Colorado Rafting Information

Whitewater enthusiasts have been coming to float our local rivers and streams for years whether it was in kayaks, canoes or rafts. One of the largest tributaries to the Colorado River, the Gunnison River, is made up of a network of steep creeks and streams. From Class I-VI, there is something for everyone. Mostly, folks come rafting on the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers for a half day thrill on Class II & III. Outfitters offer longer trips including lunch and can accommodate large groups, as well as kayaking trips.
Gunnison's new white water park is a big deal these days, but our claim to fame has been some of the steepest and fastest rivers in the West.

Taylor River

• Current Water Flow on the Taylor River

The Taylor is an awesome whitewater river. The steep little stream offers a variety of long, fun rapids to shoot. Due to its relatively steep character and shallow waters only advanced rafters, kayakers and canoeists (whitewater boats equipped with flotation ONLY) should attempt the drops.
A number of well marked put-ins and take-outs have been created where the rapids are clearly marked with interpretive signs.
Start your raft, kayak or canoe trip at the South Bank put-in located just up stream of Harmel's Ranch Resort and Scenic River Tours Boat house on County Road 742.

Taylor River Fishing Details

The Taylor river has three distinct sections and offers the largest variety of water in the drainage. The upper Taylor (above Taylor Reservoir) is a classic high alpine stream that meanders under majestic views of the Collegiate Peaks. The water is a small to medium size stream with ox bows, long riffles, runs and some nice pocket water. There is a large number of streams that feed the upper stretch and offer wonderful fishing opportunities.

The section from Almont to below the dam is refereed to as the lower Taylor. This section offers approximately 12 miles of public water with easy access off County Rd. 742. The character of this section is technical fast pocket water with sporadic riffles and runs. This makes for difficult wading at levels above 250 c.f.s. and sees a lot of whitewater rafting traffic from June through August (the rafts do not effect fishing).

The most notable part of the Taylor is the .4 mile of water below Taylor Reservoir. This section is host to some of the largest stream born trout in the lower 48 states. Their large size is attributed to the tail-water from the dam providing a constant food source year round, the bulk of which is the protein rich Mysis Shrimp. Catch and release regulations are in effect on this portion of the river and it is fishable year round. Due to the enormous size of the fish (many over 10 lbs) this section also receives allot of pressure so be prepared for crowds. The fish are wise and weary and conditions can be cold and windy, this can make for some difficult fishing but very rewarding.

Fishing Reports

To sign up for an informational Email of fly fishing conditions on the Gunnison River, East River, Taylor River and the Taylor River Catch and Release area please click here.

• Current Water Flow on the Gunnison River
• Gunnison River Fishing

The Gunnison River is truly one of the Rocky Mountains classic trout streams. This is Colorado's second largest drainage and the states wettest valley. The river starts in Almont at the confluence of the East and Taylor rivers and flows 25 miles downstream into the states largest body of water, Blue Mesa reservoir.
The Gunnison River is host to the country's largest Kokanee salmon run and the largest concentration of trout in the state.

The Gunnison is a medium to large size river characterized by riffle run water with portions of pocket water. Most of the river flows through private land and is best accessed by boat. Float fishing is available from March-November depending on flows and is in its prime from June-September.
Whitewater rafting trips are also available on the Gunnison River.

A newly constructed Whitewater Parkis located just west of down town Gunnison. The park is a popular put-in and take-out for many fishing and white water runs on the Gunnison River.

The Majority of the Gunnison is suitable for beginner kayakers, canoes and even inner-tubes. Please respect private property and stay in the river, floating, unless you know you are on public land!