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Float into the heart of Gunnison Gorge from Hotchkiss on a half-day jet boat and guided dory trip. Fish Gold Medal waters with a pro guide, enjoy dramatic cliff walls, and book early—Pleasure Park is the only permit holder.
Float into the heart of Gunnison Gorge from Hotchkiss on a half-day jet boat and guided dory trip. Fish Gold Medal waters with a pro guide, enjoy dramatic cliff walls, and book early—Pleasure Park is the only permit holder.
Book with Pleasure Park
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Operated by Pleasure Park · Hotchkiss, Colorado
At dawn the Gunnison River threads a narrow slot through Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, and this half‑day Jet Boat/Dory Float Fishing trip makes that dramatic corridor accessible from Hotchkiss, Colorado. Start on a low‑sitting jet boat that rockets upriver through limestone-and-volcanic cliffs, then switch to a stable dory at the Smith Fork drop‑off for guided fly fishing on Gold Medal waters. The short transit and roomy boats mean anglers of all skill levels—and those who prefer minimal hiking—can fish canyon runs that usually require full days of backcountry travel. Your guide loads rods and gear, and the jet boat carries a small group (up to eight) four miles into the gorge before dropping you and the dory into a maze of seam‑lined pools, boulder strewn riffles, and long pocket water. The canyon’s famous rock cliff walls frame every cast; below them riparian cottonwoods and scrub line the river’s edge, and raptors often wheel overhead. Because the Gunnison’s trout habitat is managed as Gold Medal water, expect picky, strong fish and technical presentations where good instruction pays off. This trip runs as a morning service—typically 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., with times adjusted seasonally, and is offered March through November, weather dependent. Pleasure Park is the only permit holder for the jet boat service, so availability is limited; reservations are essential. Anglers must bring a Colorado fishing license (required for anyone 16 or older) and sign a liability waiver. The outfit provides a professional fly-fishing guide aboard the dory; that combination of jet boat access and guided dory time makes this a rare way to experience remote Gunnison Gorge in comfort. Beyond fishing, the float is a concentrated nature tour: you can spot mule deer tracks, osprey dives, and the layered geology that carved the canyon. Photographers will favor the soft morning side light and the close, vertical rock faces. For travelers based in Hotchkiss, it’s an efficient half‑day escape that pairs well with a longer western Colorado itinerary—think backcountry hikes, mountain biking, and wine tasting in nearby valleys. If you want a focused, accessible canyon fishing day that avoids long approaches and tackles true Gold Medal water, this Jet Boat/Dory Float delivers. Book early through the provided referral link, bring layered clothing, a valid license, and expect tight, technical fishing framed by some of Colorado’s most dramatic cliffs. Guides provide brief instruction on dory safety and casting techniques, so novice anglers often leave with new skills and photos of big brown or rainbow trout. Because the morning window is narrow, plan to arrive early and keep gear compact; wet wading or lightweight rods work best for quick, technical presentations in pocket water and seams. Reserve slots before they disappear.
Yes—Colorado fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 or older; purchase online before the trip at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website.
This is a roughly four-hour, morning-only service that typically operates from about 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., with times adjusted seasonally.
Group size is up to eight people per jet boat, keeping the trip intimate and easy to manage.
Yes—jet boat access and a stable dory make this trip accessible to many anglers who prefer minimal hiking; guides provide casting instruction.
Pleasure Park is the only permit holder for the jet boat service in Gunnison Gorge, and reservations through their booking link are required.
The service runs March through November weather permitting; operators will cancel or reschedule trips in unsafe conditions and notify booked guests.
Pleasure Park operates out of Hotchkiss, Colorado, offering guided river trips on the Gunnison River and through the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. Pleasure Park runs a range of experiences from half-day scenic floats to multi-day whitewater and fishing expeditions. Trips include full-day and two-day float fishing on Gunnison Gorge and the Lower Gunnison, jet boat and dory fishing, half-day and full-day scenic rafting, and two-day whitewater rafting through the Gunnison Gorge. Trips cover varied river conditions, from gentle Class I–II scenic floats to Class III–IV whitewater runs, and access Gold Medal trout waters and private stretches of river. Guests can expect river scenery that includes sandstone canyons, limestone cliffs, ancient petroglyphs, waterfalls, orchards, and native wildlife. Pleasure Park offers family-friendly scenic options and more technical whitewater and fly-fishing excursions for anglers seeking trophy rainbow and brown trout. Overnight trips include riverside camping on sandy beaches and opportunities for hiking, kayaking, or paddleboarding depending on the itinerary. Safety protocols, guided instruction, and appropriate equipment are part of each trip package; specific safety details and requirements are provided at booking. Reservations and logistical details are arranged from the Hotchkiss base, with departures timed to match seasonal river conditions. For travelers seeking guided fishing, scenic rafting, or an adrenaline-driven whitewater adventure on the Gunnison River or in the Dominguez-Escalante NCA, Pleasure Park provides locally guided trips and varied itineraries to match skill and interest levels. Booking information, seasonal availability, and specific trip maps are published on the business's official site.
Book with Pleasure Park