla Creek, or even smaller creeks deep in the backcountry. Hike to high alpine lakes stocked with cutthroat trout. Whether you’re interested in floating or wading, there’s easy access to both here. To learn more general information about fishing here, check out our guide to fishing in the Gunnison Valley.

Dam-controlled flows on the Taylor River

The flow of the Taylor River is controlled by a dam. Steady, consistent cold-water flows out of the dam extend the fishing season on both the Taylor and Gunnison rivers for far longer than other rivers. Many rivers in other parts of Colorado peak sharply in spring and then diminish to a trickle.

Few “hoot-owl” restrictions

Afternoon and evening “hoot-owl” restrictions are rare in the Gunnison Valley due to cool summer weather. These restrictions have become common in warmer parts of Colorado like the Yampa and Arkansas River valleys.

Active fish

As the ice melts, the trout—rainbows and browns, mostly—look at the world with fresh eyes. They are not yet jaded by a long summer of being teased by anglers. Plus, they’re hungry.

Few other anglers on the river

You’ll have very little competition during spring, since this is the least-visited season in the Gunnison Valley. There’s a good chance you’ll have the river to yourself.

Remote, rugged landscape away from large cities

Fishing any time of year in the remote and wild Gunnison Valley guarantees stunning scenery. While fishing on the Taylor River, you’ll be surrounded by majestic granite walls and towering spruce trees. The Gunnison River—the base of the Gunnison Valley–is surrounded by mountains. Look to the riverbanks for a glimpse of bald eagles, ospreys, elk, bears and beavers.

Where to fish during spring in Gunnison

The best spring fishing can be found near Almont on the Taylor River and near Gunnison on the Gunnison River. Other popular fishing areas include the East River, Brush Creek and Cebolla Creek.

Weather for spring fishing

Spring weather in the mountains is variable, and so are river flows. Call a local fly shop before booking your trip to get their take on the forecast. Scheduling a trip before peak spring runoff will result in better fishing conditions. Learn more about typical spring weather in our guide to visiting the Gunnison Valley in spring.

Benefits of working with a fishing guide

Hiring a guide can elevate your experience spring fishing in Gunnison in several ways.

• Local knowledge: Guides know what’s hatching, what sections of river are currently fishing the best, how fish react to weather and where fish tend to be.
• Access to private land: About half of the land along the Taylor, East and Gunnison Rivers is private. Many local shops have agreements with private landowners to get access to places where no one else can go.
• Equipment: Guides and outfitters can provide rods, reels, waders, boots, flies and other fishing gear. If you’re flying to the Gunnison Valley, renting equipment through a guide service is probably easier than trying to haul your own gear along on a plane.
• Boats and shuttles: Outfitters provide rafts or dories, and the cost of the trip usually includes shuttle service.

When to schedule a trip

Planning a spring fishing trip to Gunnison on weekdays will virtually guarantee you have the river to yourself. Plus, weekends offer the largest selection of flights into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport. Fly in during the weekend, stay the week, and fly out the next weekend.

Lodging

A variety of lodging options are available in Gunnison and Almont, some just steps from the river. The tiny town of Almont offers cabin rentals with beautiful views of rocky Taylor Canyon. Alternatively, stay in a simple, affordable hotel in Gunnison, minutes from the Gunnison River and Blue Mesa Reservoir.

What to bring

Hiring a guide? All you need are polarized sunglasses, a Colorado fishing license and several warm clothing layers. The outfitter will provide the rest.

Going it alone? Bring all of the above, plus waders, boots, rod, reel, flies and tackle.

Other times of year

As you’ve read so far, spring fishing in Gunnison, Colorado is great, especially for anglers seeking solitude. But what about other seasons?

Fall fishing

The kokanee salmon run combines with cool water temperatures to make excellent fall fishing conditions in the Gunnison Valley. Learn more in our guide to fall fishing in Gunnison and Almont.

Ice fishing

Hire a guide for a unique wintertime angling experience on Blue Mesa Reservoir or Taylor Reservoir. Learn more in our guide to ice fishing in the Gunnison Valley.