2019 Montrose, Colorado Visitor Guide - 46

Uncompahgre River - Riverbottom Park

Chipeta Lake

GOLD LIKE NO OTHER

Buckhorn Lakes Park

GOLD MEDAL WATERS A LURE FOR ANGLERS

M

ontrose sits in the hotbed of
some of the best fly-fishing in
the American West. Western
Colorado's great fisheries result
from a combination of boundless access,
healthy and plentiful fish species, great
climate, and undisturbed ecosystems that
create annual insect hatches that are aweinspiring to witness.

From beautiful vantage points that
overlook many of these areas, you can
develop a strategy and fish it. There are
so many different areas to fish, a "newbie"
could discover their new passion for the
river within hours. That's what it's all about:
being on the river... The solitude of the
water flowing over the million-year-old
bedrock, watching wildlife sip the cool
Colorado runoff, and the high-altitude
sunlight illuminating unlimited pictures
blend to create angling experiences that
you will remember for years to come.
The Gunnison River runs east of Montrose
through the Black Canyon National Park.
A basecamp in Montrose affords many
opportunities to fish the Gold Medal, Wild
Trout Water of this world-renowned river.

BLACK CANYON NATIONAL PARK
The summer months provide the easiest
access to this grand waterway. Head into
the Black Canyon National Park and follow
East Portal Road down to the river. There are
several parking spots along the three miles
of accessible stream bank. Anglers have
found success using an Indicator Nymph rig
drifted in the deepest parts of the river. San
Juan Worm and Copper John patterns have
more success in the spring, with Stoneflies
being the main attraction during summer.
On a cloudy day, Baetis come off and
produce some of the best fishing. Increases
in streamflow often trigger the best fishing.
To check stream flows in the canyon visit:
WaterData.usgs.gov.
GUNNISON GORGE
An adventurous trout chaser can hike
into remote areas of this pristine ecosystem
- located northeast of Montrose - via
several trails. Utilize Peach Valley Road to
access four roads including Chukar Road,
Duncan Road, Bobcat Road, and Ute Road,
leading to trailheads of the Gunnison
Gorge. A high-clearance vehicle is
recommended to reach the remote Peach

Valley area from Montrose. This federally
managed area will appeal to anglers who
like to hike and climb and prefer being well
off the beaten path. The least physically
demanding is Chukar Trail-a hike of just
one mile from parking lot to the river.
Duncan and Bobcat trails are for those
who do not mind a bit of scrambling. At
four miles in length (one-way), Ute Trail
offers spectacular, expansive views of the
Gorge, and access to the greatest length
of fishable shoreline in the wilderness. This
non-technical trail is great for physically fit
hikers and their canine companions. Carry
plenty of water.
Fees are charged for use of the
wilderness. Each trailhead has a selfpay, self-issue permit station (cash or
check only). For more information, visit
BLM.gov/Visit/Gunnison-Gorge-NCA.

VISITMONTROSE.COM/FISHING

@hwood410

Black Canyon National Park
46

/VISIT MONTROSE

San Miguel Valley

Clear Lake

Miramonte Reservoir
#MONTROSECO
http://WaterData.usgs.gov http://www.BLM.gov/Visit/Gunnison-Gorge-NCA http://www.VISITMONTROSE.COM/FISHING
2019 Montrose, Colorado Visitor Guide

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2019 Montrose, Colorado Visitor Guide
