05-31-2009, 11:11 AM
GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO - With hundreds of miles of scenic waterways and 3 million new fish released each year from the state's Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, Gunnison County is an excellent choice for a fishing vacation. The Gunnison River, East River, Taylor River, Blue Mesa Lake and Taylor Reservoir are among the many exceptional habitats for kokanee salmon, northern pike, and brown, rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Mackinaw trout. The people who like to fish also are well fed with a plethora of fishing events and great package deals available for this summer and fall.
Visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com for a list of outfitters and to sign up for an email newsletter about fly-fishing conditions.
FISHING EVENTS
Kiwanis/Monarch Blue Mesa Lake Fishing Tournament, May 16 - 17<br />
Kiwanis and Monarch Search & Rescue are combining their fishing tournaments into one this year on May 16 - 17. Teams of two will start at Elk Creek Marina and angle for trout (rainbow, brown, cutthroat and other). The entry fee is approximately $120 per team, with an extra cost to enter the Mackinaw trout competition. Historically, the prize has been in excess of $1,000 for first place.
In addition, the names of 10 lucky participants will be drawn on May 16 to be eligible for the grand prize drawing on May 17 sponsored by Canyon Marine. For information and a registration form visit www.GunnisonChamber.com or call Joanne Stone at (970) 641-2663 and Bruce Saunders at (970) 901-0110.
Ninth Annual Taylor Park Marina Fishing Derby, June 13<br />
Cash prizes will be presented for longest northern pike, largest pike by weight, most pike caught, and largest trout caught in the Taylor Park Reservoir. Registration begins at 6 a.m., with eligible fishing times between 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. The entry fee is $25 per person. Registration for the kids' division is free (non-cash prizes). Everyone receives a door prize. For information, contact Taylor Park Marina at (970) 641-2922 or (719) 395-6484 or visit www.taylorparkmarina.com.
Eighth Annual Caddis Cup Fly-Fishing Tournament, July 16 - 17<br />
Catch the biggest flopper or tell the biggest whopper during the Crested Butte Land Trust Caddis Cup fly-fishing tournament. The event will start with a casting and knot-tying clinic followed by an opening barbecue at Cement Creek Ranch, where guides are matched with competitors to plot strategy. The next morning, each pair heads into the wilds for catch-and-release fly-fishing adventures in the valley's most prized (and secret) fishing holes. At day's end, everyone gathers for prizes, beer and tall fish tales, all on behalf of land conservation. The event entry fee is $600. For more information, contact the Crested Butte Land Trust at (970) 349-1206.
FLY-fishing & package Deals<br />
High Alpine Backcountry Fishing Trip<br />
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the West Elk Wilderness on horseback as you ride into "cow camp" and fly-fish high alpine streams. This five-day, four-night excursion from July 12 - 15 includes two nights at the Water Wheel Inn in Gunnison, two nights at camp with Tenderfoot Outfooters, all breakfasts, a cowboy dinner the night off arrival, three lunches and a fly rod if needed. Free time is built in to explore and fish other areas in Gunnison County. There are only 10 spots available at a cost of $674 per person, not including taxes. For all the details, visit www.waterwheelinnatgunnison.com or call (800) 642-1650.
Fly-Fishing School<br />
Surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest and situated at the confluence of three of Colorado's best fishing rivers, Three Rivers Resort in Almont is the perfect getaway for fishing. Willowfly Anglers, the resort's Orvis-endorsed outfitting service, offers its fly-fishing school for anglers of all ability levels. Participants work one-on-one with instructor guides to learn casting techniques, essential knots, stream entomology, equipment selection, reading water and more. Choose one day or multiple days. A basic package starts at $395 per person (based on two people) and includes two nights' lodging in a modern riverfront cabin, one full day of professional fly-fishing instruction and all fishing equipment (if needed). Custom packages may be requested. Visit www.3riversresort.com or call (888) 761-FISH.
Run with the Salmon<br />
Come and experience the country's largest land-locked kokanee salmon run from late August to late October. At Three Rivers Resort in Almont, just 3 miles from the final salmon destination at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, utilize Willowfly Anglers, to help land the fish. When purchasing any all-day guided fishing trip in September and October, receive a 20 percent discount on lodging accommodations of two nights or more. This offer applies to Sunday - Thursday night stays only, and Labor Day weekend is excluded. Call (888) 761-FISH or go to www.3riversresort.com.
Free Flies<br />
Stop by the Gunnison Visitor Center at 500 E. Tomichi Ave. and pick up a coupon for two free flies from Gene Taylor's Sporting Goods, located just down the street at 201 W. Tomichi Ave. While there, book a fishing guide for area lakes and rivers.
Visitor Information & Personalized Vacation Packages<br />
To book other personalized vacation packages or request visitor information, call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association's reservations center at (800) 814-8893 or visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com. During summer and fall, air access to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is provided by United Airlines.
About Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado<br />
Gunnison-Crested Butte is nestled among almost two million acres of pristine wilderness in southwest Colorado. Winter sports enthusiasts know the area for its world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Gunnison-Crested Butte is also a haven for outdoor summer activities. In the warmer months, visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, boating, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing, camping and horseback riding. Year-round visitors enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops and stimulating cultural opportunities, and have a wide range of lodging options - from rustic inns to guest cabins and bed-and-breakfasts to full-service resort hotels.
Recognized as the "Official Wildflower Capital of Colorado" by the Colorado Legislature and one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" in 2008, Crested Butte is the site of rich mining, ranching and skiing heritage and home to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Only three miles up the road is the resort village of Mt. Crested Butte, home to the ski area, an active base area, the area's conference center, and outstanding hiking and biking trails.
Gunnison, a real western town located 28 miles from Crested Butte, is home to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Gunnison Whitewater Park, Gunnison Valley Observatory, Pioneer Museum and Western State College, a four-year institution offering majors in the liberal arts and sciences and professional fields. Both Crested Butte and Gunnison have thriving historic central business districts packed with shopping and dining opportunities.
In Gunnison County, visitors will find the Curecanti National Recreation Area, where dinosaur fossils were recently discovered; the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water and home to the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States; and The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of our country's newest national parks. Gunnison County includes the quaint and historic towns of Pitkin, Gothic, Tin Cup, Marble, Powderhorn, Almont and Crystal, plus the better-known communities of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Gunnison County is part of the West Elk Loop and Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byways.
Media Contact<br />
Beth Buehler<br />
Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association<br />
(970) 349-1168 or bethbuehler@qwestoffice.net<br />
www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com
Visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com for a list of outfitters and to sign up for an email newsletter about fly-fishing conditions.
FISHING EVENTS
Kiwanis/Monarch Blue Mesa Lake Fishing Tournament, May 16 - 17<br />
Kiwanis and Monarch Search & Rescue are combining their fishing tournaments into one this year on May 16 - 17. Teams of two will start at Elk Creek Marina and angle for trout (rainbow, brown, cutthroat and other). The entry fee is approximately $120 per team, with an extra cost to enter the Mackinaw trout competition. Historically, the prize has been in excess of $1,000 for first place.
In addition, the names of 10 lucky participants will be drawn on May 16 to be eligible for the grand prize drawing on May 17 sponsored by Canyon Marine. For information and a registration form visit www.GunnisonChamber.com or call Joanne Stone at (970) 641-2663 and Bruce Saunders at (970) 901-0110.
Ninth Annual Taylor Park Marina Fishing Derby, June 13<br />
Cash prizes will be presented for longest northern pike, largest pike by weight, most pike caught, and largest trout caught in the Taylor Park Reservoir. Registration begins at 6 a.m., with eligible fishing times between 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. The entry fee is $25 per person. Registration for the kids' division is free (non-cash prizes). Everyone receives a door prize. For information, contact Taylor Park Marina at (970) 641-2922 or (719) 395-6484 or visit www.taylorparkmarina.com.
Eighth Annual Caddis Cup Fly-Fishing Tournament, July 16 - 17<br />
Catch the biggest flopper or tell the biggest whopper during the Crested Butte Land Trust Caddis Cup fly-fishing tournament. The event will start with a casting and knot-tying clinic followed by an opening barbecue at Cement Creek Ranch, where guides are matched with competitors to plot strategy. The next morning, each pair heads into the wilds for catch-and-release fly-fishing adventures in the valley's most prized (and secret) fishing holes. At day's end, everyone gathers for prizes, beer and tall fish tales, all on behalf of land conservation. The event entry fee is $600. For more information, contact the Crested Butte Land Trust at (970) 349-1206.
FLY-fishing & package Deals<br />
High Alpine Backcountry Fishing Trip<br />
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the West Elk Wilderness on horseback as you ride into "cow camp" and fly-fish high alpine streams. This five-day, four-night excursion from July 12 - 15 includes two nights at the Water Wheel Inn in Gunnison, two nights at camp with Tenderfoot Outfooters, all breakfasts, a cowboy dinner the night off arrival, three lunches and a fly rod if needed. Free time is built in to explore and fish other areas in Gunnison County. There are only 10 spots available at a cost of $674 per person, not including taxes. For all the details, visit www.waterwheelinnatgunnison.com or call (800) 642-1650.
Fly-Fishing School<br />
Surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest and situated at the confluence of three of Colorado's best fishing rivers, Three Rivers Resort in Almont is the perfect getaway for fishing. Willowfly Anglers, the resort's Orvis-endorsed outfitting service, offers its fly-fishing school for anglers of all ability levels. Participants work one-on-one with instructor guides to learn casting techniques, essential knots, stream entomology, equipment selection, reading water and more. Choose one day or multiple days. A basic package starts at $395 per person (based on two people) and includes two nights' lodging in a modern riverfront cabin, one full day of professional fly-fishing instruction and all fishing equipment (if needed). Custom packages may be requested. Visit www.3riversresort.com or call (888) 761-FISH.
Run with the Salmon<br />
Come and experience the country's largest land-locked kokanee salmon run from late August to late October. At Three Rivers Resort in Almont, just 3 miles from the final salmon destination at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, utilize Willowfly Anglers, to help land the fish. When purchasing any all-day guided fishing trip in September and October, receive a 20 percent discount on lodging accommodations of two nights or more. This offer applies to Sunday - Thursday night stays only, and Labor Day weekend is excluded. Call (888) 761-FISH or go to www.3riversresort.com.
Free Flies<br />
Stop by the Gunnison Visitor Center at 500 E. Tomichi Ave. and pick up a coupon for two free flies from Gene Taylor's Sporting Goods, located just down the street at 201 W. Tomichi Ave. While there, book a fishing guide for area lakes and rivers.
Visitor Information & Personalized Vacation Packages<br />
To book other personalized vacation packages or request visitor information, call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association's reservations center at (800) 814-8893 or visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com. During summer and fall, air access to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is provided by United Airlines.
About Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado<br />
Gunnison-Crested Butte is nestled among almost two million acres of pristine wilderness in southwest Colorado. Winter sports enthusiasts know the area for its world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Gunnison-Crested Butte is also a haven for outdoor summer activities. In the warmer months, visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, boating, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing, camping and horseback riding. Year-round visitors enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops and stimulating cultural opportunities, and have a wide range of lodging options - from rustic inns to guest cabins and bed-and-breakfasts to full-service resort hotels.
Recognized as the "Official Wildflower Capital of Colorado" by the Colorado Legislature and one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" in 2008, Crested Butte is the site of rich mining, ranching and skiing heritage and home to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Only three miles up the road is the resort village of Mt. Crested Butte, home to the ski area, an active base area, the area's conference center, and outstanding hiking and biking trails.
Gunnison, a real western town located 28 miles from Crested Butte, is home to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Gunnison Whitewater Park, Gunnison Valley Observatory, Pioneer Museum and Western State College, a four-year institution offering majors in the liberal arts and sciences and professional fields. Both Crested Butte and Gunnison have thriving historic central business districts packed with shopping and dining opportunities.
In Gunnison County, visitors will find the Curecanti National Recreation Area, where dinosaur fossils were recently discovered; the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water and home to the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States; and The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of our country's newest national parks. Gunnison County includes the quaint and historic towns of Pitkin, Gothic, Tin Cup, Marble, Powderhorn, Almont and Crystal, plus the better-known communities of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Gunnison County is part of the West Elk Loop and Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byways.
Media Contact<br />
Beth Buehler<br />
Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association<br />
(970) 349-1168 or bethbuehler@qwestoffice.net<br />
www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com