Post by ShadowCaster on Jan 3, 2014 22:11:15 GMT 8
When one speaks of the Grand Canyon in Arizona's desert country, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, the association with fly fishing and Rainbow Trout would be the last thing on most people's mind. But the truth is that a 15 mile (23km) stretch of the Colorado River that runs through and cuts the Canyon for the last 17 million years at Lee's Ferry, is widely considered as one of the finest Rainbow trout stream in South Western United States.
Lee's ferry marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon, and is the only access point to the Colorado River within 260 miles (400km) of vertical Canyon walls as high as 2000ft.
This stretch of clear flowing Colorado River winding through the Marble Canyon Gorge between the Glen Canyon Dam marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon.
Since 1964 this area has hosted a recreational trout fishery that has grown in importance and reputation. For anglers, this picturesque stretch of river is a unique tail-water trout fishery of international renown. Anglers from around the world have come to Lees Ferry to fish for rainbow trout in this large, swift flowing river winding its way through the lower most segment of Glen Canyon.
Because of the reliable flows of cold water ranging from 46F to 60F and the supply of food (such as aquatic insects and scuds), the Lees Ferry reach of the Colorado River has the capacity to maintain a remarkable trout fishery in the desert.
The trout population at Lees Ferry is principally composed of rainbow trout. The main stem of the river became more conducive for trout with the completion of Glen Canyon Dam and the establishment of reliable cold, clear water flows. The Lees Ferry trout fishery has evolved into a self sustaining, naturally reproducing rainbow trout population.
The fishery is managed for a "blue ribbon" fishing experience by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the wildlife management agency for the state of Arizona. The intention of "blue ribbon management" is to provide a quality fishing opportunity where anglers can catch larger than average trout, at a relatively high catch rate, in a unique recreational setting.
To accomplish this, special fishing regulations are imposed between Glen Canyon Dam and the Paria River that require the use of artificial flys or lures (bait items are not allowed) and that limits the harvest of fish. Current regulations require that rainbow trout over 14 inches must be immediately release alive. Anglers may retain 4 smaller trout per day, and may possess 8 Lees Ferry trout at any one time. There is no limit on all other sport fish in Lees Ferry. Barbless artificial fly and lures only.
Fly fishing is practiced by most if not all anglers visiting Lees Ferry. Fly fishers will travel by boat to gravel bars and beaches upriver from the principal access point at the boat ramp within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and fish while wading along those gravel bar areas.
With 83 reservoirs in its upper basin and 10 reservoirs in the lower basin, the Colorado River Basin is considered the most heavily regulated river system in the world. And the colossal dam in the heart of it all has been something of a water management experiment since its origin.
By beginning the day early, my guide and I covered a wide variety of water. Although fish react to midges, San Juan worms, egg patterns and small scuds, changing flies is essentially optional once the bite is established. The fishing action often turns red hot when the river begins to recede, typically by 2 p.m.
When the fishing is on, as it was the day I was on the water, 50-plus trout a day is not an unreasonable expectation of a day. With an estimated 20,000 trout per mile, finding fish over 20 inches remains possible, although it takes perseverance. In fact, any fly fishermen can even catch 50 rainbow trouts a day in the desert with a bit of perseverance
