Deluxe Float n' Fish Multi-Day
The Deluxe Trip format is designed with one thing in mind, you - the client. Due to excellent customer feedback and our desire to provide the most comprehensive high end product available, we are pleased to announce the latest additions to the Gunnison Gorge Deluxe format including:
Our Deluxe Format also provides a more intimate experience with smaller client group sizes, additional amenities and services, and a Dedicated Gear Boat allows for lighter rafts and in turn you to spend more time exploring the pools and runs of the Gunnison River Gorge. Our gear boat goes ahead to set-up camp and prepare for our arrival! Both you and your guide can now focus on fishing as there is no rush to set up camp, why not chase big fish all day?
Join us for the ideal way to see the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Gorge- from the inside! a true wilderness experience, this 14 mile river section combines wildlife and scenery with class II-III+ whitewater through one of the most spectacular river canyons in North America. We drive from the RIGS fly shop in Ridgway to the trailhead at the canyon rim. From there, we hike the 1.1 mile trail down to the river. After gearing up and reviewing trip considerations, we start floating and fishing the pools and runs of the Gunnison Gorge.
The "Gold Medal Waters" of the Gunnison Gorge are famous for it's world class Rainbow and Brown trout fishing. This fishery commands serious respect as the CDOW conducts population census on a annual basis. There are 8,700 catchable fish per mile and over 200 fish per mile over 18", add 425 lbs per sample acre and you have something special. World renowned for the "Stone Fly Hatch", the "Gunny" also plays host to many other fine insect hatches making for a true bug factory. While the Gunnison River sees moderate use, the Gorge, because of it's remote location and challenging access receives the least angling pressure of all the floatable sections.
This unique desert environment also plays host to a diverse array of wildlife including Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Elk and although seldom seen many predators inhabit the canyon as well as a wide variety of birds of prey including Golden Eagles and Osprey. If you can take your eye off the fly for a moment, you'll witness breath taking geology as some of the oldest rock in North America is exposed making for stunning scenery. Don't forget your camera as you join us for a unforgettable experience.
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE PUBLIC LAND USE FEES
DEPARTURE TIME
7:00 am ~ Please arrive 30 minutes before departure time~
Meet at Fly Shop - Depart for Chukar Trail and approach to Put-In - One Mile Hike with Pack - Rig fishing gear, saftey talk, launch - Float fish - Deluxe lunch -Float fish - Set Camp for the night - Walk wade fishing - Gourmet Dinner - Best fishing stories under the stars!
Quality hot breakfast - Walk wade fish the morning - Lunch - Float Fish the afternoon - Set camp - Walk Wade - Gourmet Dinner - Best fishing stories under the stars!
Breakfast and early start - float fish the inter gorge, big rapids! - Lunch - Float fish the mellow/productive waters of the lower canyon - Float and wade - Takeout (We typically plan to arrive at the take-out by 3:00pm) - Return to Ridgway (Typical arrival time in Ridgway is 6:00pm)
You will carry your own personal gear down a mile long trail to the put in. (we will provide you with waterproof backpacks)
*These need to be picked up at our shop the day before trip.
WATERPROOF BAG: We will issue you a waterproof bag to pack your personal gear in. The bag is 3.2 cubic feet (about the size of a duffel bag). You will carry your own waterproof bags and personal liquor / drinks down a trail to the put-in, which is approximately one mile. Group camping gear and boats are carried to the river on horses the day before your trip.
ORIENTATION: Prior to departure, you will receive an orientation on safety, emergency procedures and other trip related matters.
RIVER TIME: The first day of the trip we are usually on the water by 9:30-10:30 am. The following days we are usually ready to be on the water by 10 am. We pull into camp between 4 pm and 7 pm, depending on water levels and fishing conditions. During the day we will pull over to fish, scout rapids, eat lunch, and explore points of interest. We will arrive at the take-out at approximately 3 pm.
MEALS: We provide fresh hearty meals starting with lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day. Special diets can be accommodated upon request. Remember we provide only lemonade, water and hot beverages. If you would like to bring your own soft drinks or beer in metal or plastic containers, please feel free. We will provide a place to carry them. (Deluxe Trip option includes ice/soft drinks.)
CAMPING CONDITIONS: All campsites are primitive-no plumbing or electricity. We provide a portable chemical toilet for use in camp. You may wash in the river, (please bring biodegradable soap.) We provide tents and are happy to provide you assistance in selecting and setting up your tent.
TIPPING: If you believe in tipping, an average tip is $85 per-guest, per-day on multi-day trips. If you do not feel that one of our people deserves a tip, we’d appreciate hearing from you. We’d also appreciate hearing from you so that we can recognize extraordinarily good work.
NON-SWIMMERS: Many of our participants cannot swim. We provide U.S. Coast Guard approved life preservers designed to float you face-up in heavy whitewater. Everyone will wear these at all times while we are on the river.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Alcohol and rivers do not mix. We do not provide alcohol, and alcohol is not permitted while on the river. On multi-day trips you may bring alcohol for consumption in camp, but it must be in plastic or metal containers (no glass). Guests, who have been drinking before the trip, will not go on the river and will not receive a refund!
DAY GEAR: Each raft will carry a waterproof bag for your rain gear and extra items that you may need during the day.
DRINKING WATER: We carry drinking water on each raft. Please bring your own water container, one litter minimum.
ALTITUDE: You will be rafting at altitudes between 5000 to 6000 feet. Most people don’t have serious problems here, but shortness of breath and dehydration are common. Come a day or two early to acclimatize yourself if you can, and drink plenty of fluids while you are here. A headache often means you’re dehydrated—Drink plenty of water.
FISHING: On fishing based trips we recommend bringing your own personal gear. Additionally, rentals are available through our shop prior to trip departure, (please give advanced notice.) A 5 to 7wt rod is best on the Gunnison. Also a leader and tippet selection, 2x to 5x, is recommended. Flies are not included in the price of your trip; except deluxe trip option. We recommended purchasing your flies here at our shop before trip departure in order to “match the hatch” for your trip conditions and to receive the most effective recommendations from our guides. You will need to purchase a Colorado fishing license, available at RIGS Fly Shop. Licenses can be purchased for terms of 1 day or more.
LITTER: Please keep in mind that on our trip we will carry out ALL of our trash and whatever other trash we may find as we travel down the river. This applies to the put-in as well. If you accidentally discard cigarette butts, used matches, gum wrappers, toilet paper, or anything that doesn’t occur naturally on the riverbank you will be politely asked to pick it up.
PREGNANCY: We cannot take you rafting if you are pregnant. This policy is for your own safety and that of your unborn child.
RESERVATION POLICY & CANCELLATION POLICY: Please review the detailed cancellation policy outlined in your Trip Confirmation Receipt, which is emailed to the “Trip Leader” whom secures the reservation with initial payment. It is your responsibility to review Trip Leaders emailed Trip Confirmation Receipt that they receive via email. All participants are subject to these initial terms and conditions of a confirmed status reservation. Trip insurance is always recommended, please contact your local travel agent to acquire trip insurance appropriate for this type of trip.
All trips departing for overnight trips are required to meet at our shop prior to departure in order to process any remaining paperwork, issue licenses, meet trip leader (trip orientation) and review any last minute necessities.
WHAT TO BRING*Please Note: Most of the following items may be purchased at RIGS fly shop the afternoon prior to trip departure. (Please inquire)
DAY GEAR
Ø *Lightweight Synthetic Pants (no jeans or sweats)
Ø *Long Sleeve Lightweight Shirt (sun protection!)
Ø *Sunglasses With Securing Strap (polarized for fishing)
Ø *Waterproof Sunscreen
Ø *Large Brim Sun Hat
Ø *Personal Water Bottle (1litter min)Day use while in boat
Ø Lightweight Hiking Shoes or Secure River Sandals
Ø *Wool Sweater or Fleece Jacket
Ø *Waterproof Rain Jacket
Ø Waders & Boots (no studs) Neoprene wet wade socks also nice
Ø *Fishing Gear-Listed with emailed confirmation receipt
*Valid Colorado Fishing License: You can purchase these online or at our shop prior to departure.
CAMP GEAR
Ø Warm Sleeping Bag
Ø Sleeping Pad
Ø Long Underwear
Ø Personal Toiletries (think light!)
Ø Flashlight/Headlamp
Ø Plastic Bag for Wet Clothes
Ø Personal Liquor or Pop (for camp)
Ø Cash For Souvenirs and Guide Gratuity
(Extras: camera, books, binoculars, etc.)
WE PROVIDE
Ø Meals From Lunch On The First Day Through Lunch On The Last Day
Ø Lemonade & Water With Meals & Hot Drinks – Morning & Evening
Ø Personal Overnight Dry Bags with Backpack Straps – 3.2 cu. Ft
Ø All Eating Utensils (cups, plates, bowls, etc)
Ø All Kitchen & Group Camping Equipment
Ø Roll-a-Cot (cots provide, sleeping pad still recommended)
Ø Transportation to and from the River
Ø Guides, Rafts & Rafting Equipment
Ø First-Aid Supplies & Safety Equipment & Portable Chemical Toilet
Fly Fishing Essentials:
Fly Suggestions:You will have the opportunity to purchase flies here which may provide you with a better selection than back home. We prefer to recommend fly selections as close as posible to departure, (when you arrive to the shop) that way we are up to date on the latest conditions and hot patterns. *We have all the gear you'll need right hear at our Fly Shop - make time to visit us so we can outfit you for success!
In the event of a cancellation within 48 hours of your trip departure 100% of the balance will be charged and is considered non-refundable, (90 days out for Gunnison River trips.) * The cancellation of any reservation up to 48 hours will forfeit a standard cancellation penalty of: $15 per-person. (*Cancellation of any Gunnison River trip outside of the 90 days will forfeit a per-person cancellation penalty of: $200 per-person.)
RIGS is not responsible for any cancellations or modifications of tours due to weather condition, road hazards, vehicle breakdowns, or other unforeseen conditions that may hinder the ability for the tour to take place as scheduled. We reserve the right to cancel or modify any trip due to circumstances beyond our control. Clients will have the option to reschedule during the current season based on trip availability. However, trip insurance is always recommended, please contact your local travel agent to acquire trip insurance appropriate for this type of trip.
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