HOTCHKISS FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Float 14 Miles Through the Gunnison Gorge: Wild Trout, Precambrian Walls, and a Day of Pure Rivercraft
A full-day guided float that places you on 14 miles of Gunnison Gorge water for fly fishing amid dramatic rock and abundant wildlife — this guide lays out logistics, expectations, and what to bring.
Float 14 Miles Through the Gunnison Gorge: Wild Trout, Precambrian Walls, and a Day of Pure Rivercraft.
Gunnison River Expeditions runs a full-day float fishing trip through the Gunnison Gorge that threads anglers past ancient Precambrian cliffs, through whitewater sections, and onto some of the most productive trout water in the United States; expect a day spent pursuing large wild rainbow and brown trout in a remote, wildlife-rich canyon.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
World-class wild trout
The Gunnison Gorge is renowned for large wild rainbow and brown trout; the trip focuses on float fishing prime water where consistent catches are the expectation for dedicated anglers.
Ancient rock and canyon wildlife
The river carves beneath some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth—dramatic Precambrian formations—and the canyon supports abundant Colorado wildlife, including bighorn sheep, river otters, mule deer, eagles and wild chukar.
A 14-mile guided float with whitewater
After a downhill approach into the canyon you’ll board a raft for a 14-mile float that combines productive fishing water with sections of exciting whitewater and broad canyon views.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day begins before dawn at Pleasure Park and moves quickly into canyon mode: a 4WD ride to the trailhead, a moderate hike down to Chukar Beach, and then into the raft for a continuous float through spectacular rock walls and productive trout water — a focused blend of river travel, guided fly-fishing instruction, and close encounters with canyon wildlife.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who thrives on this trip—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring suitable fishing gear, sun protection, layered clothing for canyon conditions, and personal items; note that river equipment is packed into the canyon (horses are used the day before).
Anyone 16 or older must purchase a Colorado fishing license before the trip; Pleasure Park does not sell licenses — purchase online at www.wildlife.state.co.us or by phone at 1-800-244-5613.
Advanced reservations and a deposit are required to confirm trips; guides manage river equipment and logistics, including packing gear into the canyon ahead of time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When and where do we meet?
Meet at Pleasure Park at 6:00 AM; the group then takes a 4-wheel drive trip to the Chukar Trail trailhead for the canyon approach.
How long is the trip?
The full-day guided float is an 8-hour outing.
Do I need a Colorado fishing license?
Yes — anyone 16 or older must have a Colorado fishing license before the trip; Pleasure Park does not sell licenses. Purchase online at www.wildlife.state.co.us or by phone at 1-800-244-5613.
Are reservations required?
Yes. Advanced reservations and a deposit are required to confirm all fishing trips in the Gunnison Gorge.
Is there a maximum party size?
Per BLM regulations, there is a maximum of 12 people per day on a single launch date (this limit includes clients and guides); the river is one of the most regulated regarding party size.
Are one-day trips available in June?
One-day fishing trips are excluded in June due to the popularity of overnight trips.