2020 fishing at Lees Ferry is off to a good start, for both fly fishermen and spin fishermen!
Brown trout are finishing their spawning season and rainbows are starting to color up and get active with the spawn. Many people have asked me about brown trout here at Lees Ferry, and the straight answer is that the brown trout population is strong, much to the concern of environmentalists. The concern centers around the Humpback Chub and the potential for brown trout to move down into the Grand Canyon where the chub now resides, and wreak havoc on the population.
Practically speaking, the brown trout have been down in the Grand Canyon for years. The humpback chub migrated down into the Canyon in search of warmer water after Glen Canyon Dam was completed in 1963. The water releases from the dam average 48-50 degrees most of the year, as the water comes from the mid/bottom of the dam where the water is colder. Humpback Chubs are warm-water fish and are now found in warmer waters close to the confluence of the Little Colorado River in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The chub population has increased to the level where it is about to be released from the endangered species list, where it has been since the 1960s.
All in all, it appears in my opinion to be much ado about nothing. However, there is enough concern from the “powers-that-be” that there is talk about putting a “bounty” on brown trout on the Colorado River at Lees Ferry. The intent is to have anglers remove brown trout and provide evidence to the government (in the form of fish heads), where they would be paid a reward for helping to control brown trout numbers, and thereby help the chub. The bounty amount has not been officially stated but it appears that it will be anywhere from $10-$25 per brown trout. Funding may be a problem with the plan, but as of this post we expect the bounty to be in place by the end of 2020. Stay tuned for updates.
Fishing has been good lately for both spin fishing and fly fishing, and both rainbow and browns have been caught on both flies and spinning gear.
Fly fishing success has been seen wading as well as drift fishing with long leaders- 12-14 ft. Top flies have been ginger scuds, san juan worms, and glo bugs. If wading, use 9 ft leaders with 14″ between a split shot and the top fly, and another 14″ between flies.
Spin fishers have had success using rubber worms below a weight (24″-30″) as well as with lures (Castmasters, Panther Martins, Z-rays). Key to success is finding fish and staying in productive areas, typically in sunlight. Added benefit to fishing in the sun is that its warmer! Daytime temperatures have been in the 40s, though should warm this week into the 50s. Night time temps have been in the low 30s which makes for a brisk ride up upriver in the morning!
Spin fishers have had success using rubber worms below a weight (24″-30″) as well as with lures (Castmasters, Panther Martins, Z-rays). Key to success is finding fish and staying in productive areas, typically in sunlight. Added benefit to fishing in the sun is that its warmer! Daytime temperatures have been in the 40s, though should warm this week into the 50s. Night time temps have been in the low 30s which makes for a brisk ride up upriver in the morning!
Spring is almost here, and my calendar is filling, so call or email to reserve your day on the most beautiful spot in the Southwest to catch quality trout! 602-510-5511 skelly@kellyoutfitters.com Instagram: @kellyoutfitters Facebook: Kelly Outfitters at Lees Ferry www.kellyoutfitters.com