Colorado
Willowfly Anglers
Request a Reservation
Thanks for your interest in Willowfly Anglers. Fill out the form below and our team will contact you shortly to discuss availability and details.
Trip Summary
Willowfly Anglers is a fly fishing outfitter located at Three Rivers Resort in Almont, Colorado, where the East and Taylor Rivers converge to form the Gunnison River. Its location in the heart of the Gunnison River drainage makes it an ideal home base for daily fly fishing adventures including float fishing the Gunnison River or walk/wade fishing the many tributary streams or lakes in the area. The guides at Willowfly Anglers are knowledgeable professionals who can help anglers of all ability levels achieve success. At this beautiful family-owned resort, you can choose from several lodging options to fit any group size, budget, and level of amenities. Each trip is a bespoke experience, built exclusively for your group and their unique goals and preferences. For anglers and families seeking a convenient location that offers exceptional fishing access and lots of flexibility in planning a custom itinerary, Willowfly Anglers at Three Rivers Resort is a wonderful option.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
WHY BOOK WITH TRIDENT
- No Credit Card Fees
- Same Price as Booking Direct
- Earn Trident Rewards
Trident Travel's expert planning service is free of charge. Our rates are the same as you would pay by booking directly with the outfitter or lodge.
Contact us for package options and the most current pricing.
What's Included:
- Guided Fishing
- Lodging Accommodations
- WiFi at the lodge
- Rental fishing equipment if needed
- Flies and terminal tackle on guided trips
What's Not Included:
- Airfare to/from Gunnison, Colorado (GUC)
- Transfers to/from the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC)
- Fishing License (approximately $50)
- Gratuities for guides and housekeepers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Meals (except lunches on full-day guided trips)
- Laundry service (2 coin-operated laundromats on-site)
Gallery
Seasonal Fishing
Calendar
April typically brings pre-runoff conditions with low, clear flows and excellent nymph fishing. Midges, Blue Winged Olives, and attractor patterns like eggs, worms, and stonefly nymphs are all productive as trout feed actively after winter. By mid-to-late May, snowmelt begins to push flows higher on freestone rivers and water can become turbid. During this time, nearby tailwaters remain clear and highly productive.
Early June often brings peak runoff flows, followed by some of the best fishing of the year as rivers begin to drop and clear. Major insect activity begins with Golden Stones, Caddis, and Yellow Sallies. By late June and early July, the highly anticipated mayfly hatches begin on the Gunnison River, including Green Drakes and PMDs, with the hatch progression moving upstream into the East and Taylor Rivers. Prime time for Colorado trout fishing.
Late summer and fall bring stable flows and a shift toward smaller insects such as Blue Winged Olives and midges. Streamer fishing can be excellent until the first hard freeze of fall. This is also when Kokanee Salmon begin their annual spawning run up the Upper Gunnison River from Blue Mesa Reservoir toward the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery on the East River, offering a unique opportunity to target these hard-fighting landlocked salmon with nymphs or swung streamers.
Winter conditions bring ice to many freestone rivers, shifting most fishing activity to nearby tailwaters. Nymphing is the primary technique, with consistent action for Rainbow and Brown Trout throughout the colder months. The Taylor River Catch-and-Release section is particularly well known for producing large trout in winter, with fish in the mid-20-inch class caught regularly and even larger fish landed each season.
Lodging & Accommodations
Accommodations
Three Rivers Resort offers several styles of lodging accommodations ranging from rustic fishing cabins to 5-bedroom vacation homes. Depending on the size of your group and your desired amenities, there's an option to meet your needs. All cabins feature a full kitchen, bedding, towels, and cookware. Riverside cabins allow for direct access to the Taylor River on the property. Some cabins also feature a private hot tub overlooking the Taylor River - a delightful place to wind down after a long day on the water. In addition to fly fishing trips, Three Rivers Resort offers guided whitewater rafting trips, guided kayaking trips, a full-service fly shop, and a general store with basic grocery items.
Food
Fishing packages do not include meals, except for lunches on full-day fishing trips. You may choose to prepare meals in your cabin, or enjoy the many restaurants in Gunnison and Crested Butte. The Smokehouse is an on-site summertime BBQ restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from June through September. Enjoy delicious smoked meats, sandwiches, desserts, and cold cocktails from the well-stocked bar in a casual patio setting.
Connectivity
Complimentary WiFi is available at Three Rivers Resort. Although it is generally a reliable service, it can be affected by adverse weather conditions. Cell service may be available at the lodge depending on your service plan and provider.
Target Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Kokanee Salmon
5-Day Itinerary
Each day is carefully planned to maximize your fishing success while experiencing the best of what this destination has to offer. Itineraries are flexible based on conditions and guest preferences.
A trip with Willowfly Anglers begins with a flight to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) in Gunnison, Colorado. Once you've arrived in Gunnison, you'll either rent a vehicle or take a pre-arranged shuttle about 20 minutes to the lodge. Depending on when your flight arrives, you can fish the private water of the Taylor River on the property. After fishing, you can settle into your cabin and prepare for the next day's fishing, enjoy a meal at the Smokehouse Restaurant, or drive to Gunnison or Crested Butte for dinner.
The next morning, you can prepare breakfast in your cabin, or enjoy breakfast at the lodge or in Gunnison before departing for the river with your guide. Transportation is provided by your guide, beginning and ending at the Willowfly Anglers fly shop, just a short walk from your cabin. Daily fishing adventures could include float-fishing the Gunnison River, or wade-fishing one of the area's streams, creeks, tailwaters, or lakes. By midday, your guide will serve a hearty cooler lunch, allowing you to rest and rehydrate. After an afternoon fishing session, your guide will return you to Three Rivers Resort, where you can relax at your cabin, head to Crested Butte or Gunnison for dinner, or wade fish on the Taylor River.
The next morning, you can enjoy breakfast and coffee at the lodge before checking out of your cabin. Depending on when your flight departs, you are welcome to fish on the property before departing. After fishing, you'll take a pre-arranged shuttle or drive approximately 20 minutes to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC). From there, you'll board your flight back to your home destination. Note: All packages are customizable in length and inclusions. Three Rivers Resort does not have set arrival and departure days.
Frequently Asked Questions
GET IN TOUCHWillowfly Anglers offers something for everyone, from beginners to advanced anglers. No previous experience is required for this trip, although we highly recommend practicing your casting to get the most out of your experience.
Most importantly, you should practice casting, as accuracy and presentation are paramount in trout fishing. Also, purchasing the right gear, tackle, and clothing is important - use our recommended packing lists. Additionally, you should think about your goals for the trip so that you can relay them to your guides. Lastly, figure out your travel logistics well in advance.
All packages with Willowfly Anglers are customizable for your group, so they can be as physically challenging as you prefer. For those who prefer a less physical trip, floating the Gunnison River covers lots of water without the need for any wade fishing. For those who prefer to wade, walk/wade trips can focus on high-country streams where hiking in remote areas is necessary.
As with any fishing trip, numerous variables can influence the fishing, including flows, weather, hatches, and angler ability. During prime conditions, it is not uncommon for an angler to catch 20 or more fish in a day. Big fish are possible at any time of the season on the Gunnison River and many of its tributaries.
The Upper Gunnison River has very few rapids, as it mostly meanders through ranchland lined with cottonwood trees. Your expert guides prioritize safety and will prepare you well ahead of time for any approaching rapids.
Yes! Willowfly Anglers is one of the best family-friendly operations in Colorado. The property at Three Rivers Resort offers various styles of lodging to fit the size and needs of your group. Additionally, Three Rivers offers daily whitewater rafting trips in the summertime, ranging from mellow class II floats to exciting class III trips on the Taylor River. The Gunnison Valley also offers great shopping, horseback riding tours, ATV tours, and excellent dining options.
The climate in the Colorado high country is extremely variable. Summer temperatures can be warm, with highs around 85 degrees F. Spring and Fall weather can be unpredictable, with high's in the 60's or lows dipping to well below freezing. Winter is long and harsh at high elevations, with considerable snowfall and consistent freezing temperatures. Anglers should plan to dress in layers to stay protected from sun, wind, and possible rain anytime during the season.
Yes, tipping is customary, although it is at your discretion. Trident provides tipping guidelines in your pretrip planning materials. Please plan on tipping in cash.
Medical emergencies and evacuations can happen in remote destinations, which is why we strongly recommend enrolling with Global Rescue before your trip. Global Rescue provides industry-leading medical and security evacuation services, and they also offer comprehensive travel insurance plans serviced through IMG. This all-in-one solution allows anglers to secure both emergency evacuation coverage and travel insurance through a single provider, helping ensure you’re protected if something unexpected occurs before or during your trip.
