Blue Mesa Fishing Is Just The Beginning: Exploring Gunnisons Vast Vacationing Acitivties

If you are an avid fishermen and are looking for a great vacationing spot for fishing then I highly recommend that you consider Gunnison, Colorado. Whether it be for lake fishing, fly fishing, or ice fishing Gunnison has a little bit of everything. Gunnison is well known throughout many circles as a wonderful fishing spot and attracts tourists from around the world each and every year.

Located just 30 miles west of Gunnison is the biggest hot spot for fishing in the area, the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Blue Mesa is the largest body of water in Colorado and was made possible by the Blue Mesa Dam. The Blue Mesa Dam was completed in 1965 as part of a package deal that addressed water rights issues and provided hydroelectricity to the area. In conjunction with the Dam the government also created the Curecanti National Recreation Area which encompasses the Reservoir and surrounding area. Blue Mesa in roughly 20 miles long, has nearly 100 miles of open shoreline and is the largest Lake Trout and Kokanee Salmon Fishery in the United States. If you are interested in catching a trip here you can bring your own gear or hookup with a Blue Mesa Fishing Guide.

Located about 40 miles north east of Gunnison is the Taylor Reservoir with the Taylor River emptying into the Reservoir and continuing downstream after the Taylor Dam and eventually emptying into the Gunnison River at the acclaimed Three Rivers Resorts (a great place for whitewater rafting trips). The Taylor River is known for its trout fishing including Brown, Brook, and Rainbow Trout. In fact, the Taylor River is a great place for finding some of the biggest Rainbow Trout in all of Colorado. Downstream where the Taylor meets the Gunnison the amazing fishing continues as the Gunnison winds south through the Valley, into the City of Gunnison and then takes a turn west as it opens up to the Gunnison River Canyon and eventually empties into the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Most of the Gunnison River flows through private property and is classic choice for a floating fishing trip anytime best May and November. Like the Taylor, the Gunnison is known for is fantastic trout fishing and anybody who chooses it is sure to have a blast.

Besides fishing the Gunnison area also has Crested Butte, which is touted as the last great ski town in Colorado and a wonderful place for summer mountain biking and hiking. Crested Butte has absolutely breathtaking views year round. during the summer you can go for a hike near the beautiful Maroon Bells, saddle up for a mountain biking trip on the famous 401 Trail, or if you are really active take a hike to Conundrum Hot Springs.

All in all there is really way to much to discuss in one post regarding the Gunnison area. This post is getting very long and I haven't even touched on the Gunnison National Forest, The West Elk Wilderness (known for its great Elk hunting), the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, or many of the other outdoors activities that can be partaken in such as white water rafting and rock climbing.

If you are interested in taking the vacation of a lifetime you should consider Gunnison, Colorado. You can come during the winter and enjoy some awesome ice fishing and skiing or consider the summer where you can fly fish in the Gunnison River, lake fish at Blue Mesa, and also hit up some of the most beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails in the country all in one vacation. I can't speak for other vacationing spots around the world but I can assure you that if choose Gunnison you won't be disappointed.