Gunnison River. The Gate Campground has 8 campsites, two vault restrooms, and a … Lake Fork Campground NPS in Gunnison is rated 8.0 of 10 at Campground Reviews. The Lake Fork Hunt & Fish Club controls a great deal of exceptional hunting on both private and public lands. Blue Mesa Reservoir spans 20 miles and boasts over 96 miles of shoreline. The Gate is a great spot for picnics, camping, and fishing access to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. A brief introduction to Lake Fork Of The Gunnison Riv With approximately 14 miles total of public fishing access, the Lake Fork is excellent for fishing from the banks or for wade fishing. While not certified as a Gold Medal Water, the CDOW states that this river contains more than double the number of 14 plus inch fish required to meet Gold Medal standards. We hope that you enjoy reading our blog posts as much as we enjoy sharing them. Parking can be found at the Lake Fork boat ramp just off CO-92 by the dam. Looking for more places to fish? Watch for private property as you go, and always ask permission from property owners if you happen on private land or a posted sign in your travels. Lake Fork of the Gunnison flows from Lake City, CO in the San Juan mountains to the Gunnison River at Blue Mesa Reservoir. High Bridge . Rules for the Lake Fork: If you do decide Lake Fork is the right spot for you, some special regulations govern different stretches of the river. Add to My Account. It is best fished following run off through fall. The mayfly hatch in the springtime is your best bet for early prime season fishing, and caddis flies are the best summer hatch by far. Access to the river for Lake Fork is usually accomplished via the campground roads from the highway just outside of Gunnison You can also hike from San Cristobal Lake Inlet as well if you don't mind making your way over a little rough country. Lake Fork Campground NPS in Gunnison, Colorado: 1 reviews, 2 photos, & 0 tips from fellow RVers. This campground is conveniently located on the Silver Thread National Scenic Byway, about 16 miles north of Lake City. East Portal . News. Lake Fork of the Gunnison, Colorado fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. Lake City Town Run Edit this River; Difficulty: III: Length: 3.6 Miles: Gauge: LAKE FORK AT GATEVIEW, CO. Flow Range: 300 - 2000 CFS Flow Rate as of: 30 minutes ago 264 [CFS] Reach Info Last Updated: 08/06/2013 2:46 pm: River Description. Lake Fork Campground is located 27 miles west of Gunnison on CO Highway 92 near the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. It is best fished following run off through fall. The club hosts over 3 miles of the world-famous Lake Fork of the Gunnison River as well as 12 fully stocked and active trout lakes. Colorado Lake Fork Gunnison SWA - Unit Overview. Check to see what their "offseason" time of year is, and book accordingly. Download today, and you can record, track, and navigate for free. The Lake Fork Hunt & Fish Club controls a great deal of exceptional hunting on both private and public lands. Alerts. If you are a fan of rough living and the great outdoors, there are numerous campgrounds in and around Lake Fork that provide easy access to the river as well. The river is good fishing when the flows are right and if you spend your hours on this river and find some of the less pressured water, you can find some sizeable fish. It's also worth looking into local vacation rentals, as these can yield unexpected bargains regardless of the season as well. Floaters Guide to Colorado, D. Wheat Rapid Descriptions. Real Time Flow. Accommodations range from motels and cabins to RV sites and tent camping. You have access to over 1,376.69± deeded acres of strategically located ranch land, including one of the West’s finest trout fisheries. Available data for this site . The railroad bed and trestle of a bridge owned by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad that once spanned the canyon still remain at this site. This river contains a high density population of trout with the opportunity to catch decent size fish as well. Runs and Riffles was started in February of 2019 as an extension of one person's fly fishing hobby. The Lake Fork of the Gunnison dumps into Blue Mesa just above the dam. Further down US 50 are the Dillon Pinnacles and Lake Fork Visitor Center areas that allow you to explore the drainages that run into Lower Blue Mesa. The Lake Fork of the Gunnison River rushes toward Blue Mesa Reservoir just south of the Red Bridge campground 17 miles north of Lake City. Winter fishing can be a bit treacherous along certain stretches, but the year-round supply of midges keeps the fish biting. Day two found us south of Gunnison on Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, running between Lake City, CO and Blue Mesa Reservoir. The Lake Fork starts 50+ miles upstream above this gauge and flows into Blue Mesa Reservoir.. Access can be difficult in stretches but the scenery is spectacular. Lake Fork Arm. Similarly, there are many RV parks, regular hotels and motels, and even a lakeside resort nearby that offer varying levels of luxury and comfort depending on your budget. The river has many long runs and deep pools, and aquatic insects are to be found just about everywhere. The campground is paved except for the tent walk-in sites. Min/Max Elevation. Redcloud Getaway - $313 avg/night - Lake City - Amenities include: Internet, Pets Welcome, TV, Satellite or cable, Parking, Heater Bedrooms: 4 Sleeps: 8 Pet friendly Minimum stay from 3 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 7323473 with Vrbo. Please feel free to drop us a note through the "Contact R&R" menu option at the top of the page. Use the hatch chart above to know what flies you will want to have in your fly box during your adventure on the river and then select the flies here 30 days before your trip to get them at a great price. 2016 CPW: The Lake Fork of the Gunnison River provides good to excellent opportunities for primarily stocked rainbow trout and wild brown trout. Access can be difficult in stretches but the scenery is spectacular. Return to Lake Fork fishing page. Kokanee are stocked into the Lake Fork at Red Bridge to provide fall snagging opportunities for this species in the Lake Fork below Red Bridge. Lots of opportunity for bank fishing, but you may want to pack some hip waders for the more extensive sections. Much of the Lake Fork is managed as a quality trout fishery with flies and lures regulations in place on most river segments between High Bridge Gulch and the Red Bridge Campground. There are also numerous privately-owned access and accommodation facilities in the immediate vicinity of the lake. After passing through Lake San Cristobal, one of the larger natural lakes of Colorado, it is joined at Lake City by Henson Creek, and from there flows north. The waters here are so rich with trout at Lake Fork that the CDOW has stated that it has more than double the number of 14-inch and larger trout to qualify as a Gold Medal fishery. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. Gunnison River Flow and Current Conditions. Colorado Hunting Maps App . Lake Fork of Gunnison Fishing Information Main Section - near Gunnison, CO A longer river than it looks, there is ample access in both the lower sections and the upper sections. The Lake Fork of the Gunnison, which eventually flows into Blue Mesa Reservoir, rises on the northern slopes of the 14,000-foot San Juan Mountains, starting as small feeder creeks and growing rapidly before dumping into Lake San Cristobal near the small community of Lake City. You can also hike from San Cristobal Lake Inlet as well if you don't mind making your way over a little rough country. Fly Fishing Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, CO by The Angling Channel. Only non-motorized boats are allowed. Right after the runoff in the spring until early fall provides excellent fishing opportunities all along the Lake Fork. To reach Cinnamon Gorge, take 30 RD up the Lake Fork of the Gunnison from Lake San Cristobal. It's hard to pick a wrong spot to fish along Lake Fork or the rest of the Gunnison for that matter. An advantage to visiting the section of Lake Fork here is that it provides easy access from many of the local resort's lakeside. Share This. Public Land. The Lake Fork of the Gunnison River begins in high mountains in the western region of the U.S. state of Colorado, draining the northeastern part of the San Juan Mountains. Lake Fork of the Gunnison flows from Lake City, CO in the San Juan mountains to the Gunnison River at Blue Mesa Reservoir. Take Hwy 149 southwest from Gunnison. Required fields are marked *. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. Your email address will not be published. All rainbow trout must be returned immediately to the water (catch and release) and you … Big Thompson River – Estes Lake Tailwater, Yampa River – Stagecoach Tailwater Section. GUNNISON RIVER NEAR GUNNISON, CO.. USGS. Another parking area can be found just before the Sapinero bridge on US 50 West coming from Gunnison. This comparatively uncrowded trout stream is surrounded by stunning scenery, has big fish potential, and angles particularly well in the springtime. at Gateview. In Colorado, a group of river rafters float the Lake Fork of the Gunnison in defiance of a landowner who has filed suit to stop them, part of a statewide struggle over access and ownership of rivers. Anglers in search of trophy rainbows, cutthroats, and browns in large numbers will not be disappointed should they decide to visit the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. In this area, there is easy access to the Lake Fork and a public campground. Respect Private Property. Where to Fish: Gunnison Region Move your mouse over the map to find fishing areas in the Gunnison area, or select from list Select a fishing area East River Taylor River Cochetopa Creek Lake Fork of the Gunn Gunnison River- upper Gunnison River- lower Pinos Creek We chose an area near an avalanche slide several miles upstream. Lake Fork of the Gunnison River - There is public fishing access from about 14 miles north to 2.5 miles south of Lake City along Highway 149. The Lake Fork, which is located south of Gunnison along Highway 149 near Lake City, is the least known of the Gunnison River’s major tributaries. The further you are willing to venture into the wilds along Lake Fork through, the higher your chances of success in any season. Upper Gunnison River. The river's source is Sloan Lake near Handies Peak in the San Juan Mountains of Hinsdale County. As others have mentioned - very little cellular service here. Colorado Public Access Properties Lake Fork Gunnison SWA. Lake Fork Public Access Facilities. With approximately 14 miles total of public fishing access, the Lake Fork is excellent for fishing from the banks or for wade fishing. The blog was created as an outlet that allows us to share information, stories and tutorials about all things related to fly fishing we can. Kokanee migrate into the Lake Fork from Blue Mesa Reservoir in late fall with the snagging season kicking off on September 1st. These are the the top flies we sell for this river. Visit our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Colorado. Located in Western Colorado near the town of Gunnison, Colorado’s largest body of water is a must-see destination. Reservations are required. Copyright 2020 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"62516":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"62516":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)"}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Lake Fork Gunnison River in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Cochetopa Creek in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Florida River in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Crystal River in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing South Boulder Creek in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Elk River in Colorado, DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Colorado. All types of camping from tents to large RVs can be accommodated at Lake Fork. Not only is it one of the most beautiful stretches of mountain river for fly fishing in all of Colorado, but it also boasts some of the most productive Gold Medal waters in the west. Lake Fork Gunnison River or Lake Fork is a 64.7-mile-long (104.1 km) tributary of the Gunnison River in Colorado. Neversink and Beaver Creek are popular access points at the top of the lake where the Gunnison flows in. Lake Fork flows through Lake San Cristobal and Lake City before a confluence with the Gunnison River in Blue Mesa Reservoir. A lot of anglers find some of the best fishing near Cherry Creek or downriver over Argenta Falls. Leave A Comment. There are also many campgrounds, RV parks, and cabins you can rent nearby that make fishing the Lake Fork near Blue Mesa Reservoir more of a vacation and less of a wilderness hiking and fishing excursion. Day 2: Lake Fork of the Gunnison and Cebolla Creek. Numerous access points are available thanks to Curecanti National Recreation Area. This river contains a high density population of trout with the opportunity to catch decent size fish as well. When the line was abandoned, timbers from the bridge were removed and used to build a school in Gunnison. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has stocked more than 24,000 fingerling and catchable trout in the Lake Fork in the last few years. There is access off this road and also at the inlet to Blue Mesa Reservoir. View the DIY Fly Fishing Web Map to get turn-by-turn directions to the access points shown on the map above. Something of a hidden treasure along the Upper Gunnison, the Lake Fork provides drainage during runoff and heavy rains for the North East San Juan Mountain range. Lake Fork also tends to stay pretty quiet throughout the season due to the technical difficulty of fishing the richer stretches of its waters. As for what rod to bring, a 9-foot, 5-wt is pretty standard. Live Water Enjoy access to one of the West’s premier private fishing and hunting clubs! Flights into Denver can be connected to the Gunnison/Crested Butte Regional Airport in Gunnison, so getting to Lake Fork generally isn't all that difficult or expensive. Unit Lake Fork Gunnison SWA for the majority of game species covers approximately 42 acres,. The rivers source is Sloan Lake above the largest natural lake in Colorado, Lake San Cristobal above Lake City. Put-in at whatever access point looks best. Here you will find numerous fast riffles and slower sections of pocket water to ply your skills regardless of what style of fly fishing you prefer. N/A. Full News; Click to hide state-specific text * IMPORTANT: Next Generation Station Page. There are no new alerts. Fly fishing has historically been allowed on the property through a handshake agreement with the landowner. Gunnison Gorge of … The Gunnison River offers several public access points (see map above) for wading, though fishing from drift boats when the waters are high is preferable. The waters along Lake Fork can be challenging, but for those anglers that thrive on the challenge will never be disappointed in a trip to this stretch of the Upper Gunnison. Lake Fork of the Gunnison. Lake Fork Gunnison 02. The Sabine River Authority (903) 878-2262 operates four public boat ramps and a free day use area. The lake views were gorgeous, access to and from the area was easy and it was a perfect location to explore Montrose, The Grand Mesa, etc to the west and north as well as Gunnison and Crested Butte to the east! Lake Fork of Gunnison River Flies. Cancel … will meet up with the Lake Fork. The best time to target migrating kokanee is generally late September. Best of all, if you aren't finding any luck on Lake Fork (which is unlikely but possible), there are numerous other places along the Gunnison River that are every bit as promising if you don't mind a bit of a hike or a short drive. Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing rules are as follows:(I) High Bridge Gulch downriver to BLM boundary (below Gate Campground) and Cherry Creek to upper Red Bridge CG boundary: artificial flies/lures only, bag and possession for Browns is 2, minimum 16", all rainbows catch-and-release(J) BLM boundary below Gate Campground to Cherry Creek: Bag and possession for trout is 2(K) Argenta Falls downstream to Blue Mesa Reservation: Kokanee Salmon snagging permitted Sep. 1 to Dec. 31. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has stocked more than 24,000 fingerling and catchable trout in the Lake Fork in … Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. The bridge over the Lake Fork mentioned above is right by the former Sherman townsite. The project partners and the family will collaborate with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to formalize permanent public access for fly-fishing along 0.62 miles of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River that flows through the property. Lake Fork of The Gunnison Riv. To put-in, drive up 4 RD toward Burrows Park and Cinnamon Pass. We had 4 bars of Verizon 3G so voice was fine but data throughput was dismal at best. Access to the river for Lake Fork is usually accomplished via the campground roads from the highway just outside of Gunnison. We'd love to hear from you! Recommended fly patterns for Lake Fork include:- Micro Egg (pink/org #18)- RS2 (grey #20)- TH Zebra Midge (black #20)- TH Zebra Midge (cream #20)- Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail (PT #16)- Tunghead Hare's Ear Flashback (HE #16)- Globug Egg (orange #16)- San Juan Worm (brown #14)- Parachute Adams (gray #18)- Two Bit Hooker (red #14). PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. Explore the NEW USGS National Water Dashboard; to access real-time data from over 13,500 stations nationwide. 42 acres. Comments. You have access to over 1,376.69± deeded acres of strategically located ranch land, including one of the West’s finest trout fisheries. 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