Float Fishing the Gunnison Gorge: Full-Day Guided Trip from Hotchkiss, CO

Float 14 miles of the Gunnison Gorge with Gunnison River Expeditions on a full‑day guided fly‑fishing trip that begins near Hotchkiss, Colorado. This Gold Medal trout fishery threads a tight canyon of some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth—Precambrian schist and gneiss—where steep walls, braided currents, and sudden riffles create trout‑rich runs and dramatic scenery. Your day starts at Pleasure Park at 6:00 AM. Guides will run a 4‑wheel drive to the Chukar Trailhead, where a moderate descent brings you to Chukar Beach. Equipment is either packed by horse the day before or set at beachside, and once you gear into rafts you’re set to float, cast, and pocket rising fish. The itinerary covers roughly 14 river miles of moving water and varied structure: long glides, pocket water, and technical rapids that keep the day interesting even if the fish are picky. Guides from Gunnison River Expeditions are skilled readers of water and will coach presentations, knotwork, and drift control to increase your catch rate. Along the way the canyon opens and tightens, and you can expect wildlife sightings: bighorn sheep streaking ledges, osprey and golden eagles scanning for trout, river otters hunting near eddies, and mule deer on high benches. The gorge’s Precambrian cliffs are part of an ancient geological story, exposed by millions of years of incision; anglers often pause not just for a take but to study a fold or a band of garnet‑rich schist. Bureau of Land Management rules tightly manage launches—Gunnison River Expeditions adheres to a 12‑person daily limit—so trips feel remote and low‑impact. Trips require advanced reservations and a deposit; Gunnison River Expeditions books early because BLM limits mean there are few spots per launch. One‑day fishing trips are excluded in June because overnight trips take priority during peak season, so plan ahead if you want a summer float. Minors nine and older can join; anyone 16 or older must have a Colorado fishing license—you are responsible for purchasing your Colorado fishing license before the trip at www.wildlife.state.co.us or by calling 1‑800‑244‑5613. The physical side of the day includes a moderate canyon hike at the start and standing or kneeling in a raft while casting, so balance and stamina matter. Guides supply river rafts, oars, dry storage, and on‑river instruction; bring waders, rod, polarized sunglasses, sun protection, and layered clothing. Whether you chase big wild rainbows in the seams, hunt tailing browns in pocket water, or simply float past ancient rock and watch a bighorn pick its route, this full‑day float is a concentrated piece of Colorado river experience. Launch from Pleasure Park, meet the crew, and let Gunnison River Expeditions guide you into one of the West’s most productive, tightly‑managed trout fisheries.