Fly fishing in the Gunnison and Crested Butte area of Colorado should be on every angler’s bucket list. In between Gunnison and Crested Butte is the quiet fly-fishing town of Almont, Colorado. Boasting a huge variety of angling opportunities, Almont is sure to be the perfect base camp for fly fishing beginners and seasoned anglers alike.
For first timers, a sampling of the many fishing opportunities here can be a smart approach to planning your fly fishing vacation. Willowfly Anglers fly shop at Three Rivers Resort is a great first-stop to get the latest information on where to go and what to throw. For the Tailwater Junkie there is the “Catch and Release” section of the Taylor River. This small stretch gives anglers the opportunity to land trophy sized Rainbow and Brown Trout. Not for the faint of heart, it can be tough to get these monsters to eat a fly, but a beautiful drive through Taylor Canyon is a strong incentive to give it a shot.
Float Fishing
If you’re more the float-fishing type, the upper Gunnison River from Almont to Blue Mesa Reservoir is broken down into several floatable sections. They all offer an impressive fish-per-mile ratio and classic western scenery. Floating gives the angler the chance to fish through miles of private water which, typically, cannot be accessed by foot.
Small Streams
Of course no trout adventure would be complete without some small stream fly fishing. The Almont high country offers literally dozens of small streams within an hour drive of your cabin door. The beauty is unrivaled on these streams, and the fish can be eager to take dry flies any time of the season. This presents a great option for kids and beginners. Additionally, the main fishing season ends with a bang every year with the fall run of Kokanee Salmon up the Upper Gunnison River. These hard-fighting cousins to Sockeye Salmon are a blast on fly and are a fun way to round out your “Almont Slam”.
Check out the Almont area of Colorado this summer and sample a little of everything the area has to offer: great fly fishing, convenient accommodations, and a relaxed atmosphere. And remember to visit Three Rivers Resort for a variety of lodging accommodations, private Taylor River fishing access, fly fishing shop, guide services, a general store and summer time restaurant. See you on the Water! www.3riversresort.com
Patrick Blackdale is a Fly Fishing Guide for Willowfly Anglers at Three Rivers Resort in Almont, Colorado.
Willowfly Anglers offers guided fly fishing and spin fishing trips plus a complete fly fishing shop where you may purchase licenses and any gear needed. Rentals are also available for both fly fishing and spin fishing. Willowfly Anglers is an Orvis Endorsed Outfitter.