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Executive Angler

Trip brief · Gunnison River (Black Canyon)

How to go fish the Gunnison River (Black Canyon)

The months we list for the Gunnison River (Black Canyon) are May, June, September, October. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.

September

Reading the gauge…

Flies to tie — September

  • Blue-winged Olive#18-22

    Parachute BWO

  • October Caddis#8-10

    Orange Stimulator

Access

  • East Portal Campground

    38.550, -107.710parking

  • Ute Trail

    38.540, -107.740parking

  • Chucker Trail

    38.560, -107.770parking

  • Duncan Trail

    38.620, -107.810parking

Regs — check current rules before you go

Black Canyon National Park section: national park entrance fee required; a wilderness permit is required for overnight camping along the river. Gunnison Gorge NCA: artificial flies and lures only in designated sections; catch-and-release strongly encouraged for all trout; follow Leave No Trace principles. Standard Colorado fishing license required. No motorized vehicles in the gorge.

Pack list

  • A current state fishing licence
  • Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
  • Net, nippers, forceps
  • Floatant and desiccant
  • Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
  • Water, sun cover, polarised glasses

Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.

Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Gunnison River (Black Canyon) page →