Colorado River — Lee's Ferry

Below Glen Canyon Dam

N Arizona, USA

Target species: Rainbow and Brown.

Stream gauge: 09380000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.

Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26

Colorado River at Lee's Ferry is running 7,570 cfs at 57.9°F — excellent conditions for the tailwater. Scud populations are peaking this month while midges remain active through midday warming cycles. No recent shop intel — outlook based on current conditions. Focus deep with scud patterns in 14-18, plus midge clusters during the 11am-2pm window when air temps hit triple digits. High summer flows will push trout tight to bank structure, so work the seams methodically.

Flow: 7,570 cfs — moderate release creating good bank seams without blowing out pocket water. Fish pushed tight to structure.
Hatches: Peak scud month with midges active midday. Olive Scud #16, Pink Scud subsurface. Midge clusters 11am-2pm as air warms.
Water Temp: 57.9°F — prime coldwater range. Consistent tailwater temps support steady feeding without thermal stress.
Best Window: Early morning before 100°F+ heat, then midday midge activity 11am-2pm when air temps trigger emergence.

Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.

About this Water

Tailwater
Best months: Year-round; peak Mar–Nov

Lees Ferry on the Colorado River in northern Arizona is the start of the Grand Canyon and one of the most consistent rainbow trout tailwaters in the Southwest. The 15-mile reach below Glen Canyon Dam runs through red rock canyon country in cold, blue, gin-clear water — fish in counts that few western fisheries can match. Walk-in wade access from the Lees Ferry boat ramp covers the lower mile; upstream requires a back-haul boat trip from Lees Ferry up to the dam. Midges dominate year-round; scuds, eggs, and small streamers all produce.

Lees Ferry is geographically Mile Zero of the Grand Canyon — the put-in for every Grand Canyon raft expedition — placing the trout fishery at the literal threshold of one of the world's great natural wonders.

January Outlook

Lees Ferry is one of the only year-round tailwater fisheries in the desert Southwest. The 15-mile reach from Glen Canyon Dam to the head of the Grand Canyon holds large rainbow trout year-round. Winter midge fishing is consistent in the canyon's spectacular setting. Midge clusters and RS2 are the primary patterns.

Productive Patterns

Zebra Midge
RS2
San Juan Worm
Mercury Midge

Tips

Fish the seams and mid-channel runs from a drift boat. The water volume here is extraordinary — 8,000–20,000 cfs. Wading is limited to the first few hundred yards from the boat ramp. 20-inch rainbows are common.

Water Notes

8,000–20,000 cfs regulated by Glen Canyon Dam. Water 48–54°F year-round. Warmer than typical tailwaters due to Lake Powell's deep reservoir draws.

February Outlook

February fishing at Lees Ferry is excellent. The desert setting provides mild air temperatures and consistent midge and Baetis activity. The canyon walls' red rock adds to the unique character. Fish are large and numerous.

Productive Patterns

Zebra Midge #22-24
RS2 #20
Scud (olive/tan)
Soft Hackle

Tips

February air temps can be cold in the morning — the canyon provides some wind protection. Fish the slower bank seams and mid-river slots. 6x tippet minimum.

Water Notes

8,000–18,000 cfs. Water 48–54°F. Consistent, clear releases. Winter crowds minimal.

March Outlook

March brings increasing BWO activity alongside consistent midging. One of the best months at Lees Ferry as hatches increase and water temperatures stabilize. Dry fly fishing becomes viable on warm afternoons with overcast skies.

Productive Patterns

Zebra Midge
RS2
BWO Parachute #20
Baetis Sparkle Dun

Tips

Watch for BWO hatches on cloudy afternoons. March desert temperatures can be very pleasant. The first dry fly fish of the year on a Baetis emerger is a Lees Ferry highlight.

Water Notes

8,000–22,000 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Spring begins to warm air temperatures. March can be windy.

April Outlook

Excellent spring fishing at Lees Ferry. Midge and Baetis hatches are consistent and the fish are large and plentiful. Spring dam releases can vary — check current CFS before the trip.

Productive Patterns

Zebra Midge
RS2
Baetis Sparkle Dun
Soft Hackle

Tips

Lees Ferry is unique — extremely deep, clear water with large rainbow trout. Float fishing with a guide is the standard approach. The canyon's spring wildflowers are beautiful.

Water Notes

8,000–20,000 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Consistent tailwater conditions. Check dam release schedule at usbr.gov.

May Outlook

May is a transitional month at Lees Ferry. Higher dam releases for downstream water demands can affect flows significantly. Fish push to the banks in high flow conditions. Midge and Baetis remain the primary patterns.

Productive Patterns

Zebra Midge
Scud (olive)
RS2
Soft Hackle (large)

Tips

Check flow forecasts before May trips — spring dam releases can push CFS well above 20,000. In high water, fish the inside seams near the launch ramp area.

Water Notes

Variable 12,000–35,000 cfs. Higher spring releases possible. Water 54–60°F.

June Outlook

Consistent fishing with multiple hatch opportunities. Lees Ferry fishes well regardless of season — the constant water temperatures support year-round midge and Baetis activity.

Productive Patterns

Midge Cluster
Soft Hackle
Baetis Dun
Egg Pattern

Tips

Summer dam releases for downstream irrigation demands affect CFS. Check usbr.gov before planning. High releases push fish to the bank seams.

Water Notes

Variable 12,000–30,000 cfs. Water 54–62°F. Release schedules at usbr.gov.

July Outlook

Hot desert summer but the river stays cold year-round. July is a challenging but productive month when flows stabilize. Midge and scud patterns are the most consistent. Early morning float trips before desert heat peaks.

Productive Patterns

Zebra Midge #22-24
Scud (olive/tan)
RS2
San Juan Worm

Tips

July heat (90–110°F air temps) requires early starts. The canyon provides shade in the morning. Ample water and sunscreen essential. Fish are still very active in the cold water.

Water Notes

8,000–25,000 cfs. Water 52–58°F despite 100°F+ air temps. The Glen Canyon Dam maintains consistent cold releases.

August Outlook

August conditions similar to July. The desert heat is at its peak but the river's cold temperature creates a remarkable contrast. Consistent midge and scud fishing. Monsoon season can bring afternoon storms to the canyon.

Productive Patterns

Zebra Midge
Scud (pink/olive)
RS2
Soft Hackle

Tips

Be aware of flash flood potential during monsoon season. Watch for afternoon storm buildup on the canyon rims. Fish early morning for the most comfortable conditions.

Water Notes

Variable 8,000–25,000 cfs. Water 52–58°F constant. Air temps 95–110°F. Monsoon thunderstorms possible.

September Outlook

September brings cooler desert conditions and outstanding fishing. Crowds thin from summer peak. Midge and BWO activity increases as air temperatures moderate. One of the best fall months at Lees Ferry.

Productive Patterns

Zebra Midge
BWO #20-22
RS2
Scud (olive)

Tips

September is an excellent month to visit Lees Ferry. Temperatures moderate, hatches improve, and crowds thin. BWO hatches begin on overcast afternoons.

Water Notes

8,000–20,000 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Fall air temperatures improving fishing conditions.

October Outlook

October is one of the most productive months at Lees Ferry. Stable releases and consistent hatches produce excellent fishing. The canyon's fall light is extraordinary. BWO hatches on overcast days are a highlight.

Productive Patterns

Zebra Midge
RS2
Soft Hackle
BWO Parachute #20

Tips

October releases tend to be more stable than summer. The fish are aggressive before winter. Streamer fishing with large patterns can produce exceptional results.

Water Notes

8,000–20,000 cfs. Water 52–58°F. Stable fall releases create ideal conditions.

November Outlook

November at Lees Ferry provides excellent fishing with increasing midge activity. The desert canyon is at its most dramatic with low-angle winter light. Crowds are minimal. Scuds and midges dominate.

Productive Patterns

Zebra Midge #22-24
Scud (olive/tan)
RS2
San Juan Worm

Tips

November is one of the best months for solitude at Lees Ferry. Excellent fishing with minimal crowds. Desert air temps are cool but comfortable mid-day.

Water Notes

8,000–18,000 cfs. Water 50–56°F. Stable winter releases.

December Outlook

December brings winter conditions to the desert canyon but excellent midge fishing. The canyon's red walls against a blue winter sky are spectacular. Fish are large, plentiful, and feeding consistently in the cold tailwater.

Productive Patterns

Zebra Midge
RS2 #20-22
Mercury Midge
Scud (olive)

Tips

Cold desert mornings require warm layers and hand warmers. The canyon provides some wind protection. Fish are concentrated in the mid-river slots and bank seams. One of the finest winter tailwaters anywhere.

Water Notes

8,000–18,000 cfs. Water 48–54°F. Consistent winter dam releases.

Hatch Calendar

Hatches calibrated to this water from MockData.swift seasonal seeds. Open the live forecast for daily hatch probability scores driven by gauge water temperature.

Insect	Peak	Active	Size	Productive Patterns
Midge Chironomidae	Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec	Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec	#22–26	Zebra Midge #22 WD-40 Griffith's Gnat Mercury Midge
Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp.	Jan, Nov, Dec	Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec	#18–22	Sparkle Dun #20 RS2 Comparadun #18 CDC Dun
Scud Gammarus spp.	Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec	Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec	#14–18	Olive Scud #16 Pink Scud Tan Scud Sparkle Scud

Access & Approach

Page, AZ is the primary base. Walk-in wade access from Lees Ferry boat ramp; up-river requires a back-haul service. Arizona fishing license + Lees Ferry trout stamp required. The river is part of Glen Canyon NRA — check current regulations.

Nearby Fly Shops

Shops within roughly 50 miles. Live shop reports auto-discovered on the forecast page; this list is informational.

Fish Dry Creek — 0 mi · covers colorado, lee's ferry
Pheasant Tail Fly Fishing — 0 mi · covers lees ferry, colorado
AZ Fly Shop — 1 mi · covers lees ferry, colorado

Regulations & License

Fishing in Arizona requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.

Arizona fishing regulations & license →

About Current

Colorado River — Lee's Ferry conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.

Colorado River — Lee's Ferry is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.

Open the live forecast for today's numbers and the 7-day outlook, or download the iOS app to carry it with you on the water.