Gunnison River, Colorado

The Gunnison River begins in Almont, Colorado where the East River and Taylor River join. From its point of origin, the Gunnison flows downstream for a total of twenty-five miles where it empties into the State of Colorado's largest body of water, Blue Mesa Reservoir. The Gunnison River is known as one of the best trout streams in the entire Rocky Mountain Region.

One of the most diverse waterways in the State of Colorado is the Gunnison River. Formed by the confluence of the East River and the Taylor River near Almont, Colorado, the Gunnison is a medium to large size river, which is great for fishing and floating.

With a length of twenty-five miles, the Gunnison has sections of smooth, clear, calm water and some sections, which flow faster with rapids. The Gunnison River is the home of the largest Kokanee salmon run in the United States and the largest concentration of trout in Colorado.

Because the majority of the river flows through private land, it is best accessed by boat. From mid March through November, float fishing is available as long as the flow is high enough. Whitewater rafting trips are also available on the Gunnison River.

A new whitewater park has been constructed just to the west of the town of Gunnison. This has become a popular place for anglers and whitewater rafters to put-in and take-out. This is a great river for beginner kayakers and canoes. Don't have a boat, then grab an inner tube and take a float!