If you’re planning a fly fishing trip to Gunnison, Colorado, you’ve likely asked the big question: Should I float or wade the Gunnison River? Both offer world-class trout water, but each delivers a different kind of experience. Wade fishing gives you time to slow down, stalk fish, and explore prime riffles on foot. Float fishing, on the other hand, lets you cover far more water, reach secluded pockets, and fish sections inaccessible by foot.
Choosing the best way to fish the Gunnison River depends on your goals, your skill level, and the time of year. Whether you’re swinging streamers through deep runs or delicately casting to rising fish, both methods shine in the right conditions. Below, we’ll break down the benefits of each and help you choose the best fit for your next Colorado fly fishing trip.
Float Fishing the Gunnison River: Coverage & Convenience
Float fishing the Gunnison River is all about water coverage. From a drift boat or raft, you can fish miles of prime water in a single day, drifting through deep pools, fast runs, and undercut banks where big fish like to hold. It’s the preferred choice for the early season when flows are higher and wading can be difficult. Floating also allows you to fish longer stretches, like from Almont to North Bridge or through the Gunnison Gorge, which are tough to access on foot.
Expect to fish nymph rigs, streamers, and dry-droppers from the boat, often with high-sticking or quick-fire casts into structure. You’ll want to stay sharp—fish often strike within seconds of the fly landing. Safety-wise, floating should always be done with an experienced oarsman, especially in swift water sections. Wearing a life jacket, watching flow levels, and knowing your route are essential. For many anglers, this is the most productive and scenic way to fish the Gunnison.
Wade Fishing Gunnison: Stealth, Precision, and Solitude
Wade fishing the Gunnison River offers an intimate and technical way to fish. You’ll slow down, focus on short drifts, and pick apart the water piece by piece. It’s ideal for mid-to-late summer and fall, when flows drop and trout feed closer to shore. Access points near Gunnison, CO—such as Neversink, Cooper’s Ranch, and the Tomichi Avenue Bridge—make for easy in-town outings with good parking and reliable structure.
Wading gives you the ability to match hatches precisely and get up close to rising fish. You’ll want lighter rods, longer leaders, and flies like PMDs, caddis, and midges depending on the season. A wading staff and studded boots are helpful on slippery rocks, and always check CFS levels before entering unfamiliar water. For those who love quiet mornings, stalking the edges, and sight-fishing in clear water—this is the style for you.
When to Float, When to Wade (And When to Hire a Guide)
Timing plays a huge role. During spring runoff, floating is often the only safe and effective way to fish, as high water makes wading tough. In summer and early fall, lower flows open up miles of productive walk-and-wade water. Winter fishing near Gunnison, Colorado, can be surprisingly good in tailwater sections, but requires deep knowledge of fish behavior and safe access—making a guide invaluable.
If you’re visiting from out of town or trying to decide which experience to choose, we recommend booking one of our Guided Trips. Our local experts at Gunnison Fly Fishing Outfitters can customize the day based on current conditions, your experience level, and the type of water you want to fish. Whether you’re looking to drift long miles or pick apart a riffle on foot, we’ll get you dialed in.