CJ’s Flies, Rods & Reals

317 E. Main St.,

Montrose, CO

970-249-5588

We feature Ross Reels, Scientific Anglers, Umpqua, Frog Hair, & Climax.  We carry the largest selection of flies and fly tying material in the Uncompahgre Valley.  Our prices on a Panther Martin can’t be beat!  CJ’s supports your fishing needs in Downtown, Montrose.

Gunnison River Expeditions: 970-874-8184

Potamoi Anglers:  970-249-9968

RIGS Fly Shop: 970- 626-4460

San Juan Scenic: 970-325-0089

Toads Guide Shop: 970-249-0408

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area:

Below the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. Consisting of 62,000 acres and 22 miles of the Gunnison River, additional protections are provided for plants and animals of the area. Recreational uses include: trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, horse back riding, and limited off highway vehicle use, whitewater and flat water boating, and hunting for big game, upland birds & water fowl. At the center of the Gunnison Gorge NCA is the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area. The Wilderness Area consists of 14 miles of river. The boundary starts at the border of the Black Canyon National Park and extends down stream to one mile below the confluence of the Smith Fork and the main branch of the Gunnison River. Because of the nature of the Wilderness Area, access by motorized vehicles is prohibited.

Boating at the Gunnison Gorge:

Since the River is in the Wilderness Area one must hike the last mile from the boundary off of Chukar Road down the one mile long Chukar Trail. The BLM reports that Chukar Road is a rough four-wheel drive road to the wilderness boundary. All gear and boats must be transported over the trail to the river. From Chukar to Red Canyon, the first six miles, the rapids are Classed II and III. In miles 7 & 8, the difficulty increases to Class III and IV. The most challenging mile of the river is mile 9, which starts at the “S Turn” with Class III and IV rapids. After the Grand Finale the canyon widens out and the last four miles have a Class rating of I & II rapids. Check with the Montrose BLM Office for the latest information on boating the Gunnison River: 970-240-5300.Detailed information at: www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nca/ggnca.html (Gunnison Gorge Brochure and Map)

Curecanti National Recreational Area:

Located on Highway 50, approximately 45 miles east of Montrose and 10 miles west of Gunnison, Curecanti National Recreation area offers multiple activities for the outdoors enthusiast. From hiking, camping, fishing and boating, Curecanti is a weeks adventure in Western Colorado. The Curecanti National Recreation Area was established in 1965, with the completion of the Blue Mesa Dam. Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest lake in the State of Colorado. There are three reservoirs in the Park, which forms the Wayne N. Aspenall Storage Unit, named after the long serving Congressman, a champion of Colorado water needs. These three dams are tasked with water storage for down stream irrigation, electricity generation, habitat mitigation, and flood control.

Blue Mesa Dam Area:

The 390 foot high earth and rock filled dam is the first large dam built on the Gunnison River. Completed in 1964, the dam created a reservoir of 20 miles in length with 96 miles of shoreline. Water storage is the primary goal of the Blue Mesa Dam. Morrow Point Dam Area: Morrow Point Dam is located in the upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison. This 468 foot tall, hollow arch dam was finished in 1968. The dam was the second phase of the Curecanti Project, later renamed the Wayne N. Aspenall Project, designed for water storage and power generation on the Gunnison River. The site of the dam is at river level 200 feet wide, expanding to 550 feet in width at the top of the dam. The power generation phase of construction was completed in 1972.  Morrow Point Dam offers boat tours through the Curecanti National Recreation Area, for information, rates, and reservations:  970-641-2337.