Welcome to the Black Canyon
A float trip through the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, located within the spectacular Black Canyon, is among the most iconic fly fishing float trips in the lower 48. While the fishing is undeniably world class, the canyon itself offers unparalleled seclusion, amazing wildlife and geologic wonders. This section of the Gunnison River boasts a brown and rainbow trout population that exceeds 10,000 fish per mile. Whether targeting large fish during the famously prolific Salmonfly hatch in June, throwing hoppers and caddis in the heat of the summer, or nymphing dynamic riffles for oxygen hungry rainbows, the Gorge offers tremendous angling opportunities all season long. For those who choose a 2 or 3-day float, you will enjoy a comfortable camping experience that includes late evening fishing, handcrafted riverside meals and a chance to relax under the stars.
Fishing Description
The Gunnison Gorge is a bug rich and trout dense fishery. This is an all tactic, all style river which allows the angler to hone their existing skill set or try something completely new. The early season (May -early June) fishing can be the best of the year with blue wing olive dry fly fishing, nymphing with stone flies or pulling streamers off the sheer walls and grass lined cut banks. As June progresses, the giant salmonflies will make their appearance and the largest fish head to the walls and banks to feast on these clumsy flyers, consuming bugs past the point of distended stomachs. As the Pteronarcys hatch recedes, they will be replaced with golden stones, PMDs, yellow sallies, caddis and hoppers.
The midsummer months will generally see a bit of a slowdown in the dry fly fishing arena (other than hoppers and evening hatches) but this is the time to rig up a nymph rod and ply the fast and shallow riffles that are ubiquitous along this 14-mile stretch. Streamer fishing can be extremely effective throughout the season and these trout are not afraid of eating large, colorful, articulated offerings. The fall fishing can be extraordinary, with the re-emergence of BWOs and aggressive streamer-eating browns.
Travel and Pre-Trip Accommodations
All clients are encouraged to take advantage of staying at Black Canyon Angler’s home base, Gunnison River Farms, the night prior to your launch date. The cozy 2 and 4 bed cabins are situated within a working orchard and a short walk from the river. This is the location where all trips begin and end. Guests staying at the farm will enjoy a fantastic dinner and breakfast, access to 3 miles of wadeable private water and a stocked pond in front of the cabins. Dinner will be served at 6:30 the evening before launch date and a continental breakfast will be available at 6:00 am on the day of the trip. Cost for lodging: $250 pp/night
Gunnison River Farms is located approximately 10 miles east from Delta, Colorado, off CO Highway 92. It’s a 2-hour drive from Telluride and 40 minutes from the Montrose airport. If flying in for the trip, use MTJ and arrange a shuttle to Gunnison River Farms with Telluride Express or another ground transportation company.
Quick Facts
Species: Rainbow and Brown Trout
Seasonality: May 1-early October
Price: 3-day float $4,400/raft (2 anglers)
Recommended Core Equipment
Fast action 5 & 6-weight fly rods
Booking: (970) 728-3895
Black Canyon Booking Details
Rates: $4,500/boat (2 anglers, 3-day float)
$3,500/boat (2 anglers, 2-day float)
What is included?
2:1 guest to guide ratio
Core camping equipment
All meals (on river)
BLM user fees
What is not included?
Sleeping bag and pad (rentals available)
Alcoholic beverages
Flies and Terminal tackle
Transportation to and from Gunnison River Farms
Gratuity
Fishing License
Terms and conditions
The following terms and conditions apply to all offers or trips booked and organized by Telluride Angler. Please read these terms and conditions carefully. Booking a trip, making a deposit, or making a final payment shall be considered acknowledgment that the customer has read and accepted all the terms and conditions contained herein.
Travel Insurance and Global Rescue
Travel insurance and global evacuation service are both highly recommended for destination trips in remote places. Learn more and shop for your policies.