Pike's Point is a reliable smallmouth and walleye spot on the lower Gunnison below Palisade
Pike's Point sits on the Gunnison River roughly 15 miles downstream from Palisade, Colorado, in a section where the river widens and slows after dropping through canyon country. The name comes from the rocky point that juts into the river and creates a natural current break — exactly the kind of structure that holds fish. You can reach it by driving to the small community of Palisade and following local access roads, or by floating down from higher sections. The water here runs warmer and slower than the upper Gunnison, which means smallmouth bass and walleye thrive where trout dominate upstream.
This is not a trophy destination, but it is a working fishery where you can catch numbers of fish on most days if you understand the seasonal patterns. Summer brings the best conditions for sight-fishing and topwater work. Fall and spring offer solid fishing around structure. Winter slows things down but does not shut the river completely. The key is matching your approach to what the water is doing that time of year.
Key Takeaways
- Pike's Point holds smallmouth bass and walleye year-round, with summer and fall offering the most consistent action.
- Access is by vehicle to Palisade-area parking, then a short walk or wade to the point, or by floating the river from upstream sections.
- Smallmouth respond to crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures in the current breaks around the rocky point.
- Walleye fishing is best at dawn, dusk, and night, using live shiners, jigs, or blade baits near the deeper channel.
- Water levels and temperature shift the bite location and timing throughout the year, so check current conditions before you go.
How to Reach Pike's Point and Where to Park
From Palisade, head south on County Road 3.3 toward the river. The road is paved for the first stretch, then becomes dirt as it approaches the Gunnison. Look for informal parking areas near the river access points — there is no formal lot, but locals and anglers have worn clear pull-offs. The walk from parking to Pike's Point itself is usually less than a quarter mile, depending on which access point you use.
If you are floating the river, you can put in at Palisade or at one of the upstream access points near De Beque and float down to Pike's Point. The float takes roughly two to three hours depending on water level and how much you stop to fish. You will need a shuttle vehicle at Palisade or arrange a pickup downstream. The river here is manageable for rafts and drift boats, but watch for occasional rocks and faster sections, especially in spring runoff.
Water access is open to the public along this stretch, but always respect private property on the banks. If you are wading from the point itself, wear a good pair of wading boots — the bottom is rocky and uneven, and the current can be deceptive even where it looks slow.
Smallmouth Bass Tactics for Pike's Point
Smallmouth at Pike's Point respond well to crankbaits that mimic the baitfish in the river — shad patterns in sizes 2 to 4 work year-round. Cast them upstream and let them dive into the current breaks around the rocky point. The bass often hold in the slack water just behind the point where the current splits, so focus your casts there. In summer, when the water is clear and warm, you can sight-fish to individual fish in the shallows early and late in the day.
Soft plastics — 4-inch tubes and crawdad imitations — work well when cast tight to the rocks and worked slowly along the bottom. Use a 1/8-ounce jig head so the lure stays in the strike zone without snagging constantly. Topwater lures like small poppers and walking baits produce explosive strikes in low-light conditions, especially in early morning or after sunset. The bass here are aggressive and will chase, so do not be afraid to work the lure with some action.
Spring and fall are peak seasons for smallmouth at Pike's Point. Water temperatures in the 60s to 70s degrees Fahrenheit put the fish in a feeding mood, and they roam more than they do in summer heat or winter cold. Summer fishing is possible but requires early starts and late finishes to avoid the midday lull. Winter fishing slows considerably, but a few fish will bite on small jigs and live bait if you are patient.
Walleye Fishing at Dawn, Dusk, and Night
Walleye at Pike's Point are primarily a low-light bite. Dawn and dusk are your best windows, and night fishing with a headlamp can be excellent if you are comfortable wading in the dark. Live shiners are the most reliable bait — fish them on a simple slip-sinker rig in the deeper channel that runs along the outside of the point. Cast upstream and let the current carry the bait into the strike zone, then hold position and wait.
Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics also work well. Use a 1/4-ounce jig in darker colors — black, purple, or brown — and work it slowly along the bottom. Blade baits like Kastmasters or small spoons can trigger strikes when walleye are aggressive, especially in fall. The key is patience and positioning: walleye do not chase as far as smallmouth, so you need to put the lure directly in front of them.
Summer walleye fishing is slow during the day but picks up significantly after dark. Fall and spring offer better daytime fishing, particularly around dawn and dusk. Winter is possible but requires more time and effort for fewer fish. If you are targeting walleye, plan to fish early morning or evening, or bring a headlamp and plan to stay after dark.
Seasonal Patterns and Water Conditions
Spring runoff (April through June) brings high, cold water that pushes fish into slower areas and makes wading dangerous. Fishing is possible but requires caution and an understanding that the bite is slower. As water levels drop and temperatures rise through June and July, the fishing improves steadily. By mid-summer, the river is lower and warmer, and both smallmouth and walleye are more active.
Fall (September through October) is excellent. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s, fish feed aggressively, and the river is at a manageable level. This is often the best time to visit Pike's Point. Winter (November through February) slows the bite, but fish are still present and will eat if you present the right lure or bait. The river rarely freezes solid here, so access is usually possible, though wading becomes uncomfortable.
Check the USGS Gunnison River gauge before you go. Water levels above 2,000 cubic feet per second make wading difficult and dangerous. Levels between 800 and 1,500 cfs are ideal for most fishing approaches. Temperature matters too — walleye bite better when water is below 70 degrees, while smallmouth remain active up to the mid-70s.
What Gear to Bring and What to Leave Behind
A 6- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod works for both smallmouth and walleye. Pair it with a reel that holds at least 150 yards of 8- to 10-pound braided line, which gives you better sensitivity and casting distance than monofilament. A 2- to 3-foot fluorocarbon leader (6- to 8-pound test) reduces visibility without sacrificing strength.
Bring a variety of lures: crankbaits in shad patterns, soft plastics (tubes and crawdads), topwater poppers, and jigs in 1/8- and 1/4-ounce weights. If you plan to fish live bait, bring a small cooler with shiners or crawdads. Wading boots with good ankle support are essential — the rocks are sharp and the bottom is uneven. A wading belt and chest waders (or waist waders in summer) keep you dry and safe. A headlamp is useful if you plan to fish dawn or dusk, and a net makes landing fish easier, especially in current.
Leave behind heavy lures and deep-diving crankbaits designed for lakes. The river here is not deep enough to justify them, and they snag more than they catch. Also skip the ultra-light rods — the current and rocky bottom demand something with backbone.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The biggest mistake is fishing the point itself without understanding the current. The rocky point creates a complex flow pattern, and fish hold in specific spots within that pattern. Spend time observing the water before you cast — look for the seams where fast and slow water meet, and focus your casts there. Random casting across the whole area wastes time.
Another common error is fishing too fast. Smallmouth and walleye here are not aggressive chasers in most conditions. Work your lures slowly, pause frequently, and let the current do some of the work. A lure that drifts naturally with the flow often outfishes one that is stripped quickly.
Wading too far or too fast is dangerous. The current looks slower than it actually is, and the rocky bottom is slippery. Wade deliberately, use a wading staff if you have one, and never wade deeper than your waist. If you feel the current pushing you, move back to shallower water immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Colorado fishing license to fish Pike's Point?
Yes. Colorado Parks and Wildlife requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online, at sporting goods stores, or at Parks and Wildlife offices. Licenses are available for one day, five days, or the full year, depending on your needs.
What is the best time of day to fish Pike's Point?
For smallmouth, early morning and late evening are most productive, especially in summer. For walleye, dawn and dusk are best, and night fishing can be excellent. Midday fishing is possible in spring and fall but slows considerably in summer heat.
Can I float the Gunnison and fish Pike's Point on the same day?
Yes, if you start early and have a shuttle arranged. A float from upstream takes two to three hours, so you can fish the upper sections, float down, and spend the afternoon at Pike's Point. Plan to finish before dark if you are not comfortable wading in low light.
Are there size or catch limits for smallmouth and walleye on this section?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife sets limits that change periodically. Check the current regulations on their website or in the fishing guide before you go. Limits vary by species and sometimes by section of river, so verify what applies to Pike's Point specifically.
What should I do if the water is too high to wade safely?
High water (above 2,000 cfs) makes wading dangerous and fishing difficult. Either wait for levels to drop or fish from the bank using longer casts and heavier lures that can reach deeper water. Bank fishing is less productive but safer, and you can still catch fish if you are patient.