Fly Fishing Lee's Ferry: Arizona's Blue Ribbon Tailwater

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
Rainbow trout	Year-round (spring best for hatches)	14-18" avg; 46-51°F water year-round
Brown trout bounty	Nov-Dec "Winter Bonanza"	$33/fish; $300 for tagged fish
Ideal flows	Bug Flow weekends	8,000-10,000 CFS normal; 3,000-8,000 CFS low/excellent
Regulations	Barbless, artificial only	2 rainbow limit; no limit on browns
Guided float	Book for spring	$400-600/day; Lees Ferry Anglers
Licenses & fees	AZ license + park entrance	$20/day non-res + $30 Glen Canyon NRA

The Deal With Lee's Ferry

Before Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1966, the Colorado River here ran warm and muddy - classic desert river conditions. The dam changed everything. Cold, clear water now releases from the bottom of Lake Powell at a constant 46-50°F year-round, creating ideal conditions for rainbow trout in a place where they have no business existing.

The result is a 15.5-mile tailwater fishery that runs from the dam to Lees Ferry proper, where the river enters Marble Canyon and begins its journey through the Grand Canyon. Arizona Game and Fish began stocking rainbows shortly after dam completion, and in 1981 designated this stretch as a Blue Ribbon fishery.

It's strange fishing. You're in the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by red rock canyon walls and Vermilion Cliffs, casting to fish that belong in Montana. The juxtaposition never quite makes sense, and that's part of the appeal.

Current Reality Check: The 2022 AGFD Data

Thirty years ago, Lee's Ferry was the Southwestern Mecca of big trout - anglers routinely experienced 40-fish days with multiple 20+ inch fish. The fishery has changed.

According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's 2022 Annual Report, the picture is sobering:

• Rainbow trout were only 60% of the fish assemblage during autumn 2022 sampling - the lowest percentage observed since monitoring began in 1991
• Electrofishing catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) hit record lows - the worst numbers in 31 years of monitoring
• Water temperatures were the highest ever recorded; dissolved oxygen at some of the lowest levels
• Non-native invasive species are increasing - smallmouth bass, green sunfish, bluegill, and black crappie are passing through the dam

The summers of 2022 and 2023 hit the fishery hard with low dissolved oxygen and elevated water temps. Fish are still there, but in lower numbers than historical highs.

What This Means for Anglers

AGFD's management goals provide realistic benchmarks:

• Target catch rate: At least 1 trout per hour ≥ 14 inches
• Trophy target: At least 0.1 trout per hour ≥ 20 inches (one per 10 hours)
• Healthy population indicator: 20-50% of fish should be under 6 inches (recruitment)

Recent trip reports indicate anglers are still catching solid rainbows in the 14-18 inch range, with occasional fish pushing 20+. The fish that are there tend to be healthy and robust - just fewer of them. Expect a good day to produce 10-20 fish, not the 40+ of years past.

What You're Fishing For

Rainbow Trout - The primary target. Wild fish ranging from 14-22 inches, with the occasional trophy pushing larger. These aren't stocked hatchery fish anymore - they've naturalized and reproduce in the river.

Brown Trout - Here's where it gets interesting. Browns are considered invasive and problematic because they prey on native species like the endangered humpback chub downstream in Grand Canyon National Park.

The Brown Trout Bounty Program

The National Park Service runs a Brown Trout Incentivized Harvest program that actually pays you to catch fish:

Bounty Type	Payout
Standard brown trout (>6 inches)	$33
Tagged brown trout (Sept-Oct)	$300
Winter Bonanza (Nov-Dec)	Standard $33 + bonuses for tagged fish

How it works:

1. Catch a brown trout over 6 inches
2. Record data on provided data card
3. Deposit head and guts (with data card) at the freezer at Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center
4. Collect payment

Requirements:

• Valid Arizona fishing license
• Barbless artificial lures/flies only
• No limit on harvest

This isn't a tourism gimmick - it's a serious conservation effort. Browns prey on and compete with native fish, threatening species that have called the Grand Canyon home for millennia. The program has been running since November 2020 and is expected to continue through at least 2025.

Pro tip: Browns concentrate on spawning gravel bars at Mile -4 and Mile -12 during November-December. The Winter Bonanza specifically targets these fish when they're most vulnerable.

Flow Conditions

Track Colorado River flows at Lees Ferry for real-time conditions.

Typical Flow Ranges

Flow (CFS)	Conditions
8,000-10,000	Normal operations - good fishing, standard techniques
10,000-15,000	Higher but fishable - may need heavier weight
15,000+	High flow events - challenging but experienced anglers find fish
3,000-8,000	Lower flows - often excellent fishing during "Bug Flow" weekends

Bug Flows: The Secret Weapon

The Bureau of Reclamation occasionally implements experimental "Bug Flow" releases - low, steady flows during weekends while maintaining normal fluctuating flows on weekdays for hydropower. During Bug Flow weekends, anglers catch an average of 1-2 more rainbow trout per day compared to fluctuating weekday flows.

Check the Bureau of Reclamation's Glen Canyon Dam operations page for current release schedules.

Water Temperature

Thanks to releases from the bottom of Lake Powell, water temperature stays remarkably consistent:

• Year-round range: 46-51°F
• Summer peak: May reach 51-52°F during hot summers
• No thermal stress during normal conditions - fish can be caught year-round

Regulations

The section from Glen Canyon Dam to the Paria River confluence (the main fishing water) has specific restrictions:

Regulation	Details
Tackle	Artificial flies and lures only - no bait
Hooks	Barbless required
Daily limit	2 rainbow trout (any size)
Brown trout	No limit - harvest encouraged
License	Arizona fishing license required

Below Navajo Bridge to Separation Canyon, there's no limit on any sportfish species.

Important: Catch and release is strongly encouraged for rainbows. With CPUE at record lows, every fish you release helps the fishery recover.

Fly Patterns That Work

Lee's Ferry is a technical fishery dominated by small stuff. The food base consists primarily of scuds (freshwater shrimp), midges (50+ varieties), and aquatic worms. Forget the big dries and streamers - this is precision nymphing water.

Midges (Year-Round, Size #16-24)

Midges are the primary food source. During hatches, trout can be maddeningly selective.

Essential patterns:

• Zebra Midge (#18-22) - Black, grey, red, purple, olive. The standard bearer.
• RS2 (#20-24) - Gray or olive for picky risers
• WD-40 (#20-22) - Another small-water staple
• Griffith's Gnat (#18-20) - For surface feeders during emergences
• CDC Shuttlecock (#18-20) - One angler reported standard #20 patterns being ignored while tiny CDC shuttlecocks produced 30+ fish

Hatch timing: Midges hatch year-round, but the largest emergences occur in spring (March-May). When they come off, they often emerge in mass numbers for extended durations - fish move into riffles to feed on emerging bugs.

Scuds (Year-Round, Size #12-16)

Scuds are abundant and trout love them.

Color guide:

• Orange and pink - Often the hot ticket. When dam releases change water levels, scuds get stranded, die, and turn orange-pink. Fish key on dead-drift orange/pink patterns.
• Olive and tan - Natural colors for standard conditions
• Ginger - Effective during rising water from dam releases

Specific patterns:

• Scud Muffin (Rio's tungsten bead jig hook version) - Designed specifically for this fishery
• Ray Charles Scud (#14-16) - Classic producer

San Juan Worms (Size #12-16)

• Red San Juan Worm (#16) - Currently producing well according to recent reports
• Tan and claret colors
• Essential backup when scuds and midges aren't working
• Especially effective after rain or during rising water

Wooly Buggers and Streamers (Size #4-10)

• Olive, black, and brown Wooly Buggers
• Cone head Sculpzillas in black, olive, and tan
• Best fished with sink-tip line when wading
• More effective for brown trout than rainbows

Techniques

Nymphing (Most Productive Method)

The standard approach is a two-fly nymph rig under an indicator. This is how guides fish it and how 90% of fish are caught.

Recommended setup:

• Strike indicator (foam preferred) set at 1.5-2x water depth
• Lead fly: Scud or San Juan Worm (#12-14)
• Dropper (18-24 inches below): Zebra Midge or small nymph (#18-22)
• Micro split shot (#6 or #4) - often need more weight than you'd expect
• 5X-6X tippet - these fish are line-shy

Critical techniques:

1. Set the hook on any indicator movement - fish here take subtly
2. Slowly lift your rod at the end of each drift - trout often follow and eat on the final lift
3. During midge hatches, consider dual midge patterns instead of scud/midge combo
4. Downsize during tough conditions - #24 midges can make the difference

Drift Boat Fishing

Most anglers fish Lee's Ferry from a drift boat, covering large pieces of water. This is the most effective method because:

• The river is big (100-300 feet wide) and deep in many sections
• You can cover more holding water efficiently
• Access to productive mid-river structure impossible to reach wading
• Guides know where fish concentrate

Typical drift: 8-10 miles, covering water from near the dam to the Lees Ferry ramp.

Wade Fishing Options

Wade fishing is possible but more limited. Key access points:

Walk-in water below the boat launch:

• The primary shore access, referred to as "walk-in water"
• Fish heavy nymphs and split shot around rocks
• Expect smaller fish on average, but decent numbers
• Can get crowded during spring and fall - bring patience

Below State Campground:

• Good bank access and productive water
• Scuds and San Juan worms usually produce
• Warning: Watch current carefully - it can sweep you into dangerous water quickly

Hike-in options:

• Jackass Creek wash provides vigorous hike-in access
• Tanner Wash is another option
• Check with Grand Canyon National Park for current trail conditions

Reality check: Many anglers note it's tough to fish effectively without a boat. The river is large, and much of the shoreline is impassable. If wade fishing is your only option, focus on the walk-in areas and manage expectations.

Best Times to Fish

Time of Day

Early morning (6-10am): Generally best conditions. Fish are most active, midge activity begins, and you beat the afternoon crowds and heat.

Midday (10am-3pm): Often slower. During spring, massive midge hatches around noon can shut off fishing as fish become hyper-selective. On summer days, the desert heat becomes oppressive.

Evening (4pm-sunset): Can be productive, especially in summer. Fish become active again as temperatures moderate.

Weather factor: Impending weather changes make Lee's Ferry fish shut down. If a storm is approaching, fish often won't eat even when conditions look normal.

Seasonal Breakdown

Season	Conditions	Notes
Winter (Nov-Feb)	Low pressure, good midge activity	Brown Trout Bonanza runs Nov-Dec. Minimal crowds. Water temp stable at 47°F.
Spring (Mar-May)	Best midge hatches, fish feeding aggressively	Most productive season. Sight-casting to rising fish during massive hatches. Book guides early.
Summer (Jun-Aug)	Potential water quality issues	2022-2023 saw low dissolved oxygen. Fish early morning. Hot for anglers.
Fall (Sep-Oct)	Good fishing, moderate crowds	Brown Trout Bonanza tags worth $300. Pleasant weather.

Trip Cost Breakdown

Planning a Lee's Ferry trip? Here's what to budget:

Licenses and Fees

Item	Resident	Non-Resident
Annual fishing license	$37	$55
One-day license	$15	$20
Glen Canyon NRA entrance (per vehicle, 7 days)	$30	$30
Glen Canyon annual pass	$50	$50
Vessel pass (if bringing boat, 7 days)	$30	$30

Note: If you have an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass ($80/year), entrance to Glen Canyon NRA is covered.

Guide Services

Service	Price Range
Full-day guided float (1 angler)	$400-450
Full-day guided float (2 anglers)	$500-600
Full-day guided float (3 anglers)	$600-700
Non-fishing guest	$20/person
All gear (rods, flies, lunch, water)	Usually included

Cancellation policies: Most outfitters charge $100/day if cancelled within 30 days; full rate if cancelled within 7 days or no-show.

Lodging

Option	Price Range	Notes
Marble Canyon Lodge	$90-150/night	Closest to Lee's Ferry, has restaurant
Lees Ferry Lodge at Vermilion Cliffs	$150-225/night	3 miles from entrance, rustic charm
Page, AZ hotels	$80-200/night	20 min drive, more options
Camping (NPS)	$20-35/night	Limited sites

Sample 3-Day Trip Budget (2 anglers)

Expense	Cost
Non-resident licenses (2)	$110
Park entrance	$30
Guided float day (2 anglers)	$550
2 nights lodging (Marble Canyon Lodge)	$240
Meals (2 days, 2 people)	$150
Gas (from Phoenix, ~300 mi each way)	$80
Total	~$1,160

Add another $550 for a second guided day, or plan DIY wade fishing days at $0/day beyond license and entrance fees.

Getting There

Lee's Ferry is located in northern Arizona, about 7.5 miles southwest of Page. It sits at the boundary between Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park.

Driving Directions

From Page, AZ (nearest town): Take US-89 south for about 25 miles, then turn west onto US-89A at the Marble Canyon junction. Follow signs to Lees Ferry Road, which splits off at Marble Canyon. The drive down to the river takes about 5 miles on paved road. Total: ~20-25 minutes from Page.

From Flagstaff: Head north on US-89 through Cameron, then continue to US-89A at the Marble Canyon junction. Total: ~2.5 hours (140 miles).

From Phoenix: Take I-17 north to Flagstaff, then US-89 north to US-89A. Total: ~4.5 hours (280 miles).

From Las Vegas: Take I-15 north to US-89, then east to US-89A. Total: ~4.5 hours (280 miles).

Access Points

• Lees Ferry Launch Ramp - Primary access, managed by NPS. Paved ramp, parking, restrooms.
• Walk-in wading access - Below the boat ramp and near State Campground
• Day-use boating fee - $30 per vessel (7 days) or included with annual pass

Cell Service

Expect no cell service at the river or in the canyon. Limited coverage may be available at Marble Canyon Lodge or the Navajo Bridge area. Plan accordingly:

• Download offline maps before arriving
• Let someone know your itinerary
• Don't rely on phone for navigation below the rim

Guide Services

Given the fishery's technical nature and the logistics of boat access, hiring a guide makes sense for first-timers. The learning curve here is steep.

Outfitters

Lees Ferry Anglers - (928) 355-2261

• The established fly shop and guide service, operating since the area became a fishery
• Full-service fly shop on-site at Marble Canyon
• Full-day floats: $400-600 depending on party size

Marble Canyon Outfitters - (928) 355-2245

• Operating since 1988
• Full-day and half-day options
• Known for patient instruction

Lees Ferry on the Fly

• Guided trips with 40-year veteran Dave Foster Trimble
• Fly fishing (1-2 anglers): $600
• Spin fishing (up to 3 anglers): $700
• Also runs kayak shuttles to Horseshoe Bend

Fly Fishing Specialties

• Guided trips and backhauls through Glen Canyon
• Experienced on technical midge fishing

What's Included

Most guide trips include:

• Jet boat and fuel
• All tackle (rods, reels, flies, leaders)
• Lunch and water
• 8 hours on the water

You provide: Arizona fishing license, appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and gratuity (15-20% standard).

Practical Information

What to Bring

Essential gear:

• 5-6 weight fly rod - Provides versatility. 9-foot standard.
• 9-foot leaders tapered to 5X-6X - These fish are line-shy
• Variety of indicators - Foam (Thingamabobbers) preferred over yarn
• Micro split shot - #6 and #4 sizes
• Polarized sunglasses - Essential for sight-fishing and glare reduction
• Sun protection - You're in the desert. Hat, sunscreen (SPF 50+), long sleeves, buff/neck gaiter
• Layers - Canyon temperatures swing 30+ degrees. Mornings cold, afternoons hot.

Nice to have:

• Stream thermometer (monitor water temp during summer)
• Wading staff (if wade fishing - bottom is slick)
• Headlamp (for early starts)
• Backup sunglasses (losing them in the canyon ruins a trip)

Nearby Services

Page, Arizona (nearest full-service town, 25 min):

• Lodging, restaurants, gas, groceries
• Walmart and outdoor stores for forgotten gear
• Medical facilities

Marble Canyon:

• Marble Canyon Lodge - basic accommodations, restaurant, gas
• Lees Ferry Anglers fly shop
• Historic trading post
• Limited grocery items

Weather Expectations

Season	Air Temp (Day/Night)	Conditions
Winter	45-55°F / 20-30°F	Clear, cold mornings, pleasant days
Spring	60-80°F / 35-50°F	Variable, can be windy
Summer	90-105°F / 60-70°F	Hot, start early
Fall	65-85°F / 40-55°F	Ideal conditions

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer monsoon season (July-August). Plan to be off the water by early afternoon if storms threaten.

The Bigger Picture

Lee's Ferry exists as a trout fishery because of Glen Canyon Dam - the same dam that drowned Glen Canyon itself and fundamentally altered the Colorado River ecosystem. It's a complicated legacy.

The cold, clear water that makes trout thrive also disrupts native fish populations downstream. The brown trout bounty program exists because one introduced species threatens another. The fishery's recent decline is tied to broader water management decisions across the Colorado River basin - the same decisions affecting water supply for 40 million people in the Southwest.

None of this means you shouldn't fish here. But it's worth understanding what you're stepping into - a manufactured ecosystem in a landscape that's been shaped and reshaped by human infrastructure for decades. The fishing is good. The place is stunning. And the future is uncertain.

Bottom Line

Lee's Ferry is a technical tailwater fishery that rewards patience, precision, and realistic expectations. The glory days of 40-fish days with multiple 20+ inch rainbows are likely past - 2022 AGFD data shows the lowest catch rates in 31 years of monitoring. But quality fish remain for anglers willing to work for them.

What to expect today:

• 10-20 fish on a good day (with a guide)
• Average size 14-18 inches
• Occasional fish over 20 inches
• Technical fishing requiring small flies (#18-24) and light tippet (5X-6X)
• Stunning red rock canyon scenery you won't find anywhere else

Come with appropriate expectations, bring small flies and light tippet, and appreciate the surreal experience of trout fishing in the desert at the doorstep of the Grand Canyon. And if you catch a brown trout, turn it in for the bounty - you'll pocket some cash while helping protect native species that have called this canyon home far longer than any trout.

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Track real-time Colorado River flow conditions at Lees Ferry. For more desert Southwest destinations, check our river intel guides.