Gunnison River - Lake Fork

About Gunnison River - Lake Fork

The Lake Fork of the Gunnison River is a Gold Medal wild trout fishery nestled in Colorado's North East San Juan Mountains, renowned for its beauty and abundant large trout. This productive section of the Upper Gunnison River offers a diverse range of fast riffles and pocket water, presenting exciting challenges for anglers seeking trophy rainbows, cutthroats, and browns. Anglers can expect excellent opportunities for fly fishing, with key hatches including mayflies and caddis flies. Access is generally gained via campground roads off the highway near Gunnison, with some anglers finding success hiking from the San Cristobal Lake Inlet, though it's important to be mindful of private property. Many find productive fishing near Cherry Creek or Argenta Falls, and nearby campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts offer convenient lodging options. A 9-foot, 5-weight rod and hip waders are recommended for navigating the varied water types.