Colorado (Lee's Ferry) Fishing Forecast
Glen Canyon tailwater
Open year-round
Glen Canyon Dam tailwater. Within Glen Canyon NRA - NPS regulations apply
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 4:36 PM
51°F
8380 CFS
4 AM - 6 AM
Scud
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout
tailwater
47°F - 53°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Midge
Midge
Year-round primary food source in tailwaters
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round, pink and orange effective
BWO
Mayfly
Overcast days in spring and fall
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 46-52°F | Nymphing, Midges, Scuds |
| February | 46-52°F | Nymphing, Midges, Scuds |
| March(Now) | 47-53°F | Dry Flies, Midges, Cicadas |
| April | 48-54°F | Dry Flies, Midges, Cicadas |
| May | 50-56°F | Dry Flies, Midges, Cicadas |
| June | 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
8000 - 15000 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
46° - 50°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Arizona Trout Rivers
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