Worth the Work - Backpacking in and Fly Fishing the Gunnison in the Black Canyon - July 2023

First day fishing the Gunnison River after hiking into the canyon.
Flows: 1600 cfs
Water Temp: 51-60
Weather: 70-90 sunny
Flies Used: Chubby, pats, iron lotus, stone
If you're coming to the area and want to ask any questions about areas we've fished, comment or hit me up over on Twitter or Instagram since KZbin doesn't have a DM feature
Current Setups:
Redington Classic Trout 8'6": 4wt
Lamson Konic 1.5
Douglas DXF Switch 10'6" 5wt
Lamson Konic 2.0
Other rods:
Sage DS2 580
TFO Impact 5wt
Douglas Upstream 3 wt
3 piece vintage fiberglass rod
Footage shot with GoPro Hero 5/8 Black, DJI Spark
My current sunglasses- Oakley Flak or Fives Squared Shallow Water:
Music: Take Me Back by Neffex

[@mgardner63]

"Tanky....Absolutely Tanky" LOVE this!

[@TheRustedTrout]

There is just something so cool about a big shouldery fish.

[@FlickyFlies]

Killer! That's a dream of mine. Some day I'll make it happen!

[@TheRustedTrout]

Definitely do it. It was amazing in there.

[@soloflyfishing]

Thanks for sharing your trip. Awesome fish. The black canyon is on my bucket list for future.

[@TheRustedTrout]

Hope you get the chance. Its sweet.

[@urbanflailer5416]

super beautiful. what a spot to camp and fish. amazing all the way around.

[@TheRustedTrout]

It really is. Such a cool experience.

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

Awesome video mate

[@TheRustedTrout]

Thanks again.

[@janeberryman3581]

Good for you

[@TheRustedTrout]

Definitely lucky to have a chance to get in there.

[@janeberryman3581]

@@TheRustedTrout how long hiking out? Already know it’s harder😅👍

[@TheRustedTrout]

It was actually pretty similar. The downhill with the pack was actually slower just being careful. More effort to go up the steep sections though.

[@headcipher1]

Looks like a great trip! We went down the Warner route early June last year. What route did you take? Was there a few good camping spots with trees?

[@TheRustedTrout]

Red rock. There are a few camp spots with trees. I haven't done any of the other routes yet. It's a pretty awesome experience.

[@1magicfly]

What trail did you hike in on and how dangerous was the hike. I'm 70 and in good shape but I still need to choice wisely.

[@TheRustedTrout]

We passed a guy when we were going out that was probably 60+ doing a day trip. He said he's done the trip 70-80 times since the nineties. Its definitely steep, loose, and rocky in places and you have to cross the stream through some tall plants multiple times. Definitely would want to start early so you could take your time and get down before the sun hits the exposed parts. The heavy pack is really what makes it harder. No cell service. Would definitely want to be with a trusted group and be well prepared.

[@garyrafferty7625]

@@TheRustedTrout Great Video! BTW, the Arkie between Salida and Texas Creek is on fire this week. Yellow hopper and perdigon or BH yellow stone was killing them along the banks.

[@TheRustedTrout]

Thanks. That's great to hear. I'll probably get up camping on the ark in the next few weekends or so.

[@urbanflailer5416]

@@TheRustedTrout sounds like a challenge, but like you say, well worth it.

[@TheRustedTrout]

Worth every bit. Makes me want to try to get in there every year.

[@physwiz123]

Was this the gorge or the canyon? Looks like Duncan or Ute. Epic fish either way!

[@TheRustedTrout]

This is in the canyon. Those other trails in the gorge are definitely on my list though.

[@s.clarkberngard7261]

I agree. I’ve done them all. Looks downriver from the inner canyon routes in the park. Great video either way though

[@TheRustedTrout]

Inner canyon. Trying to go back twice this year.

[@fubar8930]

Could not watch due to the horrible "music" in the background

[@TheRustedTrout]

Music is always hard. It never pleases eveyone. The music cuts after 45 seconds on each of these black canyon videos. Next time I'll just do a normal talking intro.

[@fubar8930]

@@TheRustedTrout thanks for your reply. My apologies for being a crusty old guy who is hard of hearing. The video quality and your narration are great, and I appreciate your videos.

[@TheRustedTrout]

No problem. Appreciate any feedback. Thanks for watching

[@JW-hf9ev]

Terrible music