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Discover the Lower Gunnison River on a private 2-day overnight float with Ed's Fly Shop. Enjoy scenic rapids, wildlife sightings, and riverside camping in Colorado's striking Montrose region.
Discover the Lower Gunnison River on a private 2-day overnight float with Ed's Fly Shop. Enjoy scenic rapids, wildlife sightings, and riverside camping in Colorado's striking Montrose region.
Book with Ed's Fly Shop
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ed's Fly Shop · Montrose, Colorado
Experience the beauty and thrill of the Lower Gunnison River with this unforgettable 2-day overnight trip offered by Ed's Fly Shop in Montrose, Colorado. This private adventure invites paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore one of the West's most scenic river corridors. Over two days, you'll navigate moderate rapids, float through quiet stretches, and camp riverside under a vast starry sky. The trip is perfect for those seeking a balance of excitement and relaxation away from the crowds. Along the river, you’ll encounter stunning canyon walls, diverse wildlife, and peaceful water perfect for fly fishing or swimming breaks. Experienced guides provide all necessary gear and local expertise, ensuring safety and enhancing the adventure with fascinating insights into the area's geology and ecology. Whether you’re paddling for thrill or tranquility, this journey offers a rare chance to connect deeply with Colorado’s wild landscape while enjoying high-quality service tailored to your group’s pace and preferences.
moderate.
2 days, approximately 8–10 hours of paddling total.
Participants should have moderate fitness with the ability to paddle for several hours and manage river terrain.
No prior experience is necessary, but participants should be comfortable in moderate moving water and able to paddle for extended periods.
Ed's Fly Shop provides all meals and snacks, focusing on hearty and energizing options suitable for outdoor activities.
Children over 12 years old who meet the fitness requirements can join, but younger kids are generally not recommended for safety reasons.
Camping is outdoors on established riverside campsites with tent setups; participants should bring personal sleeping gear.
Yes, the Lower Gunnison is known for good trout fishing spots along the route, so anglers are welcome to bring gear.
Bring motion sickness medication as a precaution and stay hydrated; your guide will help if any issues arise.
The Gunnison River valley was historically used by Native American tribes such as the Ute people and later became key for Colorado’s mining and ranching industries.
Efforts are ongoing to preserve water quality and riparian habitats through sustainable tourism practices and education on minimizing human impact.
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.
Book with Ed's Fly Shop