Populations of brown, brook, lake (Mackinaw), and rainbow trout are plentiful in Blue Mesa Reservoir. Other fish species in the park include yellow perch, sculpin, dace, and sticklebacks. Fishing success will vary based on season.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife supplies a large number of the eggs needed to supply hatcheries and sustain Kokanee populations in Blue Mesa, other reservoirs and lakes in the state. Research indicates that a large Lake trout population in Blue Mesa Reservoir is decreasing Kokanee Salmon fishing and egg production. For more information about this current issue and actions being taken, please visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
A valid Colorado fishing license is required for people 16 and older. Children under 16 do not need a license and can take full bag and possession limits.
All fish that are not kept as part of your bag limit must be returned to the water immediately.
Check the Colorado State Fishing Regulations for any special restrictions or closures that may be in effect, especially during the rainbow trout spawn.
Taking Kokanee salmon is prohibited in the Gunnison River east of the Lake City Bridge from August 1 to October 31. Kokanee can be snagged from:
Blue Mesa Reservoir: November 1 to December 31
Morrow Point Reservoir: September 1 to December 31
Crystal Reservoir: September 1 to December 31
Closed Waters
Fishing is not permitted in the following areas:
From Blue Mesa Dam downstream 225 yards.
From Morrow Point Dam downstream 130 yards.
From Crystal Dam downstream 200 yards.
Possession Limits
Reservoir
Fish Species
Bag limit (daily)
Possession limit (total)
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Lake trout
No bag limit for fish 32" (81.3 cm) or shorter
Only 1 fish longer than 32" (81.3 cm) per day
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Kokanee salmon
5
10
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Cutthroat, brook, brown, and rainbow trout
4
8
East Portal
Brown trout
4
8
East Portal
Rainbow trout
Catch and release only
Catch and release only
Fishing at East Portal, accessible via the East Portal Road in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
NPS Photo
East Portal
The Gunnison River from 200 yards downstream of Crystal Dam all the way through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the North Fork is designated Gold Medal & Wild Trout Water. This designation is given to the lakes and streams of Colorado that offer the greatest potentential for trophy trout fishing. Special regulations exist:
Only artificial flies or lures with one hook that has a common shank with a single double or treble hook may be used for angling in park waters open to fishing.
The use of lead sinkers, or other lead fishing materials, is strongly discouraged.
Bait or worms are prohibited.
All Rainbow trout are catch and release only. All other fish can be retained at the possession limit.
