Lake Fork Gunnison River State Wildlife Area

This small State Wildlife Area fishing easement is only a hundred yards from the highway, but gets very few visitors. This easement is on private property and access is allowed only for fishing.  The rushing stream is lined with willows and some cottonwoods, and you can find many nesting species of bird including Yellow Warbler, American Dipper, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. The canyon walls provide nesting areas for White-throated Swifts and Violet-green Swallows. If you watch the running water closely, you might see a brown, rainbow or cutthroat trout rise to the surface of this gold-medal fishery river.

Restrictions: Please abide by all CPW rules and regulations. This SWA is a fishing easement on private property that runs along the river for 3 miles. Access only allowed for fishing, respect private property.

County: Hinsdale

Directions: The SWA is just off CO 149, along a small, unmarked road that angles sharply to the northeast, 7 miles north of Lake City, and 38 miles south of the intersection of CO 149 and US 50.

Alternate Directions: From Lake City, drive north on CO 149 for about 7 miles to an unmarked, steeply descending road on the right. Drive down the hill to the wildlife area along the river.

Habitat: Lowland Riparian, Spruce-Fir Forest, Streamside Willow

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours:
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: A valid hunting or fishing license, or State Wildlife Area pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing any state wildlife area or state trust lands.

Parking: Unpaved parking along the road

Lodging: Hotels in Lake City

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Some viewing from car

Delorme: 67 C7-D7

ROC: 116 A2-A3

Latitude: 38.09488
Longitude: -107.29241

Visit the Website for Lake Fork Gunnison River State Wildlife Area »