Take on the thrilling white water of Colorado’s Uncompahgre River with a 6-hour guided float fishing trip. Perfect for skilled anglers looking for excitement and challenge.
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Difficulty
expert
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in excellent physical condition with strong paddling and swimming ability to handle continuous white water demands.
Wildlife
History
The Uncompahgre River played a vital role for early settlers and Native American tribes as a resource-rich waterway.
Conservation
Local guides promote catch-and-release fishing to preserve trout populations and maintain river ecosystem health.
Ed's Fly Shop
Take on the thrilling white water of Colorado’s Uncompahgre River with a 6-hour guided float fishing trip. Perfect for skilled anglers looking for excitement and challenge.
Ed's Fly Shop in Montrose, Colorado operates guided fly fishing trips and instructional guide courses across western Colorado’s premier rivers.
The outfitter runs full-day walk‑wade and float trips on the Lower Gunnison River, guided full‑day float trips targeting Brown and Rainbow trout, and multi‑day guided float/backcountry adventures in the Gunnison Gorge that include gourmet meals and wilderness hikes.
Trips on the San Miguel River provide accessible eight‑hour walk‑wade outings beneath red canyon walls, suitable for families and anglers of all skill levels.
The Uncompahgre River float trip offers a fast‑paced six‑hour run through narrow water and challenging white‑water sections for confident, experienced anglers.
Ed's Fly Shop also operates an immersive Guide School on the Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers that teaches fishing tactics, river navigation, rowing, and client care; graduates can become hireable guides in Colorado or improve their own guiding and angling skills.
On select trips guides prepare lunches and drinks, while multi‑day Gunnison Gorge experiences feature professionally prepared gourmet meals.
The Lower Gunnison full‑day float follows a catch‑and‑release policy and focuses on conservation of Gold Medal trout fisheries. Guides emphasize safety, Leave No Trace ethics, and river stewardship.
As a Montrose‑based outfitter, Ed's Fly Shop focuses on local rivers, experienced guides, and a range of trip formats from family‑friendly walk‑wade days to rigorous float trips and multi‑day wilderness expeditions.
Reservations are based in Montrose, and trips depart from local river access points with gear recommendations provided by the outfitter to prepare anglers for Colorado river conditions. Seasonal scheduling available.
Base Location
Montrose, CO
Local outfitter serving western Colorado
Trip Durations
6 hr–3 day
Options from short to multi‑day
Tours Offered
7 unique tours
Float, walk‑wade, and Guide School
River Specialties
Gunnison & San Miguel
Gold Medal and gorge fisheries
Reserve guided walk‑wade days, float trips, or the Guide School — expert guides, local rivers, and conservation‑minded outings await.
Prepare for White Water Rapids
This trip includes sections with big waves and fast currents, so strong swimming skills and quick reflexes are essential.
Wear Layered Clothing
Weather can change quickly; bring moisture-wicking layers to stay comfortable on the river.
Bring Polarized Sunglasses
They reduce river glare for better spotting of fish and hazards beneath the surface.
Book in Advance
This specialized fishing trip fills up quickly during peak seasons due to limited spots and expert guide availability.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Ensures safety when navigating white water rapids during the float trip.
Wading Boots with Good Traction
Provides stability when boarding the float and while moving along riverbanks.
Waterproof Fly Box
Keeps flies dry and organized during the extended float adventure.
Hydration Pack
Maintains hydration during long hours under the sun on the river.
summer