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Float 14 miles through Precambrian canyon walls in a guided two-day angling trip near Hotchkiss, Colorado. Experience world-class rainbow and brown trout fishing, rigorous rapids, and BLM-managed solitude—book early to secure your spot.
Float 14 miles through Precambrian canyon walls in a guided two-day angling trip near Hotchkiss, Colorado. Experience world-class rainbow and brown trout fishing, rigorous rapids, and BLM-managed solitude—book early to secure your spot.
Book with Gunnison River Expeditions
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Operated by Gunnison River Expeditions · Hotchkiss, Colorado
On a two-day float through the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, fly anglers step into a corridor of Precambrian stone and cold, fast water. Located near Hotchkiss, Colorado, this trip launches from Pleasure Park and follows the Chukar Trail down to Chukar Beach before a 14-mile float that stitches together whitewater, pocket water, and calm pools rich with trout.
Gunnison River Expeditions runs this guided, two-day float-fishing trip for up to eight guests (ages 9+). Expert guides position anglers from rafts to access runs that hold large wild rainbow and brown trout; you’ll fish close to sheer canyon walls carved from some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth. The day begins with a 6:00 AM meet at Pleasure Park, a 4x4 ride to the trailhead, and a moderate descent; horses are used to pack boats and equipment the day before so camps arrive set and light on the trail.
The Gunnison Gorge is distinct because geology, fisheries, and tight federal management converge to create an unmatched angling environment. Precambrian outcrops, narrow chutes, and turbulent rapids break up long pools where powerful trout feed. Raptors circle thermals while bighorn sheep pick ledges and river otters hunt riffles; wild chukar call from talus slopes. Because BLM launch limits keep overall numbers low, overnight floats deliver focused fishing and stretches of river that feel deliberately remote.
Practical details matter: advance reservations and a deposit are required, and the operator notes a 12-person per-day cap under BLM regulation. One-day overnight exclusions happen in June when the salmonfly hatch drives demand. You must purchase a Colorado fishing license before the trip (required for ages 16+); Pleasure Park does not sell licenses. Optional additional gear boats can be booked for extra space or to free the lead guide from camp chores so anglers can fish more.
This trip suits anglers seeking technical nymphing, dry-fly opportunities, and class II–III whitewater between productive runs. Guides offer hands-on instruction for rigs, reading current, and river etiquette. Nights are simple: communal camp setup, technique talks, and early starts to reach prime runs. Operators emphasize Leave No Trace camping and careful fish handling to protect trout genetics and riparian vegetation; expect real coaching, real fish, and clear desert stars overhead. For questions or reservations, contact Gunnison River Expeditions at 970-872-3232 or book online.
moderate.
2 days.
Moderate cardiovascular fitness and comfort with a half-day hike and river travel; stamina for long casting sessions and handling rapids is helpful.
Yes. All anglers 16 and older must purchase a Colorado fishing license prior to the trip; Pleasure Park does not sell licenses.
Minimum age is 9 years old for this trip, per the operator's policy.
Meet at Pleasure Park at 6:00 AM for the 4x4 transfer to the Chukar Trail trailhead unless the operator provides different check-in instructions.
Trips run for up to eight guests per launch, while BLM regulations limit total launches to a 12-person per-day cap including guides.
They are optional—gear boats provide extra space and can free the lead guide from camp duties; in June gear boats may be priced at the fish/float boat rate.
No expert whitewater skill is required, but comfort in class II–III water and basic rafting awareness are recommended.
The gorge exposes ancient Precambrian rock and has been managed by the Bureau of Land Management to balance angling access with conservation.
Operators emphasize Leave No Trace camping and careful fish handling; BLM launch limits help protect riparian zones and trout populations.
Up to 8 People • Ages 9+
Book with Gunnison River Expeditions