Colorado River - Lee's Ferry - Arizona
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Colorado River – Lee’s Ferry - Water Flow Chart
Colorado River – Lee’s Ferry - Weather report & radar
Colorado River – Lee’s Ferry - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midge | Midday | #18 – #22 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge |
| February | Midge | Midday | #18 – #22 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge |
| March | Midge, Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #18 – #20 | Zebra Midge, Parachute BWO |
| April | Midge, Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #18 – #20 | Zebra Midge, Parachute BWO |
| May | Midge, Cicadas | All Day for Midges, Afternoon for Cicadas | #16 – #22 for Midges, #6 – #10 for Cicadas | Zebra Midge, Foam Cicada Patterns |
| June | Midge, Cicadas | All Day for Midges, Afternoon for Cicadas | #16 – #22 for Midges, #6 – #10 for Cicadas | Zebra Midge, Foam Cicada Patterns |
| July | Midge, Hoppers | All Day for Midges, Afternoon for Hoppers | #16 – #22 for Midges, #6 – #10 for Hoppers | Zebra Midge, Foam Hopper Patterns |
| August | Midge, Hoppers | All Day for Midges, Afternoon for Hoppers | #16 – #22 for Midges, #6 – #10 for Hoppers | Zebra Midge, Foam Hopper Patterns |
| September | Midge, Hoppers, Tricos | Morning for Tricos, All Day for Midges, Afternoon for Hoppers | #16 – #22 for Midges, #6 – #10 for Hoppers, #20 – #24 for Tricos | Zebra Midge, Foam Hopper Patterns, Trico Spinners |
| October | Midge | All Day | #18 – #22 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge |
| November | Midge | Midday | #18 – #22 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge |
| December | Midge | Midday | #18 – #22 | Zebra Midge, Disco Midge |
Colorado River – Lee’s Ferry Access Points
Fly fishing on the Colorado River can be a rewarding experience, especially at Lee’s Ferry. Here are the best access points:
- Lee’s Ferry Boat Ramp: Accessible all year round, the boat ramp offers great shoreline fishing opportunities.
- Walk-In Area: Located below the Glen Canyon Dam, it provides the most productive fishing spot at Lee’s Ferry. It’s a 15-minute walk from the parking lot.
- Upriver Trips: While technically not an access point, guided drift boat trips provide opportunity to fish areas of the river inaccessible from shore.
Keep in mind, all angling here is catch-and-release only and requires a valid Arizona fishing license along with a trout stamp. Be sure to check the National Park Service website for updates on any changes to fishing regulations.
Colorado River – Lee’s Ferry Fishing Spots
The Colorado River – Lee’s Ferry is a popular destination among fly fishing enthusiasts. There are several spectacular spots along this stretch offering a unique and rewarding fishing experience.
- Walk-In Area: Accessible year-round, it’s a preferred spot for catching rainbow trout. The geographical features provide productive fly fishing conditions.
- Boat Area: Between Paria Riffle and Ropes Rapid, this area offers a wide variety of fish species. Boat rental services are available at Lee’s Ferry.
- Spencer Trail: A challenging hike culminating in a secluded fishing spot, abundant in trout.
- Vermilion Cliffs: The base of these stunning cliffs offers excellent fishing opportunities. High cliffs provide shade, creating ideal conditions for trout.
Colorado River – Lee’s Ferry Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: This species is the most targeted for fly fishing at Lee’s Ferry due to its high concentration.
- Brown Trout: Though less common, this species is a prized catch for fly anglers for its high fighting spirit.
- Bluegill: This small species is great for beginners and provides fun and action-packed fishing.
- Channel Catfish: This bottom-dwelling species presents a unique challenge for fly fishermen.
- Largemouth Bass: These aggressive fish make for a fun and challenging catch, especially on a fly rod.
- Smallmouth Bass: They are known for their fighting spirit and are a top choice for many seasoned anglers.
- Striped Bass: These are powerful fighters, providing exciting action for fly fishermen.
- Common Carp: Though often overlooked, carp can be a challenging and rewarding catch on a fly rod.
About the Colorado River – Lee’s Ferry
Meet the Lee’s Ferry, a rounding point to the rich history of the Colorado River. Nestled in the heart of Arizona, this historical site is a gateway to Grand Canyon National Park and serves as the starting point for most river trips through the Grand Canyon.
The significance of Lee’s Ferry stems from its location – the only spot in 260 miles where you can easily access the Colorado River from both sides without a major hike. The ferry was established by John D. Lee, a Mormon settler, in 1871.
- Lee’s Ferry saw its bustling days as the only crossing along the river for travellers, miners and settlers during the late 1800s.
- In the 1920s, with the construction of the Navajo Bridge, the ferry was no more in use.
- Today, it’s an important launch spot for river runners and a hub for anglers chasing the rainbow trout.
So, all set to experience history and adventure at Lee’s Ferry on the scenic Colorado River?
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