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 · 53
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
Thursday, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Why
- Air temperature is comfortable for a river trout trip.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: Medium
Current Readings
- Flow
- 8110 CFS
- Gage Height
- 8.14 ft
- Water Temperature
- 66.6 °F
- Latest current reading
- Oct 22, 2026, 3:00 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
Heavy rain
Temperature
61°F
Feels like
62°F
Wind
6 mph NW
Wind gust
9 mph
Current precipitation
0.09 in
Updated
Oct 21, 2026, 9:00 PM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.17 in
Last 24 hours
0.59 in
Last 48 hours
0.59 in
Moderate rainfall may cause rising or changing flows.
Next 24 Hours
Wed 10 PM
Rain
Temp 61°F
Chance 35%
Precip 0.12 in
Wind 5 mph
Thu 2 AM
Rain
Temp 61°F
Chance 50%
Precip 0.20 in
Wind 6 mph
Thu 6 AM
Drizzle
Temp 61°F
Chance 37%
Precip 0.01 in
Wind 7 mph
Thu 10 AM
Rain
Temp 63°F
Chance 63%
Precip 0.15 in
Wind 5 mph
Thu 2 PM
Overcast
Temp 66°F
Chance 46%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Thu 6 PM
Clear
Temp 67°F
Chance 26%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Wed, Oct 21
Rain
High 65°F / Low 60°F
Chance 93%
Precip 0.87 in
Max gust 15 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Heavy rain
High 69°F / Low 60°F
Chance 63%
Precip 1.74 in
Max gust 16 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Clear
High 66°F / Low 52°F
Chance 12%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 9 mph
Sat, Oct 24
Overcast
High 68°F / Low 56°F
Chance 38%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 12 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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