What special fishing regulations apply at Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP?

Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Colorado's statewide 2026 rules, covering Rainbow trout. One of them reads: "Federal NPS overlay (Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP) — CPW Fishing License valid throughout (NPS does NOT supersede CPW); Gold Medal Waters — trout 2 / day combined with 16 in min TROPHY MANAGEMENT + artificial-fly-and-lure only + barbless single-hook required; one of country's most remote blue-ribbon trout canyons (1,000 ft canyon walls require permitted descent)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP?

Yes. Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP is in Colorado, so a valid Colorado fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Black Canyon reach; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Colorado rules.

Do Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP's special rules replace Colorado's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Colorado's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Black Canyon reach by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Black Canyon reach?

Rainbow trout has a water-body-specific rule on Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, each linking to its full Colorado regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Colorado limits.

2026 regulation year

Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP 2026 — Colorado Fishing Regulations

Colorado statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 5, 2026

Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of Colorado's 2026 fishing rules — covering Rainbow trout. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

Federal NPS overlay (Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP) — CPW Fishing License valid throughout (NPS does NOT supersede CPW); Gold Medal Waters — trout 2 / day combined with 16 in min TROPHY MANAGEMENT + artificial-fly-and-lure only + barbless single-hook required; one of country's most remote blue-ribbon trout canyons (1,000 ft canyon walls require permitted descent)
Source: Colorado special-water list

Per-species rules on Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP

Rainbow trout regulations →
Trout 2 / day with 16 in min TROPHY MANAGEMENT + artificial-fly-and-lure only + barbless single-hook required; Federal NPS overlay — CPW License valid

Official source

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) publishes the authoritative 2026 Colorado fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Colorado fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Colorado Parks and Wildlife's emergency-order feed — check it before any Colorado trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Colorado

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Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP?: Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Colorado's statewide 2026 rules, covering Rainbow trout. One of them reads: "Federal NPS overlay (Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP) — CPW Fishing License valid throughout (NPS does NOT supersede CPW); Gold Medal Waters — trout 2 / day combined with 16 in min TROPHY MANAGEMENT + artificial-fly-and-lure only + barbless single-hook required; one of country's most remote blue-ribbon trout canyons (1,000 ft canyon walls require permitted descent)." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP?: Yes. Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP is in Colorado, so a valid Colorado fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Black Canyon reach; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Colorado rules.
Do Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP's special rules replace Colorado's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Colorado's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Black Canyon reach by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Black Canyon reach?: Rainbow trout has a water-body-specific rule on Gunnison River Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, each linking to its full Colorado regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Colorado limits.

← Back to Colorado regulations overview