Lee's Ferry (Colorado River)
Arizona · Northern Arizona
Rainbow TroutBrown Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Lee's Ferry
Lee's Ferry Launch Ramp
The main Lee's Ferry access area immediately below Glen Canyon Dam is the most accessible and productive trout fishing in Arizona. Enormous rainbow trout averaging 16-20 inches with fish exceeding 26 inches are regularly caught. The cold clear Colorado River here creates ideal trout habitat in the middle of the desert Southwest.
💧 Ideal flow: 8,000–15,000 CFS. Lee's Ferry is a large tailwater below Glen Canyon Dam — flows are controlled by the dam and can vary significantly.
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Lees Ferry Campground
The campground area provides convenient access to consistent rainbow trout water with fish visible in crystal-clear water. Sight fishing to individual trout is possible throughout the year at Lee's Ferry. Midge patterns in sizes 20-26 are essential for this technical fishery.
💧 Ideal flow: 8,000–15,000 CFS. The main run fishes well at consistent moderate dam releases — midge and scud patterns work year-round.
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Mile 0 to Mile 3
The first three miles below Glen Canyon Dam represent the most intensively managed trophy trout fishery in the Southwest. Fish density here is extraordinary with populations far exceeding typical trout streams. Catch-and-release regulations throughout the Lees Ferry stretch protect this exceptional resource.
💧 Ideal flow: Controlled by Glen Canyon Dam — check TroutBible gauge as flows can shift dramatically with power generation demands.
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Cathedral Wash
The area near Cathedral Wash confluence provides access to slightly less pressured water while maintaining the exceptional trout quality. Large rainbows cruise the emerald green water feeding on midges and small baetis. This section also offers dramatic canyon scenery.
💧 Ideal flow: 8,000–15,000 CFS. The riffle sections fish best at moderate stable flows — wade fishing is possible below 10,000 CFS.
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Lonely Dell Ranch
The historic Lonely Dell Ranch area gives access to the uppermost section of the Lee's Ferry trout fishery. Large rainbow trout feed aggressively near the ranch grounds. Historical significance combines with world-class fishing to make this location special.
💧 Ideal flow: Fishes best at stable consistent dam releases — call the local fly shop for current conditions before making the long drive to the canyon.
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About Lee's Ferry Fishing
Lee's Ferry sits at the head of the Grand Canyon below Glen Canyon Dam, creating Arizona's only true tailwater fishery on the Colorado River. The dramatic desert canyon setting combined with cold, crystal-clear water released from the dam produces one of the most productive rainbow trout fisheries in the Southwest by fish-per-mile density.
Best Time to Fish Lee's Ferry
Spring and fall offer the most consistent fishing conditions with stable water temperatures and moderate flows. Winter can be excellent despite cold air temperatures due to the dam's consistent water releases, while summer heat and higher flows from dam operations can make conditions more challenging.
Species
Lee's Ferry is home to healthy populations of rainbow trout that thrive in the cold tailwater environment below the dam. These rainbows respond exceptionally well to small midge and scud patterns, which dominate the aquatic insect hatches throughout the year.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Arizona fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Lee's Ferry may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Arizona fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Live flow and gauge readings are sourced from the USGS National Water Information System and updated every 15–60 minutes. CFS (cubic feet per second) and gauge height give you a current snapshot of river conditions before your trip.