Fishing at Three Rivers Resort
Fishing Report
Fishing Report November/December by Patrick Blackdale.
Taylor River Fishing Report
C&R: 75 CFS Almont: 119 CFS
The Taylor River below Taylor Park reservoir , aka the C&R, is settled into winter flows. Fishing is technical, with long light leaders needed to fool trout. BWO’s and Midges are the main staple right now, with nymphing being the most productive method. There can certainly be some dry fly opportunities in the afternoons with small midge and BWO dries. Please be aware of redds and avoid spawning areas! Top Patterns at the C&R: Charlies, Mysis, Candy Cane Mysis, BTS Mysis, RS2 18-22, Juju Baetis 18-22, D-Midge Red 18-20, Para Adams 20-24, BWO Extended Body 18-22, Black Beauty 20-24.
Downstream of the C&R section through Taylor Canyon: Right now you really have to find the right holding water to be on the fish. There are lots of areas with just too little water to hold fish. Think about areas where fish have cover. Places you cannot see the bottom rocks clearly would be good places to start. Look for deep water with access to riffles where fish can move to feed but drop back to rest. Tungsten jig nymphs are great, and you can run a smaller dropper off of that to entice selective trout. Please be aware of redds and avoid spawning areas! Blowtorch jig 16, Frenchie jig 16, CDC Pheasant Tail Jig 16, Two-Bit Hooker Dark Olive, Light Olive, and Red 14-18, D-Midge Grey 18-20, RS2 18-22, Pheasant Tail Natural 20-24.
East River In Almont: 95 CFS
The East River at Roaring Judy is extremely low. I’d advise leaving this section be right now and rather focus on the Taylor or Gunnison Rivers. Hope for a good snowpack this winter to give this amazing freestone some much needed water next season! Please be aware of redds and avoid spawning areas!
As a reminder, the East River at Roaring Judy closes the section downstream of the pond outlets to fishing during the salmon run. There will not be salmon upstream of that diversion, so if you are looking for Kokanee Salmon you should focus on the Gunnison River.
Gunnison in Gunnison: 200 CFS
The Gunnison River is now hovering around 200 cfs. These are typical winter flows and fish should be congregating into their winter-holding areas. Look for drop-offs, runs, and pools to find the fish. A long, light nymph rig will be the most productive, and adjust your weight as necessary. Please be aware of redds and avoid spawning areas! Psycho Mayfly 16-20, 2-Bit Hooker 14-18, RS2 18-22, Bling Midge 22-24, Zebra Midge 18-22, Miller’s Span Floss Worm.
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 fishing shop. We are the only Orvis Endorsed Outfitter in our area and we were recently named as one of the top five Orvis Endorsed Outfitters in North America. 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 and even private water.
How was your guided trip with us?
ORVIS REVIEWS – Read One, Leave One!
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 (3473). OR contact us via email at: [email protected].
# People | 1/2 Day Trip | Full Day Trip
1 or 2 | $450 | $550
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 (3473). OR contact us via email at: [email protected].
# People | 1/2 Day Trip | Full Day Trip
1 | $325 | $400
2 | $400 | $475
3 | $525 | $600
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 (3473). OR contact us via email at:[email protected].
# People | 1/2 Day Trip | Full Day Trip
1 | $400 | $475
2 | $475 | $550
3 | $600 | $675
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 (3473). OR contact us via email at:[email protected].
# People | Full Day Trip
1 | $480
2 | $635
3 | $840
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 spill into deep pools with undercut banks, where nice plump rainbows and browns lurk.
Trampe’s – East River: The Trampe ranch is located in Crested Butte behind the Crested Butte Mountain. 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 wildlife and some of Colorado’s finest Rocky Mountain scenery.
East River Anglers Club: The East River Anglers Club (ERA) water is just a mile or so north of our fly shop. We guide on the ERA on weekdays only. This section of the East River holds some of the nicest wild trout you will ever find. You can catch big fat browns, beautiful plump rainbows, cutthroat, and cutbows. This is a quality fishery and one of our most popular destinations during the season.
Cebolla Creek: Our lease on Cebolla Creek is near Powderhorn and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison (about 1 hr. from Almont). This is a beautiful small stream which provides an easy wading experience and a high density of nice wild trout. Cebolla contains mostly browns, but rainbows are found here as well. It is a perfect place to throw hoppers at the banks during summer.
Veltri’s – East River: The Veltri Ranch is located adjacent to the Trampe Ranch behind Crested Butte Mountain. It also has spectacular views and provides easy fishing access for all level of fly fishermen. This section of the East River has an abundant population of Rainbows and several older, wild Brown Trout.
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 (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.
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.
Lure/Spin Fishing
1 or 2 | $300 | $375
3 | $350 | $425
- 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.
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, pants, hats, and sunglasses.For those who prefer lure fishing, we also offer lure trips while floating on a raft plus a full supply of lures, worms (seasonally), Power Bait, line, hooks 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.
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.
Holden grew up in Casper, Wyoming where he found a love for fly fishing on the Miracle Mile section of the North Platte River. He came to the Gunnison Valley for college and to play football at Western State Colorado University. Holden has enjoyed making the Gunnison Valley his home; floating down the Gunnison and Taylor rivers and exploring the many high mountain creeks in the area. More than anything, Holden loves to share his passion for fly fishing with other people. He finds it incredibly rewarding to see a child or adult hook their first fish on a fly rod. He believes that this is the best way to experience the Gunnison Valley.
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 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!
