Decisions, Decisions
Crested Butte fishermen will have many options. This means there might be a little stress involved, especially when you see all the waters and can't pick just one. Take a week and fish them all and forget about any pressure.
Where To Start
There are so many options you have to ask yourself...how do I fish?
- Like to troll from a boat? Then hit Blue Mesa.
- Like to drift fish? Target the Gunnison.
- Do you prefer smaller water to get away from other anglers? Hit the East River or Tomichi Creek.
- Finally, like to hike the backcountry? Take a hike to Henry Lake.
Species To Target
Lake trout and kokanee are on the menu at Blue Mesa. Rainbows, browns, kokanee and the occasional cutthroat can be caught on all other waters around Crested Butte. Target rainbows and browns along the famous Gunnison or trophy-producing Taylor River or ply the less fished waters of the Slate and East rivers.
Seasons In Crested Butte
This Colorado location is known for cold winters and great skiing. However, the Taylor River is known for surrendering huge trout to 10-plus-pounds every winter as the flows from the Taylor Reservoir dam keep it clear. Other spots like the East, Slate and the Gunnison are prone to spring runoff making for tough fishing in the months of April through late June.
The Taylor River and Blue Mesa Reservoir are year-round fisheries. Blue Mesa is a popular ice fishing spot. All the others fish well late spring until ice presents problems.
Plan Ahead
If you only have a week to plan a trip, call ahead to fly shops and guides and plan a trip in the spring with the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is seeing its annual stonefly hatch. Otherwise a July date would be best.
