Lee's Ferry

[fpscabs]

I have a buddy going out this weekend (lucky dog) to spend the weekend slinging flies. Anyone been out that way at this time of year? If so, what flies are hot?
Thanks

[Josh Y.]

Lees ferry has a couple standard flies. I used to fish there alot when I lived in AZ.

Scuds. Preferably grey backed pink. size 16

zebra midges and red hots. Small size 18 & 20

you can try for them on the surface too with timny midge patterns size 22 & 24

Main set up is long leaders 8-10 foot. I usually fish a scud with a zebra midge dropper 12-18" back. Put 1 or 2 splitshot above the scud with an indicator above that. You want the flies to be bouncing off the bottom. This is where the fish are. Cast upstream and let it drift down. When that idicator plumets set the hook.

Another crasy idea is swining streamers. Many of the larger fish feed on trout fry.

Also you can catch the ethreatened flanned mouth and sometimes other strange fish that are native to the area. You can sometimes see them on the gravel bars.

Best fishing is upstream. From what I have heard, it has gotten quite crowded. If you find a good hole, keep it. If you fish the walk in try to find a good seem with fish. Be careful of rising water. The dam releases can increase drmatically. don't get caught in an area where you can't get back.

Dave Fosters outfit has a shop next to the lodge. I know a guy Dave Trimble that used to tie most of their flies. I fished with him up there many times. His scud always produced for me.

[fpscabs]

Josh
Thanks for the heads up. I passed on the info and am waiting for work tomorrow to find out how everything turned out.

[Josh Y.]

Glad I could help. Hope your friend had a great trip. Please let us know his report.

I would like to get back to lees ferry some day. Last trip back there for me was 4-5 years ago. Saw my first CA condor that trip. I hear stories about the good old days in the 70's when the fish avg was 20+ inches. when I fished it in the early 90's we landed plenty of 15-18" solid fish. But I have heard the avg has dropped to around 12". The C&R pushed by all kind of stunted the fish. I liked the slot system. Let some of the people keep 2 under 15" and let the 15" fish have the food to grow to 20". The place does have alot of fish. We used to get fish massages. While fishing a run, the trout would use you as structure and bump against your legs. An interesting feeling. I would have a buddy fish the new hole I created and hook up fish. Though after a couple landed by him, I would back out to shore and fish the run where I was standing. wish we had some waters like that in socal. Too bad the place is getting crowded too. We would launch from the boatramp in the dark with a 12 john boat. Try to get upstream before the guides and their jet sleds head upstream. Back then, you could fish multiple holes in one day. The best fishing for me was always dam island. Interesting fishing right below the massive dam. And since the ground is some wha pourous, there are areas water is coming out from the cliffs around. The scenery alone makes the trip upstream worth it.

With all this talk, I might have to plan up a trip there. The zoidac I have now would be a perfect boat to transport there and head upstream with. Maybe even camp out for a night upstream.

[numbnuts]

Josh,
A few friends and I are thinking about heading to Lee's Ferry just wondering when is the best time to go. We were thinking about some time during April. Any recommendations on a guide. Any advice would be appreciated.
Deren

[fpscabs]

I really wish I had a fishing report to give. They got there, talked to some people on Friday night at one of the fly shops, and then went out on Sat. morning. Weather turned really nasty (one of the first rains we had here caught them). They barely were able to get the boat back to the dock with the wind. It blew them all over the place. They did have a nice trip sight seeing for the rest of the weekend. Only one guide had a client land ONE fish that weekend.

[Josh Y.]

Originally posted by numbnuts@Dec 2 2004, 12:02 PM
Josh,
A few friends and I are thinking about heading to Lee's Ferry just wondering when is the best time to go. We were thinking about some time during April. Any recommendations on a guide. Any advice would be appreciated.
Deren
numbnuts- Sorry I didn't get back with you sooner. Haven't checkout out this section in a while.

Check out Marble Canyon Outfitters. In my opinion, Dave Foster is the best guide for lees ferry. Check out his website for info.

Fishing can be great year round. The winter spawn (Nov-March) can be great. But even middle of the summer can be amazing.

Toss in the 5 or 6 wt and have fun. If anyone plans on going and only wants to fish the walk in, I would highly reccomend spending the money to rent a boat or guide and head upstream. The scenery alone is worth it.

Drop me an email if you have any questions.