Fishing Lee's Ferry
Lee's Ferry is arguably the most beautiful place I have ever fished. Gin clear water between towering 700-1000 foot red rock cliffs. A part of the Colorado River system and nestled within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area just north of the Grand Canyon, Lee's Ferry should be near the top of every anglers bucket list. To quote Mark Williams, "You're bound to feel small standing in a river flowing through an ancient ocean in the desert under prehistoric cliffs that rise 1000 feet in the air." Void of the typical hatches we have become accustomed to (caddis, mayflies, drakes) the primary forage for these wild Rainbow trout is midges and freshwater shrimp. In fact rumor has it the Zebra Midge pattern was developed here. Beyond this, the trip to the fishery was particularly exciting as my fiancee and I had gotten engaged the day before, furthermore she not only caught her first trout on a fly rod it was her first fish on the fly. She also was able to catch several on dry flies (cicada patterns) while sight fishing. Our guide was Natalie from Lee's Ferry Anglers, whom I highly recommend. She took the time to really improve Jane's cast and put us on a ton of fish. We caught no monsters but caught far more fish that we could have hoped for. But for me the trip was beyond expectations just to see Jane really excel in the sport and enjoy herself. For a time I even put down my stick and just watched her fish. I couldn't be prouder. I hope you enjoy the pictures to follow and one day find yourself in this spectacular fishery.
Jane's first fish on a fly rod.
I included this picture to demonstrate the grandeur of the canyon walls, bottom center is a boat to give perspective.
Midway in the day we switched from nymphing Zebra Midges and Shrimp in the riffles to sight fishing drys. This is where things got really exciting.
First dry fly trout. Cicada Pattern.
A spectacular surprise on our way back the the dock, wild horses.
16 Comments:
Wow. I don't know that I'd be able to leave that place.
I would have no problem going back one day.
Al
This is a trip of a lifetime and I'm glad both of you got to share it with all of us. I am remembering this place, because this is another bucket list trip for me and my wife. Thanks for sharing
Bill, thanks for stopping by. It really should be near the top, even if you don't catch any fish the scenery alone is enough to leave one satisfied.
Wow, you've got a woman that will hold live fish. Looks like a keeper to me.
Haha, well I have never given her a choice in the matter. She catches it, she holds it.
Just spectacular beauty down in that area. Beautiful 'Bows! Happy to see Jane getting the fly fishing bug. Again, thanks to both of you for sharing a wonderful time at Lee's Ferry.
Thanks Mel, I can't wait to take her out again. She is spoiled though locationaly, her first fly fishing experience was the Frying Pan and her first fish was here at Lees Ferry.
Beautiful scenic pictures. Looks like a great place to stay a couple days, fish and take in the scenery as well.
What a beautiful place to catch a fish. Thanks for taking us along.
I've been struggling to find the words to describe the beauty. All I could come up with was, I'm going to need more time and more pictures plz. It's Top shelf!!
Indeed, it was breathtaking! It is one of those places where you didn't even have to catch a fish to be happy. A must go for sure.
Wow, that looks like a fantastic trip! Good to hear your fiance (sounds cool, right?) was able to get into her first trout on the fly! I will have to add that to my bucket list!
Thanks Juan! And yes it sounds great to hear that.
That's a trip that will leave you feeling relaxed and fulfilled. Just the scenery alone is enough for me.
An outdoors fishing looks cool and exciting.
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