East River Fishing Regulations
Gunnison County, Colorado · 2026 size limits, bag limits, and seasons
East River is a river in Gunnison County, Colorado. It has its own fishing regulations for 8 species, including Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Golden Trout, set separately for 4 sections of the river. These rules replace Colorado's statewide limits on this water.
Map of East River
Fish with special rules on East River
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East River limits by species (2026)
From the upstream property boundary at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery downstream to the confluence with the Taylor River
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Fish SpeciesArtificial Only | – | – | Year-round |
 Brook Trout | 12" max | 2 | Year-round |
 Brown Trout | 12" max | 2 | Year-round |
 Cutthroat Trout | 12" max | 2 | Year-round |
 Golden Trout | 12" max | 2 | Year-round |
 Lake Trout | 12" max | 2 | Year-round |
 Rainbow Trout | 12" max | 2 | Year-round |
 Sockeye Salmon | – | – | Year-round · Closed |
 Steelhead | 12" max | 2 | Year-round |
From the upper boundary of Roaring Judy SFU to the downstream boundary of Roaring Judy SFU
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Fish SpeciesArtificial Only; Fly Fishing Only | – | – | Always open |
| Brook Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
| Brown Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
| Cutthroat Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
| Golden Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
| Lake Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
| Rainbow Trout | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
| Steelhead | – | Catch & release only | Year-round |
From Roaring Judy Hatchery outlet downstream to Southern Roaring Judy State Fishing Unit boundary
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Fish Species | – | – | Aug 15 – Oct 31 · Closed |
From the hatchery outlet to the downstream boundary of Roaring Judy SFU
| Species | Size limit | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Fish Species | – | – | Year-round · Closed |
– means no limit is listed for this water. Rules not shown here follow Colorado's statewide regulations.
Plan your East River trip
East River fishing: common questions
What fish have special regulations on East River?
8 species have rules specific to East River: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Golden Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, and Sockeye Salmon.
What is the brook trout limit on East River?
Brook Trout have a maximum size of 12" on East River (from the upstream property boundary at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery downstream to the confluence with the Taylor River), and the daily bag limit is 2. Rules differ across 2 sections of the river.
What is the brown trout limit on East River?
Brown Trout have a maximum size of 12" on East River (from the upstream property boundary at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery downstream to the confluence with the Taylor River), and the daily bag limit is 2. Rules differ across 2 sections of the river.
What is the cutthroat trout limit on East River?
Cutthroat Trout have a maximum size of 12" on East River (from the upstream property boundary at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery downstream to the confluence with the Taylor River), and the daily bag limit is 2. Rules differ across 2 sections of the river.
Is East River catch and release?
Some rules on East River are catch and release only, covering Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Golden Trout, and Lake Trout and others. Check the table for the section and dates that apply.
Do Colorado statewide fishing rules apply on East River?
Where East River has its own rule for a species, that rule replaces the statewide limit. For species not listed on this page, Colorado's statewide regulations apply. Regulations are set by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife; confirm with the official 2026 regulations before keeping a fish.
Other Colorado waters with special regulations
- South Platte River
- Yampa River
- Colorado River
- White River
- Poudre River · Larimer
- Gunnison River
- Blue River · Grand, Summit
- Roaring Fork River
- Arkansas River · Chaffee , Lake , Fremont , Pueblo
- Animas River · La Plata
- Eagle River · Eagle
- Taylor River
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