Colorado River at Lees Ferry

Fishable

Flow~7,500-8,500 CFS base at USGS gauge 09380000 (most recent reading 8,000 CFS as of June 19); daily hydropower generation swings producing a range of approximately 7,500-11,000 CFS as Bureau of Reclamation continues drought-reduced 6.0 maf annual release tier; Lake Powell at ~3,527 ft elevation—dropping steadily, now ~31 ft lower than this time last year and only 23% capacity; WY2026 unregulated inflow projected at only 3.27 maf (34% of average); emergency Flaming Gorge Reservoir releases ongoing to stabilize Powell through WY2027; 3,490 ft minimum power pool threshold remains the critical floor—only ~37 ft of margin; lower base flows concentrating fish into predictable feeding lanes and improving wade access near the ramp; wade anglers must still monitor exit paths during midday generation ramps

Trendstable

Claritygin-clear

Temp~61°F (16.0°C) at the USGS gauge as of June 19—a significant jump from 54-55°F readings earlier this week, continuing the warming trend driven by Lake Powell's critically low pool (3,527 ft, 23% capacity) pulling from increasingly shallow, warm layers; dam release temps likely in the mid-50s°F with downstream warming through the 15-mile reach pushing gauge readings above 60°F in afternoon heat; dissolved oxygen levels a growing concern—dam operations with jet tube bypass flows helping maintain O2 but monitor closely; warming temps concentrating viable trout habitat into the first 2-3 miles below the dam where water remains coolest; water clarity remains gin-clear

San Juan Worm #14 (red/pink/rust—lead flyconsistent top producer)Scud Muffin #12-14 (tungsten bead trailer—still the hot ticket)Orange/Pink Scud #14 (dead-drifted for stranded naturals during flow changes—warmer water increasing scud activity)

Flows in the 7,500-11,000 CFS daily range (base 8,000 CFS per USGS reading June 19) as Bureau of Reclamation continues drought-reduced 6.0 maf annual release tier. Lake Powell dropping to ~3,527 ft elevation—down ~31 ft from last year, only 23% capacity with just 37 ft of margin above the 3,490 ft power pool floor; WY2026 inflow at 34% of average; emergency Flaming Gorge releases ongoing. Water temp at the USGS gauge hit ~61°F (16.0°C) on June 19—a notable jump from 54-55°F earlier this week, driven by continued low-pool warming and peak summer heat. This is a significant departure from the historical 46-50°F release norms. Warmer temps concentrating viable trout habitat into the first 2-3 miles below the dam where water is coolest; fish beyond mile 3-4 under increasing thermal stress. Post-spawn rainbows averaging 14-16" still feeding aggressively in vegetated riffles and current seams; 18-20" specimens holding in deeper slots near 4-Mile Bar. Guides reporting 10+ fish per rod on productive mornings—fishing remains solid despite warming water. Scud/worm rigs remain the dominant producer—San Juan Worm #14 (red/pink/rust) on point with tungsten Scud Muffin #12-14 or Orange/Pink Scud #14 trailer is the go-to setup. Warmer water temps appear to be increasing scud activity—fish keying hard on dead-drifted orange/pink patterns. Midge hatches effectively done for the season—dawn window is negligible. Sink-tip bite with Olive Woolly Bugger or Black Leech productive for browns on deeper shelves. Gin-clear water demands 5X-6X fluorocarbon and deliberate presentation. Heat is the critical limiting factor—canyon temps hitting 105-112°F by late morning. Plan fishing sessions around dawn (5:00-9:30am) and be off water by 10am. Hydrate aggressively—carry 3+ liters per person minimum. Monsoon season approximately 1-2 weeks out.