Arizona
Colorado River at Lees Ferry
Location Snapshot
Lees Ferry is a cold, clear Colorado River tailwater below Glen Canyon Dam, centered on a focused rainbow trout fishery. Dam-regulated canyon water and classic tailwater habitat give this Arizona reach a distinct identity from Lake Powell and the broader Colorado River system.
Current River Rating
Fair · 54
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Consider
Recommended Window
Wednesday, 7:00 AM–10:00 AM
Why
- Dawn low light is favorable.
- Air temperature is comfortable for a river trout trip.
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: High
Current Readings
- Flow
- 8070 CFS
- Gage Height
- 8.13 ft
- Water Temperature
- 66.9 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 21, 2026, 1:00 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 09380000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Partly cloudy
Temperature
73°F
Feels like
70°F
Wind
5 mph NE
Wind gust
9 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 6:30 PM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 8 PM
Overcast
Temp 69°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Wed 12 AM
Overcast
Temp 64°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Wed 4 AM
Overcast
Temp 63°F
Chance 20%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Wed 8 AM
Drizzle
Temp 60°F
Chance 20%
Precip 0.01 in
Wind 4 mph
Wed 12 PM
Overcast
Temp 68°F
Chance 58%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Wed 4 PM
Overcast
Temp 68°F
Chance 60%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 77°F / Low 56°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 11 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Rain
High 68°F / Low 60°F
Chance 65%
Precip 0.49 in
Max gust 15 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Drizzle
High 80°F / Low 61°F
Chance 88%
Precip 0.15 in
Max gust 33 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Drizzle
High 69°F / Low 55°F
Chance 32%
Precip 0.01 in
Max gust 22 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The Colorado at Lees Ferry is the rainbow trout water from Glen Canyon Dam to the beginning of Paria Riffle.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Colorado River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Arizona Game and Fish Department
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Tailwater
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Coconino, Arizona
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Coconino
Management Category
Tailwater trout river
Regulation Scope
Colorado River at Lees Ferry / Glen Canyon Dam to Paria Riffle.
Regulation Summary
Colorado River at Lees Ferry: AZGFD Lees Ferry special rules plus NPS Glen Canyon NRA. Confirm current Commission Order 40.
Target Species
rainbow-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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