Jason White - Owner of CBA and 15 year veteran guide.  Raised in Southern Illinois and learned to fish moving water in the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas.  Moved to Gunnison in 1993 and graduated from Western State College in 1996.  Married to Jenifer with children Vivian, Jake, and Ike the lab.  He escapes winter by hosting saltwater excursions to Mexico and making trips to our fly tying facility in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Jason is a part of the Boulder Boat Works and Daiichi pro-staffs.

Moose Hofer - Grew up in New Jersey catching and shooting everything in sight.  Moved to Colorado to attend Colorado School of Mines.  Moose wears multiple hats between guiding hunters and anglers, as his years with Scott Fly Rods added a mountain of fly casting knowledge to his quiver of instruction.  His 12 years of guide experience is obvious and simply put, Moose takes care of his clients.   You can find Moose on many pro-staff's, including scott, korkers, and echo rods.  This winter he is guiding quail, pheasant, and trophy whitetail hunts on the historic Barbie ranch in the panhandle of Oklahoma.

Dane Emerson - Dane moved to Gunnison County for one reason, fishing!  Raised in Michigan, Dane has been involved in the industry since his teenage years.  Working at the local fly shop, teaching fly tying to large groups, commercial tying, guiding, and spending 300+ days on the water  has him fine-tuned and on his game.   Dane will be sharing his skills during our winter fly tying class.  He is also the Man to fish with at the Taylor River "Catch and Release".  His extensive knowledge of this fishery and guiding patience equals success for many happy clients!

                   Up to 25 miles of prime trout habitat with browns, rainbows, cuttbows, cutthroats, kokanee salmon, a few brookies, and some lost lake trout from the Blue Mesa Reservoir.  The East and Taylor Rivers meet to form the Gunnison at 8000 above sea level.  The river mainly cuts through the big ranches and meadows before an impressive cliff section and ultimately flowing through the big valley west of the town of Gunnison and into the largest body of water in Colorado, the Blue Mesa.  Late March, April, and early May are proven to be good early season months.  Streamers and nymphing are productive techniques, with some bwo and midge dry fly action as well.  After run-off in June we experience some of the best with caddis, golden stones, bwo, pmd, and green drakes.  July is the most consistent month with regular hatches, good water, and beautiful summer weather.  August means the arrival of kokanee salmon.  September, October, and early November are some of my favorite months with awesome fishing.  Turning leaves and light pressure make for a spectacular time to be in the Rockies!  Late March – November,  Half or full day trips with nice lunch served on full day trips                                             

 1 person 1/2 day - $295

1 person full day - $350

2 person 1/2 day - $325

2 person full day - $395

Below : 10/08 John Sr. is tight on a classic fall day.

We have an excellent sample of local streams on private and public lands.  Ideal for learning how to approach a stream or lake with success.  Casting techniques, line management, fish habitat, entomology and fly selection, rigging, recognizing strikes, hook setting, playing fish, and landing fish are some topics that will be covered.
Private on the Taylor River - Over 1 miles of some of the most productive runs, riffles, and pools the Taylor has to offer.  Big browns and rainbows dominate and typical tailwater patterns work well along with freestone patterns.   Spring and Fall – Best times.   $100 per rod.

Private Creek - Close to 4 miles of  private creek with beaver ponds.  Great for kids, families, and beginners, for that matter, Anyone!  Beautiful scenery of Taylor Park while fishing a unpressured private creek   $45 half day and $75 full day rod fees.

1 person 1/2 day - $225

1 person full day - $295

2 person 1/2 day - $295

2 person full day - $350

3 person 1/2 day - $365

3 person full day - $450

Below : A nice cutt from the Taylor River on a sunny April day.

The Blue Mesa, which is the dammed Gunnison River, is the largest body of water in Colorado offering 100 miles of shoreline.  We take a different approach than most anglers on the lake.  Rather than deep trolling with hardware, we hit the many coves and inlets and fish the bank structure with flies.  We drift the bank with a trolling motor and cast different streamers into the nooks and crannies for strong rainbows, browns, lakers, perch, and cutts.  Sinking lines and shooting heads are aften used to get the flies into the zone. The many tributaries also offer great habitat as we can walk up multiple streams and fish a hole or two.  The Blue Mesa has a lot to offer and we fish from a 17 foot tracker with bow and stern casting platforms owned by guide Moose Hofer.  Moose is an advanced casting instructor and time with him is guaranteed to be not only a blast but full of casting details that will make you a better angler.

1/2 Day - $325

Full Day - $425

Below : Lake boat ready for action

We are lucky to have access to this unique fishery.  25 ponds are connected and fed by the cold clear run-off from nearby Ragged Mountain.  Ten-pound fish are common, and over 12 species of trout and char are willing to take your fly, including tiger trout.  Breathtaking scenery and easy access are icing on the cake.  Great for everyone!

1 person - $420

2 person - $600

3 person - $825

Below : Owner/Guide Jason White casting to cruising trout on crystal lake with ragged mountain in the background, a flyfisher's dream playground!           Brain Bailey photo

Starting in late July, over 50,000 adult salmon make a run the Roaring Judy East River Hatchery.  These hard fighting 15”-20” 2-4 pounders are a blast.  Do you like to catch a lot of big fish?  Well here you go. Aug-Nov, float or wade.  Try an April float when the Division of Wildlife releases 3 million salmon fry into the river, great streamer action for trout.  Late July-November.  Float and walk/wade prices apply.

Below : All smiles after landing this July chrome salmon

Float the Gunnison Gorge with our friends from Gunnison River Expedition on a 1, 2, or 3 day adventure.  This is a world-class trip where the river produces one of highest fish count per acre in the country, 8000 trout per mile.  This 13 mile Wilderness float is a one of a kind in Colorado and should be on every anglers list.  Whitewater rafting and wingshooting too!  Outfitter #2561

1 day - $900 per boat

2 day - $2200 per boat

3 day - $3000 per boat

We also fish the often over-looked lower stretch of the Gunnison Gorge, which is recognized as having  big strong trout.  This is a long day trip from Crested Butte and we float in the comfort of dories and fishing frame rafts.  This is a finicky fishery due to tributaries that carry a lot of sediment, but when it’s on it’s hard to beat.  This is a desert float with the canyon opening and typical of desert tailwaters, the fish count goes down as you travel from the dam, but average size increases.  It’s hard to pinpoint the perfect time, usually mid-summer thru November, day-to-day.  Outfitter #2561

$600 per day

Below : The foam dave's hopper got this rainbow to eat!