Fishing at Three Rivers Resort
Fishing Report 5/20/23
Take a look at our fishing reports below for updates around the basin right now.
If you’d like to start your new year with some fly fishing inspiration / education, check out my newly released eBook in the link below. This has been a fun project and I hope you gain some value from it to help you progress your angling skills.
Enjoy the fishing reports below. -Patrick Blackdale
Taylor River Fishing Report
C&R: 300 CFS Almont: 850 CFS
The Taylor River below Taylor Park reservoir , aka the C&R, got a flow increase last week to 300 cfs. Fishing at the C&R has overall been good, with mysis, eggs, baetis, stones, and midges all in play. There are fish spawning so please be aware of redds and avoid fishing and wading in the shallow gravel areas. If you are unsure what a redd is, do a quick google image search before heading to the C&R. The redds will be the lightly colored gravel areas, mostly found around the USGS cable above the bridge. Please resist the temptation to cast at rainbows sitting on redds. The future of this amazing fishery depends on us letting spawning fish do their thing in peace!
Top flies at the C&R have been midge pupas, midge adults, juju baetis, and various mysis patterns. As always use your polarized sunglasses to find actively feeding fish before just blind casting. a stealthy approach and long leader are imperative to success at the C&R. Crowds lately have been increasing but not crazy busy yet. Most of the recent pressure is due to the freestones being off-color, so people are flocking to the tailwater for some fishing, especially on warm sunny days.
Downstream of the C&R in Taylor Canyon, fish are starting to spread out into pockets with increased flows. Midges, stonefly nymphs, worm patterns, and attractor jig nymphs have all been effective lately. Dry fly activity is sporadic at best still, but keep an eye out for suspended or rising fish in the warmer afternoons. Streamer fishing has been pretty good with a slow retrieve, targeting deeper pockets and pools.
East River In Almont: 1260 CFS
The East River at Roaring Judy is now running high and off-color. Best to wait till things clear up to wade fish the East, which typically fishes best at flows under 400 cfs. The ponds at Roaring Judy are still fishing well with midges, leeches, and small drab streamers fished with a slow retrieve.
Gunnison in Gunnison: 3140 CFS
The Gunnison River from Almont to Blue Mesa Reservoir is currently running swift and off-color. Our warmer nights have triggered the melt and thus begins our spring runoff. Conditions are day-to-day right now as cold nights can delay the melt and result in less turbid water. Your best bet is to put eyes on the river and make a decision from there. If you are fishing the Gunnison right now, focus on nymphing attractor patterns with plenty of weight, and working the slow water methodically. It will take more drifts to get eats simply due to limited visibility. Rest assured, the trout are still down there and eating well, they just have to SEE your flies to eat them. Black streamers with a bright chartreuse or orange bead can also work now with a slow retrieve.
Check out our Orvis Fishing Reports here:
Fly Fishing
WILLOWFLY ANGLERS AT THREE RIVERS RESORT
Operating for over 30 years, we offer experienced fly fishing guides, excellent private water options, and a full service fly shop. We are the only Orvis Endorsed Outfitter in the Upper Gunnison Valley. The Orvis distinction means that we are held to the high standards of the Orvis Company and we offer a full line of their products. Our trip offerings include Walk/Wade, Float, Private Water, and Educational Clinics.
How was your guided trip with us?
ORVIS REVIEWS – Read One, Leave One!
Gunnison River Float Trips
To ensure the very best experience on your guided trip, we ask that you contact us directly to book. Call 970-641-1303 or 1-888-761-FISH (3474). OR contact us via email at: [email protected].
# People | 1/2 Day Trip | Full Day Trip
1 or 2 | $525 | $625
Trips include all guide, flies, rod/reel and waders (if needed) and lunch on full day trips. Gratuity, license and other food/tackle purchases are additional.
Walk / Wade Trips
To ensure the very best experience on your guided trip, we ask that you contact us directly to book. Call 970-641-1303 or 1-888-761-FISH (3474). OR contact us via email at: [email protected].
# People | 1/2 Day Trip | Full Day Trip
1 | $375 | $450
2 | $450 | $525
3 | $575 | $650
Trips include all guide, flies, rod/reel and waders (if needed) and lunch on full day trips. Gratuity, license and other food/tackle purchases are additional.
Premium Walk / Wade Trips
To ensure the very best experience on your guided trip, we ask that you contact us directly to book. Call 970-641-1303 or 1-888-761-FISH (3474). OR contact us via email at:[email protected].
# People | 1/2 Day Trip | Full Day Trip
1 | $450 | $525
2 | $525 | $600
3 | $650 | $725
Trips include all guide, flies, rod/reel and waders (if needed) and lunch on full day trips. Gratuity, license and other food/tackle purchases are additional.
- Taylor River “Catch and Release” Section (year-round). This is a world-renowned trophy fishery with very limited USFS permits. Fishing here can be extremely technical, but the reward can be the fish of a lifetime. Due to the difficult nature of this fishery previous fly fishing experience is required. Availability of this trip depends on USFS permit usage.
- Backcountry Stream Locations (July/August). These select backcountry locations are known for beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and eager trout often willing to eat dry flies during the summer months. Wet wading is typical at these locations, so bring a dry change of clothes for the drive home. Due to the more remote nature of these rivers, an earlier meet time, and a longer drive time is required (1-2 hrs. each way). Hiking is also required (must be able to walk at least 30 minutes on a level trail). Full day trips only.
Private Lease Walk / Wade Trips
To ensure the very best experience on your guided trip, we ask that you contact us directly to book. Call 970-641-1303 or 1-888-761-FISH (3474). OR contact us via email at:[email protected].
# People | Full Day Trip
1 | $525
2 | $680
3 | $885
Trips include all guide, flies, rod/reel and waders (if needed) and lunch on full day trips. Gratuity, license and other food/tackle purchases are additional.
Willowfly Anglers offers walk/wade fly fishing trips (full-day only) on our private leases. We have a variety of properties available for us to guide on. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, excellent fishing, and the solitude that fishing private water provides. You can fish as much as two miles of river and have it all to yourself for the entire day. Private water trips are based on availability and should be booked in advance.
Trampe’s – Gunnison River: The Trampe ranch on the Gunnison River is just a few miles south of our fly shop. Here below the headwaters, the river grows in size as it rolls down through the ranch on its way to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Long riffles form productive runs. This property is generally wade fished at flows below 500 cfs for ease of wading. We also use this property as a put-in and take-out for our float trips.
Veltri’s – East River: The Veltri ranch is located north of our fly shop, behind Mount Crested Butte. The scenery is breath-taking, especially during July at the peak of the wildflower season. In early fall, the golden leaves of the aspens are your backdrop. This wild trout fishery provides for a remote fly fishing experience, and an opportunity to view some of Colorado’s finest Rocky Mountain scenery. Generally we fish this stretch from June through August, and some years into September depending on conditions.
East River Anglers Club: The East River Anglers Club (ERA) water is just a mile north of our fly shop. We guide the ERA on weekdays only. This section of the East River holds a high density of wild brown trout and some beautiful wild rainbows. Only guides who are ERA club members have access to guide this property, so book early! We typically fish this property from April through August. Some years we can fish into September depending on conditions.
Cebolla Creek: Our lease on Cebolla Creek is near Powderhorn, Colorado (about 1 hr. from Almont). This is a beautiful small river which provides an easy wading experience and a high density of wild brown trout. Cebolla boasts very healthy aquatic insect life and hatches can create excellent dry fly fishing. We generally fish Cebolla from May through August. Typically flows are too low to fish here in September and later. We give this lease a minimum of 2 rest days before and after fishing dates so book early!
FOR ALL GUIDED TRIPS:
- Please call us to book your trip in advance. This is especially important during the peak season (June through September). We guide all year round.
- 50% deposit is due at the time of booking.
- Clients who cancel a fishing trip up to 14 days prior to the trip date will receive a refund of their deposit, less a cancellation fee of 10% of the total trip cost. For cancellations made within 14 days of the trip date, clients may forfeit deposit.
- Trip fees do not include fishing licenses, any additional tackle and associated taxes, and/or gratuities. Tipping is optional, and it is certainly appreciated by our guides. For tipping in general, our guides typically get anywhere from 20% to 30% of the base trip fee. Clients should tip whatever they feel comfortable with, and they should base it on their overall experience.
- A Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and over. We sell licenses in our shop but for the quickest service, we recommend purchasing yours in advance from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. To purchase a license, you will need a driver’s license/ID card, social security number and proof of residency (if needed). For the fastest service in our shop have your previous Colorado blue license handy with the CID # so we do not need to re-enter all of your information.
- We do not allow pets on any guided trips.
- Polarized sunglasses are recommended for all fishing trips.
Responsibility and Liability: Fishing is an adventure sport that involves risk. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged articles or personal injury. We are fully bonded insured and licensed but you participate at your own risk and must sign a waiver of liability for each trip, even if you have multiple trips in a row. Once we enter your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to an electronic waiver to complete prior to your arrival.
Three Rivers Outfitting is a member of the Colorado River Outfitting Association and America outdoors. Colorado Outfitting License #389-Colorado River License #D0092. All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands under special permit from the USFS, BLM &NPS. Three Rivers Outfitting is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing in the Gunnison Valley is a great winter activity for anglers of any skill level! Our professional guides will provide all the equipment needed for a productive and safe trip on the ice, including ice augers, ice huts, heaters, fish finders, rods, reels, and all terminal tackle.
Half Day Ice Fishing
| 1 Person Half Day | 2 Person Half Day | 3 Person Half Day |
| $325 | $400 | $500 |
Half Day trips are 3 hours of fishing and are perfect for beginners, families, or anyone who wants to experience the fun of ice fishing. Meet time is typically 8am but can vary depending on conditions. Your guide will contact you prior to your trip to confirm meet time and location. On these trips we typically target rainbow trout, brown trout, mackinaw, and the occasional perch and kokanee salmon. You will need to provide: winter boots, warm winter layered clothing, winter gloves, warm winter hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a valid Colorado fishing license. Trip rates include all fishing equipment needed. Gratuity and licenses are not included in trip rates. Minimum age for half day ice trips is 8 years old.
To ensure the very best experience on your guided trip, we ask that you contact us directly to book. Call 970-641-1303 or 1-888-761-FISH (3474). OR contact us via email at: [email protected].
Full Day Trophy Ice Fishing
| 1 Person Full Day Trophy | 2 Person Full Day Trophy | 3 Person Full Day Trophy |
| $425 | $500 | $600 |
Full Day trips are 6 hours of fishing and are generally focused on targeting trophy-sized Mackinaw (Lake Trout). Meet time is typically 7am but can vary depending on conditions. Your guide will contact you prior to your trip to confirm meet time and location. You will need to provide: winter boots, warm winter layered clothing, winter gloves, warm winter hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a valid Colorado fishing license. Trip rates include all fishing equipment needed and lunch on full day trips. Gratuity and licenses are not included in trip rates. Minimum age for full day trophy ice trips is 12 years old.
To ensure the very best experience on your guided trip, we ask that you contact us directly to book. Call 970-641-1303 or 1-888-761-FISH (3474). OR contact us via email at: [email protected].
Mandatory Release Lengths on Ice Fishing trips:
- Lake Trout – 22”+
- Northern Pike – 26”+
- Brown Trout – 20”+
- Rainbow Trout – 20”+
FOR ALL GUIDED TRIPS:
- Please call us to book your trip in advance.
- 50% deposit is due at the time of booking. Remainder is due the morning of the trip.
- Clients who cancel a fishing trip up to 14 days prior to the trip date will receive a refund of their deposit, less a cancellation fee of 10% of the total trip cost. For cancellations made within 14 days of the trip date, clients may forfeit deposit.
- Trip fees do not include fishing licenses, any additional tackle and associated taxes, and/or gratuities. Tipping is optional, and it is certainly appreciated by our guides. For tipping in general, our guides typically get anywhere from 20% to 30% of the base trip fee (and sometimes more). Clients should tip whatever they feel comfortable with, and they should base it on their overall experience.
- A Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and over. We sell licenses in our shop but for the quickest service, we recommend purchasing yours in advance from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. To purchase a license, you will need a driver’s license/ID card, social security number and proof of residency (if needed). For the fastest service in our shop have your previous Colorado fishing license handy with the CID #.
- We do not allow pets on any guided trips.
- Polarized sunglasses are recommended for all fishing trips.
Responsibility and Liability: Fishing is an adventure sport that involves risk. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged articles or personal injury. We are fully bonded insured and licensed but you participate at your own risk and must sign a waiver of liability for each trip, even if you have multiple trips in a row. Once we enter your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to an electronic waiver to complete prior to your arrival.
Three Rivers Outfitting is a member of the Colorado River Outfitting Association and America outdoors. Colorado Outfitting License #389-Colorado River License #D0092. All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands under special permit from the USFS, BLM &NPS. Three Rivers Outfitting is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.
Willowfly Anglers 2023 Fly Fishing Guide School
Willowfly Anglers at Three Rivers Resort will be offering a professional fly fishing guide school from May 15th – 19th, 2023. Course size will be limited to 12 participants to ensure the highest quality experience possible. Classes will run from 8 am to 4 pm each day. Instruction includes classroom time and “on the water” instruction on local waters.
Why choose Willowfly Anglers Fly Fishing Guide School?
We offer a variety of local water not often found in one location: Tailwater, Freestone, Small Creeks and Stillwater (on-site pond and 3 local reservoirs).Willowfly Anglers is an Orvis-Endorsed Outfitter and has thrived for over 35 years with some of the best guides in the industry. Our guides have over 100 years of combined guiding and instructional experience.
- Equipment is included in the cost.
- Private water on the Taylor River, Gunnison River, East River, and Cebolla Creek.
- Thorough curriculum including: Instruction from an FFF Master Casting Instructor, entomology with an aquatic entomologist, ethics, wading, guide professionalism and client management.
- Optional on site lodging included!
- Small class size to ensure high quality experience.
- Large network of outfitters for employment referrals.
- Great local fishing pre-runoff during May.
- Discount offered for the raft guide course (which will fulfill the minimum qualifications for float guiding in Colorado) if registered for both.
- The best value of any guide school!
Tuition for the 2023 school is $1200.00 without lodging per student, or $1850.00 per student including 6 nights of lodging. Rates include class materials, the use of waders, boots, rods and reels, and a diploma upon completion. Not included are a Colorado fishing license, leaders, tippet, flies, and meals. The lodging included consists of a hotel-style lodge room at Three Rivers Resort. The room is spacious and includes a queen size bed, fold-out futon, private bathroom and kitchenette (refrigerator, kitchen sink/counter area, small table, toaster oven, microwave and coffee maker).
If enrolling in both the Fishing Guide School and the Raft Guide Training course, overall tuition may be reduced by $100.
Completion does not guarantee employment. As an Orvis-Endorsed outfitter, we have a large network of outfitters to which we can refer graduates for possible employment opportunities.
Registration closes May 8th, 2023.
Required for participation: Fly Fishing Experience is required. Must be 18 years of age or older. Must have valid Colorado Fishing License.
Fishing Guides
Willowfly provides the most professional and experienced guides in the Upper Gunnison Valley. Read about them in our customer reviews: ORVIS REVIEWS
Interested in becoming a Professional Fly Fishing Guide? Enroll in our Fly Fishing Guide School.
Eric Grand
Eric grew up fishing, hunting and skiing in Ashland Wisconsin on the south shore of Lake Superior. He moved to the Gunnison Valley in the fall of 1999 and quickly fell in love with the area and all of the incredible outdoor recreational opportunities, particularly the incredible year round fly fishing. Eric soon found himself spending time floating the river and fishing as much as possible. He began guiding professionally in the summer of 2003 and has been guiding full time since. Eric truly believes “it’s always a good day to go fishing.”
Dave Pinkerton
For 40 years, Dave has been fishing Colorado waters—the last decade as a guide at Willowfly Anglers. He’s a retired high school teacher who finds great joy in helping folks experience fly-fishing success. Beginners and experts alike benefit from his knowledge, patience, and easy going instruction. His “keep it simple” fishing approach helps young and old gain confidence, catch wild trout, and make lasting memories. He guides wade-walk trips on the many exceptional waters in Gunnison Valley.
Patrick Blackdale
Patrick is a Colorado Native who has been guiding since 2010. Patrick is also the Assistant Outfitting Manager at Three Rivers, so you can often find him in the fly shop where he is happy to help you prepare for a day on the water. He guides float trips and walk/wade trips, and loves spending a day on the water with his wonderful clients. Patrick also has access to guide the East River Anglers Club (ERA). When he’s not guiding or in the fly shop he loves to travel, fish, and spend time with family. He lives in Almont, CO year-round.
Chad Stone is an Arizona native with a career in outdoor education as well as guiding professionally in places like Colorado, Alaska, and Germany. Chad was a long-time boatman in his home state of Arizona on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, and an outdoor educator for Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. Growing up Chad was raised on fly fishing by his Father and Grandfather on the creeks and lakes in the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona and has since fly fished worldwide. Chad has returned to the Almont area to share his love and appreciation of fly fishing with our guests and clients. His enthusiasm for fly fishing is infectious and with his jolly laughter and demeanor you will soon find out why Chad’s past students and clients have requested him again and again. If you’re looking for a day filled with plenty of laughter and great fishing you should stop by and visit Chad in the fly shop or request him as a wade or float guide for any age and skill level.
Audrey began fly fishing at 8 years old and has been hooked ever since. She grew up fishing trophy waters in northern Arkansas on the Little Red, White, and Norfolk rivers. After earning a degree in biomedical engineering, the call of the rivers and mountains brought her to the Gunnison Valley where she has fallen in love with the world class fishing and incredible wilderness access. Audrey is an encouraging teacher, accomplished angler, and skilled outdoors woman. Her passion for both the art of fly fishing, and the beautiful places it can take you, is contagious. Whether exploring mountain streams for native trout, hunting for trophies in gold medal waters, or float fishing free stone rivers, everyday of fly fishing is full of fun and unique experiences. She truly feels the only thing better than a day on the water, fly rod in hand, is sharing the sport and adventure with others. Audrey’s knowledge and enthusiasm are sure to get you hooked on the amazing, lifelong pursuit of fly fishing!
Evan Hammans
Evan has been on the water almost every day since he first started fly fishing at age eight. Evan grew up fishing rivers in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico, chasing trout, bass and carp on the fly. Everyone in Evan’s family, even Gramma, has the fly fishing fever, and it is fitting that he began guiding trips. Evan grew up fishing with guides across Colorado and New Mexico, helping him learn the ins and outs of fly fishing. He began his fishing career with the High Desert Angler in Santa Fe New Mexico, at age 15, and started guiding at age 16. His knowledge and passion for fly fishing grew greater with every season on the water. Evan now attends Western State Colorado University, pursuing a degree in Biology, and started guiding for Willowfly Anglers in 2017. His passion for the Gunnison valley extends beyond fly fishing as he leads the Gunnison Sockeyes Conservation and Fly fishing club at Western State, donating community service hours to trash pick-up projects, and volunteering through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Apart from school and work, Evan spends most of his time floating and fishing the Gunnison valley, enjoying all of the great fishing that the area has to offer. Evan’s favorite part about guiding, is creating valuable memories for his clients, and sharing the excitement that fly fishing offers every day. You can find Evan in the fly shop, or on the water almost any day!
Skyler Reinecke
Skyler was born in Mount Vernon WA, but his parents moved back to the Gunnison Valley in 1993 where his love of fishing, floating and outdoor recreation was shaped. He and his brother found his dad’s old bamboo fly rod in the garage around the age of 13 and has been fly fishing ever since. After spending time in Washington at a fly shop and Alaska guiding float trips, he completed the Willowfly Anglers Fly Fishing Guide School in 2018 and has been guiding for Willowfly Anglers since. Growing up on the Gunnison River and surrounding water he has an in-depth knowledge of both the rivers and history of Gunnison. Always eager and enthusiastic to teach, Skyler’s favorite part of guiding is watching an angler put their new skills into practice to create and nurture a lifetime passion. When not on the water he enjoys mountain biking, rafting, hunting and skiing.
Matt is a Colorado native who grew up fishing high alpine lakes, backcountry streams, and the Arkansas River from Leadville to Pueblo. He loves finding new water and exploring different types of fly fishing. Matt has been a fly fishing guide in the Gunnison Valley since 2016 and with Willowfly Anglers since 2018. Matt specializes in Euro Nymphing and fishing pocket water on the Taylor River. He guides float and walk/wade trips. Matt has access to guide the private water of the East River Anglers club (ERA). In his spare time, Matt loves to tie flies and spey fish for steelhead. He lives with his wife and two dogs in Almont, CO year-round.
Fly Shop
FLY SHOP AT THREE RIVERS RESORT
The fly shop at Three Rivers Resort is a full-service fly shop and Orvis authorized dealer. We carry a variety of products, including new lines of fly rods and reels, fly lines, waders, and more. We are well stocked with tackle and accessories, and have a selection of fishing shirts, hats, and sunglasses. For those who prefer spin fishing, we also offer a small selection of lures and other tackle.
Willowfly Anglers is the perfect place for anglers to start their day. Stock up on the essentials – leader, tippet, and flies – before you head to the river. We stock a wide range of quality flies and have patterns for all the hatches during the season. You can walk out of our shop and be on the river in minutes. We are a short walk to the Taylor River and also the headwaters of the Gunnison River.
Check in at the fly shop any time during the day or evening to get the latest reports on hatches and river conditions. Book a guided fishing trip with our guide service, Willowfly Anglers, or let us help you plan your day on the water. We carry books and maps of the area and have extensive knowledge of our rivers. When our fly shop employees aren’t working, they’re fishing, so they are an excellent resource. We also rent fishing gear, including fly rods/reels, spin rods/reels and waders/boots. Our rental inventory is used for our guided trips first, and once the trips are all out (usually by 9:30 AM), we can rent the remaining gear. Please check with the fly shop for pricing and availability.
During our main fishing season (April through October), the fly shop is open six to seven days a week. The hours vary and we stay open longer as the season progresses. During the peak summer months, the fly shop is open from 7 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week. Our resort is open year round, so visitors and customers have access to the fly shop during the winter months as well.
Spin Fishing
1 or 2 | $375 | $450
3 | $450 | $525
- Please call us to book your trip in advance. This is especially important during the peak season (June through September). We guide all year round.
- A 50% deposit is required at time of booking.
- Clients who cancel a fishing trip up to 14 days prior to the trip date will receive a refund of their trip fee less a cancellation fee of 10% of the total trip cost. For cancellations made within 14 days of the trip date, clients may forfeit their deposit.
- Trip fees do not include fishing licenses, any additional tackle and associated taxes, and/or gratuities. Tipping is optional, and it is certainly appreciated by our guides. For tipping in general, our guides typically get anywhere from 20% to 30% of the base trip fee (and sometimes more). Clients should tip whatever they feel comfortable with, and they should base it on their overall experience.
- A Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and over. We sell licenses in our shop but for the quickest service, we recommend purchasing yours in advance from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. To purchase a license, you will need a driver’s license/ID card, social security number and proof of residency (if needed). For the fastest service in our shop have your previous Colorado blue license handy with the CID # so we do not need to re-enter all of your information.
- We do not allow pets on any guided trips.
- Polarized sunglasses are recommended for all fishing trips.