Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    House Rock Rapid / North Canyonon Colorado River (Lees Ferry)

    Productive stretch for drifting nymph rigs and targeting large rainbows near current seams.
    Colorado River (Lees Ferry) reportDirections36.8720°N, 111.5005°W

    River flow last 30 days

    02,0004,0006,000Sep 16Sep 22Sep 273,087 cfs
    USGS gauge 09315000 · daily averageUpdated Oct 16
    Flow now
    4,760cfs
    Inside the typical range (3,200–5,118 cfs)
    Last 7 days
    Rising
    3,087 to 5,510 cfs
    Weather now
    69°F
    Clear Sky, wind 15 mph NE
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Midge and Mysis shrimp nymphs are year-round staples

    1. 01Midge and Mysis shrimp nymphs are year-round staples, offering consistent subsurface action for Rainbow and Brown Trout.
    2. 02Look for afternoon hatches of Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) on overcast days for dry fly opportunities.
    3. 03As water cools, consider swinging or stripping olive or black Woolly Buggers to imitate baitfish and leeches.
    4. 04Focus on deeper runs and current seams for nymphing, and softer water or eddies for rising fish during hatches.

    What to tie on at House Rock Rapid / North Canyon

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    dry80%

    Pat's Rubber Leg

    Immature stoneflies are always present in the river substrate, making this a great searching nymph to imitate larger aquatic insects.

    nymph80%

    Scud (Pink/Orange)

    #12#14#16#18

    Lee's Ferry is famous for its massive scud population. In winter, pink and orange variations provide a 'hot spot' that triggers strikes from selective trout.

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    nymph80%

    Sow Bug

    #14#16#18

    Along with scuds, sow bugs are a year-round staple at the Ferry. Gray and olive patterns mimic the isopods found in the river's aquatic vegetation.

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    terrestrial80%

    Hopper

    #6#8#10

    Terrestrial insects like grasshoppers are a crucial food source for trout during summer months, especially along grassy banks. Lees Ferry is known for opportunistic feeding on terrestrials in summer.

    nymph80%

    Midge

    #20#22#24

    Midges are a primary and consistent food source in tailwaters like Lees Ferry year-round, regardless of the season due to stable water temperatures.

    nymph80%

    Zebra Midge

    #18#20#22#24

    A highly effective and versatile midge imitation, staple for tailwater fishing due to consistent midge activity year-round.

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    nymph80%

    Zebra Midge

    #18#20#22#24

    Midges are the primary hatch in February. Red and black versions in sizes 20-24 are essential for the technical tailwater environment of the Colorado River.

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    nymph80%

    Iced Out Midge Pupa

    #18#20#22

    This pupa imitation is specifically designed for cold tailwater conditions and matches the subsurface midge activity common in early spring.

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    nymph80%

    Pheasant Tail Nymph

    #14#16#18#20

    The Pheasant Tail Nymph is a versatile year-round pattern, especially effective in spring for imitating various small mayfly nymphs, including BWOs.

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    Arizona season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Mar – MaySpringRead the guideJun – AugSummerRead the guideSep – NovFallRead the guideDec – FebWinterRead the guide

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

    All fly shops
    3MIKelly OutfittersLees Ferry5MILees Ferry AnglersLees Ferry