Gear up for Fishing Events

FISHING EVENTS

Gunnison Kiwanis Club Blue Mesa Lake Fishing Tournament, May 1 - 2  

The Gunnison Kiwanis Club has earned a stellar reputation for its Blue Mesa Lake Fishing Tournament, which typically sells quickly. Teams of two will start at Elk Creek Marina and angle for trout (rainbow, brown, cutthroat and other). The entry fee is $120 per team, with an extra $10 cost to enter the Mackinaw trout competition. Historically, the prize has been in excess of $1,000 for first place. For information and a registration form visit www.GunnisonChamber.com or call Bruce Saunders at (970) 901-0110.   

10^th Annual Taylor Park Marina Fishing Derby, June 12

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 $30 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. 

Ninth Annual Caddis Cup Fly-Fishing Tournament, July 15 - 16  

Catch the biggest flopper or tell the biggest whopper during the Crested Butte Land Trust Caddis Cup fly-fishing tournament. Participants are invited to an opening barbecue at the beautiful 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. Registration can be taken by phone at 970.349.1206, by email at events@cblandtrust.org.

Superfly Fishing Tournament, Sept. 10 - 11

The Gunnison Angling Society, founded in 1969 and a local chapter of Trout Unlimited, is hosting its 20^th annual Superfly fishing tournament on Sept. 10 - 11. The tournament will be a classic two-fly contest, meaning each two-person team has to choose the two flies they will be fishing with for the duration of the tournament to catch as many inches of trout as possible. A reception will be held in Almont on Friday night to discuss rules, meet guides and draw locations for the next morning and afternoon. One section of private water and one public section will be fished in two competitive sessions on Saturday, concluding with a banquet and awards ceremony that evening in Almont. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate. The registration fee for each team is $500. 

For more information, call John at (970) 641-4828 or Mark at (970) 641-7404 or visit www.gunnisontu.org. Trout Unlimited meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Almont Resort. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Great fishing trips & Savings

Willowfly Anglers, an ORVIS-endorsed fly fishing outfitter is based at Three Rivers Resort in Almont and has teamed up with the resort to offer three great packages. Enjoy some great spring fishing and 15 percent off an all-day guided fly fishing trip from now until May 15, 2010, when staying two nights or more.  Lodging will be discounted by 20 percent, which means nightly rates start at $52 per night.

Surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest and situated at the confluence of three of Colorado's best fishing rivers, Three Rivers Resort is the perfect getaway for fly-fishing school suitable 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 $430 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.

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 15 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.

Call (888) 761-FISH for the details or visit www.willowflyanglers.com or www.3riversresort.com.

Visitor Information & Personalized Vacation Packages

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.