Overnight Float Fishing Multi-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 canyons in Colorado.
The RIGS Standard Trip is very popular with our customers, we might just as well call it the deluxe because it truly rivals anything else out there (Consider our Deluxe Format for upgrades and format differences). On the Standard trip, we combine two clients and a guide per boat and divide the gear up accordingly as there is no dedicated gear boat. The client group size is limited to 8 persons per launch (6 on the Deluxe format).
This unique desert environment also plays host to a diverse array of wildlife including Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Elk 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 of the fly for a moment, you'll also get witnessing breathtaking geology as some of the oldest rock in North America is exposed making for stunning scenery. Don't forget your camera as you come join us for a unforgettable experience.
PUBLIC LAND USE FEES APPLY
On departure day, we drive from the RIGS Fly Shop in Ridgway to the canyon rim where the trailhead starts at a point 800 feet above the Gunnison River. From there, we hike the 1.1 mile trail to the river with our personal dry bags and fishing gear. All the rafts and camp gear have been horse packed to the put in and one of our staff has already rigged the boats and is awaiting our arrival. After gearing up and reviewing trip considerations, we start floating and fishing the runs of the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness. On the standard trip we float/walk wade our way down stream arriving at a pre planned lunch spot. After fueling up, its more of the same, around 5pm we like to make camp at which point the guides go to work setting up and making preperations for a gourmet dinning experince. During this time you may wish to just relax with a cold one or for the serious fish head, it's time to test the "camp waters". Dinner is an event in itself, as the guides enjoy showcasing their culinary river cooking skills. After dessert, we relax in the temperate high desert evening sharing stories and telling tall tails. When ever you wish, you may retreat to your tent as your cot and sleeping bag awaits.
The smell of the high desert and coffee rings in a new day. Depending on the flow of the trip, you may wish to catch a few winks or try your luck at an early morning brown trout ambush. Breakfast is usally servered up at 8am and we try to break camp and start down river by 9:30 or 10am. The second day offers new excitement around every corner as we continue our theme of float fishing and walk wade fishing the waters of the inter-gorge. After a hearty riverside lunch, the boats again spread out to work the remaining gold medal waters before arriving at camp around 5:00 pm. Relax or prepare your camp site, exploring a side canyon or chase the elusive 20 incher - what ever you wish. Our guides will be hard at work preparing another fabulous riverside meal under cover of towering canyon walls . After our infamous "baked banana" dessert, you may choose to retreat to your tent as your cot and sleeping bag await, or continue to tell fishing stories beneath an incredible star filled sky.
Our final day brings plenty of excitement as we tighten our belts to run the tricky rapids on the inter-gorge; all the while making casts into prime waters for eager trout. Here the canyon walls tower overhead as we weave our way thru whitewater containing some of the oldest rock exposed anywhere on earth! Once successfully out of the rapids, the last four miles of our trip returns to mellow waters, classic desert canyon and outstanding angling. Our last riverside meal is prepared in the shade of pastel canyon colors and rising fish tempting you for another cast. We typically reach our take-out at the Gunnison Forks at 3:00 pm. While the guides load up for our return back to Ridgway, you may wish to pay a visit to Leroy - proprieter of the world famous Gunnison River Pleasure Park for an ice cold beverage. Our estimated arrival time back in Ridgway is 6:00 pm, at which time we say our goodbyes and get you headed towards that much deserved shower!
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
~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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