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Float into the Gunnison Gorge by jet boat, then fish Gold Medal waters from a comfortable, guide-staffed dory. This accessible, full-day adventure delivers canyon scenery, expert instruction, and fishable water few anglers reach on foot.
Float into the Gunnison Gorge by jet boat, then fish Gold Medal waters from a comfortable, guide-staffed dory. This accessible, full-day adventure delivers canyon scenery, expert instruction, and fishable water few anglers reach on foot.
Book with Gunnison River Expeditions
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gunnison River Expeditions · Hotchkiss, Colorado
Morning light on the Gunnison River feels less like sunrise and more like permission: permission to move quietly into a canyon that holds the best wild trout water in Colorado. On the Full Day Jet Boat/Dory Float Fishing trip into Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, you meet your guide at a launch near Hotchkiss, Colorado, board a jet boat for an upriver push, and ease four miles to the Smith Fork drop-off where a conservative river rhythm gives way to hands-on fishing from a stable dory.
This trip is engineered for anglers of every stripe. Jet boats cover ground quickly so you fish pristine "Gold Medal" stretches that are otherwise remote; once in the dory a professional fly guide reads seams, riffles, and undercut banks while sharing casting tips. The canyon here is defined by steep, layered sedimentary rock and cliffs that bear the slow marks of water and time. Cottonwood galleries and sage scrub line the river and the river corridor can reveal golden eagles gliding, mule deer on rocky benches, and the occasional river otter working a riffle.
Practicalities are straightforward: trips typically run March through November in the mornings (roughly 6:00–8:00 a.m., seasonally adjusted), accommodate up to eight people, and require anglers to hold a Colorado fishing license (required for ages 16+). Pleasure Park holds the only jet-boat permit into this stretch, so availability is limited and bookings sell out—reserve early. Liability waivers are required; the outfitter provides guides and boats but anglers should bring polarized sunglasses, a hat, and layered clothing.
Why this outing stands out: the pairing of a powered jet boat and a comfortable guide‑staffed dory lets you access technical trout water without miles of hiking. It’s an ideal choice for families, anglers new to the canyon, and visitors who want full-day scenery with active fishing. The guides’ local knowledge of seasonal insect hatches and pocket water makes the difference between a scenic day and a memorable one.
For photographers, dawn light, river reflections, and the canyon’s vertical walls deliver dramatic compositions. For conservation-minded travelers, supporting guided trips helps protect sensitive riparian zones by concentrating access. Whether you crave tight dry-fly drills along quiet seams or a hands‑on primer from an expert guide, this jet boat to dory float is a practical, unforgettable entry into one of Colorado’s most productive trout rivers. The trip is family-friendly (ages 5+), accommodates anglers with limited mobility because the dory is low-impact and easy to step into, and guides will adapt casting instruction for kids and beginners. Expect varied water—pockets, runs, and tailouts—and bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and light waterproof jacket. Anglers should buy their Colorado license online before arrival to speed check-in. Also bring polarized lenses.
Yes — anglers 16 and older must purchase a Colorado fishing license before the trip; Pleasure Park does not sell licenses.
Trips are open to ages 5 and up; guides adapt instruction for young anglers but children must be supervised.
Yes — the jet boat & stable dory make access easier than long hikes; guides assist with entering and exiting boats.
The outfitter provides guided instruction; check booking details or call to confirm if rental rods/tackle are available or if you should bring your own.
Services typically operate March through November in the early morning (approximately 6:00–8:00 a.m., season-dependent).
The jet boat runs about four miles upriver to the Smith Fork drop-off where you switch to a dory and fish downstream sections.
Gunnison River Expeditions is a river outfitter based in Hotchkiss, Colorado, that operates guided rafting and fly-fishing trips across the Gunnison River system and nearby National Conservation Areas. The company runs a diverse schedule of experiences, including half-day and full-day jet boat and dory float fishing trips through the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, multi-day float-fishing trips, walk-and-wade fishing, scenic Class I–II rafting, and Class II–IV whitewater rafting on the North Fork and in the Gunnison Gorge. Trips target Gold Medal waters and large rainbow and brown trout on organized floats ranging from 6-mile half-day outings to three-day float-fishing adventures. Whitewater options include Class II–IV rapids, a two-day canyon run with camping on remote beaches, and spring-runoff season runs shaped by changing river conditions. Scenic floats highlight canyon views, waterfalls, petroglyph sites, and archaeological features noted along the Dominguez-Escalante and Pleasure Park to Austin corridors. Guided fishing trips include float and walk-wade formats, and several offerings combine fishing with dory access or jet-boat transport through narrow canyon sections. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and diverse birdlife. Reservations are recommended for seasonal and limited-access trips. Gunnison River Expeditions works within the regulations and public-access frameworks of the Gunnison Gorge NCA and nearby public lands to deliver river experiences focused on safety, scenery, and access to prime fishing water. Seasonal windows run from spring runoff through late summer; advance booking is recommended to secure limited permits, group options, and available equipment rentals for specific trip dates and access requirements.
Book with Gunnison River Expeditions