Directions: The Gunnison River has several sections of fishable water. To reach the river around the town of Gunnison takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. Leaving Boulder head south on 93 towards Golden. Just passed Golden get on 470 south for about 5 miles. Merge right onto highway 285 south. Follow 285 through Baily, Fairplay, and on to Poncha Springs @ 120 miles. At Poncha Springs head west on highway 50. It is about 60 miles up and over Monarch Pass to the town of Gunnison. Out of Gunnison highway 50 to the west has good access closer to the reservoir, while highway 135 offers the access to waters upstream towards Almont. From the town of Almont, Taylor River Road (CR742) offers many public access points all the way to the C&R at the very top.

Access to the Black Canyon or the Gunnison Gorge is best gained off highway 50 around Montrose or Olathe. Continue west on highway 50 out of Gunnison and follow around Blue Mesa reservoir to the town of Montrose. Between Montrose and Olathe there are several access points requiring various degrees of effort, the shortest of which is a 1 mile hike. A map is recommended for this area for sure.