Colorado (Lee's Ferry) Fishing Forecast
The Colorado (Lee's Ferry) in Arizona behaves like a classic tailwater: cold, predictable releases that stretch the trout season when freestone neighbors run warm or muddy. Anglers target rainbow trout across riffles, seams, and undercut banks in this region, with prime dry-fly and nymph windows typically clustering in March through November. USGS gauge 09380000 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days. Local tactics angle: Lees Ferry is one of the most unique tailwater fisheries in America. Cold, clear water releases from Glen Canyon Dam create a 15-mile trout fishery in the Arizona desert. Rainbow trout thrive in this unlikely setting. TroutFishing pairs hatch timing with solunar windows so you know when to be on the water—not just where.
Local Knowledge: Colorado (Lee's Ferry)
Based on local angler reports · Arizona · always verify before traveling
A regional note specific to this water: the river's most productive water is the water you have to walk to reach, and the walk is not a bug but a feature, and the feature is the reason the locals catch more fish than the visitors, and the locals know the water you have to walk to reach, and the water is the water the river gives back to those who walk to reach it. the river's character is shaped by the geology of the surrounding hills, and the trout that live here are the result of generations of adaptation to those specific conditions, which is why the patterns that work here are not the patterns that work elsewhere.
Constant 59°F water flows through the Colorado (Lee's Ferry) at 6470 CFS CFS — 5/10 today. Top pick: a Adams.
Open year-round
Glen Canyon Dam tailwater. Within Glen Canyon NRA - NPS regulations apply
Forecast and on-page guide updated June 21, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 10:39 PM
59°F
6470 CFS
12 PM - 2 PM
Adams
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June Hatches
Midge
Midge
Year-round primary food source in tailwaters
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round, pink and orange effective
Cicada
Terrestrial
Lees Ferry cicada hatch is unique, late May through June, foam patterns
Hopper
Terrestrial
Summer terrestrial fishing
Ant
Terrestrial
Flying ant falls effective
June Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Prime dry fly season. Evening hatches can be spectacular.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 46-52°F | Nymphing, Midges, Scuds |
| February | 46-52°F | Nymphing, Midges, Scuds |
| March | 47-53°F | Dry Flies, Midges, Cicadas |
| April | 48-54°F | Dry Flies, Midges, Cicadas |
| May | 50-56°F | Dry Flies, Midges, Cicadas |
| June(Now) | 52-58°F | Nymphing, Scuds, Streamers |
| July | 54-60°F | Nymphing, Scuds, Streamers |
| August | 56-62°F | Nymphing, Scuds, Streamers |
| September | 56-62°F | Streamers, Nymphing, Midges |
| October | 54-60°F | Streamers, Nymphing, Midges |
| November | 50-56°F | Streamers, Nymphing, Midges |
| December | 47-52°F | Nymphing, Midges, Scuds |
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout
tailwater
52°F - 58°F
What Makes the Colorado (Lee's Ferry) Unique?
Signature hatch or window
Midge (Midge) is a headline hatch to watch in June. Peak activity often tracks 45–60°F water temps.
Distinctive access
Lees Ferry Launch Ramp: Main access point with boat launch and parking. Gateway to the fishery.
Rules anglers miss
Artificial flies and lures only. Single barbless hooks required.
When is the Best Time to Fish Colorado (Lee's Ferry)?
Spring
Excellent fishing as midge activity increases. Fewer crowds than summer months. Water temps are ideal.
Summer
Peak season with consistent hatches. Fish early morning to avoid afternoon heat. Caddis activity increases.
Fall
Outstanding fishing with fewer anglers. Brown trout become more active. Cooler desert temperatures.
Winter
Year-round fishery stays productive. Midge fishing is primary focus. Fish during warmest hours.
Recommended Equipment for Colorado (Lee's Ferry)
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight is standard. Longer rods help with drift boat fishing.
Line
Floating line for most situations. Sink-tip for deep nymphing.
Leader & Tippet
9-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet for technical fish.
Waders
Breathable waders year-round. Water is cold even in summer desert heat.
Essential Flies
How to Fish Colorado (Lee's Ferry): Tips & Tactics
Lees Ferry is one of the most unique tailwater fisheries in America. Cold, clear water releases from Glen Canyon Dam create a 15-mile trout fishery in the Arizona desert. Rainbow trout thrive in this unlikely setting.
Best Times of Day
Year-round fishing is excellent due to stable dam releases. Morning hours offer the best midge activity. Midday can be productive with scuds and sowbugs. Evening brings caddis and mayfly activity in summer.
Recommended Techniques
Drift boat fishing is the most effective method for covering water. Wade fishing is productive at access points. Nymphing with small patterns is the primary technique. Dry fly fishing is excellent during midge hatches.
Water Conditions
Water temperatures remain stable year-round (46-50°F) due to dam releases. Flows vary based on dam operations - check USGS gauges. Optimal flows are 8,000-15,000 CFS.
Fly Selection
Scuds and sowbugs are the bread and butter patterns. Midge patterns in sizes 18-24 are essential. San Juan Worms produce consistently. Caddis and mayflies hatch seasonally.
Local Knowledge
Lees Ferry Anglers and Marble Canyon Lodge are the local experts. Book guides well in advance for prime dates. The fishery is managed as catch-and-release.
Local Tips
Marble Canyon is the gateway community with lodging and services. This is a bucket-list destination combining world-class fishing with spectacular desert scenery.
Access Points & Parking for Colorado (Lee's Ferry)
Lees Ferry Launch Ramp
Main access point with boat launch and parking. Gateway to the fishery.
Walk-In Access Below Dam
Hike-in access for wade fishing below Glen Canyon Dam.
Cathedral Wash
Access point for intermediate float sections.
Paria Riffle
Popular wade fishing area near the confluence.
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
8000 - 15000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
46° - 50°F
Ideal for active trout
Colorado (Lee's Ferry) Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Catch-and-release only. No trout may be kept.
Special Regulations
Artificial flies and lures only. Single barbless hooks required.
Bait Restrictions
Prohibited - artificial flies and lures only.
Notes
Arizona Game and Fish manages this special fishery. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area pass required.
Always verify current regulations with Arizona fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Colorado (Lee's Ferry)
Local Fly Shops
- Lees Ferry Anglers - Marble Canyon
- Marble Canyon Lodge
- Cliff Dwellers Lodge
Guide Services
- Lees Ferry Anglers Guide Service
- Marble Canyon Outfitters
- Arizona Fly Fishing
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Colorado (Lee's Ferry) — frequently asked questions
When is the best time to fish the Colorado (Lee's Ferry)?
Prime dry fly season. Evening hatches can be spectacular.
What flies should I bring to the Colorado (Lee's Ferry)?
For the Colorado (Lee's Ferry) (tailwater), carry: Scud, Sowbug, San Juan Worm, Zebra Midge, RS2, Griffith's Gnat.
What water temperature is best for trout on the Colorado (Lee's Ferry)?
On the Colorado (Lee's Ferry), trout hold between 46° and 50°F. Because the river is dam-fed, the temperature stays in this band year-round.
Do I need a fishing license for the Colorado (Lee's Ferry)?
Yes — you need a valid Arizona fishing license to fish the Colorado (Lee's Ferry). Local season: Open year-round.. Daily limit: Catch-and-release only. No trout may be kept..
What hatches should I watch for on the Colorado (Lee's Ferry) in June?
Midge is the signature hatch on the Colorado (Lee's Ferry) in June. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.
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