Gunnison River, Colorado
Black Canyon & Almont — Trophy tailwater in North America's most dramatic canyon
The Gunnison River below the Morrow Point and Blue Mesa reservoirs offers one of the most dramatic and technically challenging fly fishing experiences in North America. The Gold Medal section through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park requires a strenuous 2,000-foot descent on one of six designated routes — the canyon walls here are nearly vertical, rising over 2,700 feet above the river, and the descent alone takes 45–90 minutes each way. The reward is virtually unfished wild brown and rainbow trout in a geological wonder of the world.
The inner gorge of Black Canyon is accessible to only the most committed and physically prepared anglers — the combination of vertical route-finding, rugged terrain, and mandatory return climb makes this one of the most demanding wild trout fisheries in the American West. NPS rangers require anglers to sign in and out, carry minimum equipment, and demonstrate basic route-finding ability before descending. But the fish — which may have never seen a fly in their lives — average 16–22 inches in the canyon sections and provide a fishing experience of extraordinary quality and rarity.
For anglers who prefer accessible water with similar quality, the Almont section at the confluence of the Taylor and East Rivers is Colorado's most convenient Gunnison fishing. The Almont area — where the Gold Medal designation begins — is easily reached from Gunnison and provides excellent wade and float access to the river's large wild brown trout without the canyon's physical demands.
The combination of cold tailwater releases, abundant aquatic insects, and minimal pressure creates a fishery that produces fish of exceptional size throughout the Gold Medal section from Almont through the canyon.
Black Canyon — Designated Routes
Six NPS-designated routes descend into the inner gorge. Register at the park visitor center. Each route is strenuous — evaluate honestly before attempting. The fishing is extraordinary but the commitment is real.
Almont — Taylor-East River Confluence
Easy access at the Gold Medal section's beginning. Almont is a small community where CO-135 crosses the river. Multiple access points for wade and float fishing.
Gunnison Gorge — Below Black Canyon
Below the national park, the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area provides additional Gold Medal fishing. Raft or kayak access is most practical. BLM managed.
Brown Trout
The Gunnison's primary trophy species. Canyon section fish may average 18–24 inches due to minimal pressure. Wild fish in exceptional condition. Most active during fall pre-spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Present throughout the Gold Medal section. Wild fish averaging 14–18 inches. Active during summer PMD and Caddis hatches in the Almont area.
The Black Canyon descent is not a casual outing — train specifically for the 2,000-foot climb out and bring more water than you think you need.
Register with NPS rangers before descending into the inner gorge — they need to know you're in there and can advise on current conditions.
The Almont section provides Gold Medal quality without the canyon's physical demands — an excellent option for anglers who want excellent Gunnison fishing without the commitment.
Fall is the prime window for the canyon — lower flows, aggressive pre-spawn browns, and dramatically less competition from other anglers.
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