By: Terry Gunn

April, 1, 2013

Recent Fish rating

Upriver: 6.5 to 8.5

Walk-In: 6 to 8.5

Spin-Fishing: 5 to 8

Key: 1 = Go fish somewhere else 10 = Rent a helicopter and get here now!
Today’s Weather: Sunny, Low 50 High 80
Midges, swallows, great fishing, and perfect wading flows; this pretty much describes what is currently happening at Lees Ferry.

Crowd Rating:

Upriver: 2-3 No Crowds during the week & 4 on the weekends

Walk In: 2 Few people here during the week & 3 to 5 on the weekends

Key: 1 = Sleep late and fish where you want. 10 = Very crowded, get up early

Fly Fishing Up-River:
Spring has arrived and is in full swing at Lees Ferry. We knew this was true when on March 23, the swallows returned to the canyon as they do every year near this date. Their arrival is always timed to meet the first major midge hatch of the year, which coincidentally, (or not), occurred the day before the swallows arrived. The midge hatches continue to pour off and should build in intensity as the spring progress and the weather continues to warm. Our recent weather has been near perfect, with highs near 80 and lows of 50. The positive news for fishers is that there has been very little wind this spring which is atypical for this time of year, although it is normal for dry springs which this current one has been, at least so far. That is not good news for Lake Powell which will receive little runoff from the Rockies due to the continuing dry conditions.

The fishing has been good, not off-the-charts great, but that should change any day as the midge hatches increase in intensity. The fish are moving into the shallow riffles to feast on the prolific midge pupae as they slowly emerge and rise to the surface to hatch. The more midges the better the fishing.

An important note: On Feb 20, a portion of road on Hwy 89 collapsed. This is the section of Hwy that goes from the junction of Hwy 89A, up to Page. This road closure in no way affects anyone who is traveling to Lees Ferry/Marble Canyon as long as you do not go through Page. All north-south travel can be completed by using 89A which is much quicker and shorter that the detour through Page. For more info visit: http://www.azdot.gov/us89/

We are catching all sizes of fish from little guys to a few that are nearing 20-inches, which is indicative of a healthy, wild rainbow trout fishery. It has always been an interesting and puzzling phenomenon that some days at the Ferry the larger fish will eat, while other days it is all the smaller guys that are feeding. On the days that the larger fish are eating it is not uncommon to catch several larger fish. Like a day this week when I had two clients catch several fish that were in the 18-in class and the next day we could not find a fish that was near that size, however, that day, few fish were eating much of anything that we offered them.

We ended up with a near normal spawn that took place almost exclusively in deep water. A normal spawn is to be expected when our current trout population is robust, with lots of health fish of all sizes inhabiting the river. When the trout population is low, the fish compensate by engaging in a massive spawn throughout the river.

Current water flows are prefect for wading and the projected flow forecast call for April and May flows to be near the same flows that we saw in March, with a low of 7,000 cfs occurring in the morning then a slow rise to 13,000 cfs. These are perfect flows for fishing Lees Ferry. Remember that the flows are lower on Saturday and Sunday and these lower flows are almost always better for the midge hatches and fishing. It is more crowded on weekends but the fishing sure can be good. The projected flows for June will be slightly higher but should still be good for wading and fishing. The flows in July will be much higher and this is the time of year that we get back in the boats and spend most of our time drifting and fishing from the boat. July is the month for cicadas and the biggest fish of the year.

Walk-in Fly Fishing Report

By Dean Windham & TJ Carrington

After a slow start the walk in is fishing very good. Everyone seems to be getting fish and everyday someone reports a 18 inch plus fat boy being caught.  Just a few weeks ago you had to search to find any fish, now they are everywhere.  The weather has been very nice with very few wind days.  This has made for some pleasant days on the water.

The water flows have been 6,000 cfs as the low flow and 14,000 cfs as the high flow.  The water is lowest in the morning and rising until about one or two in the afternoon.  Then it drops and the fish move out farther and wait for the flow to stabilize and then they start feeding again. When it comes to location, the Paria riffle up to the big rock is where you want to be. The first warm weather run and the spring break crowd has put the pressure on the fish these past few weeks but the fish are there and they’re hungry.  Midges have been pouring off the water all day, especially in the afternoon.  You will see a lot of fish breaking the surface but they are not feeding on surface bugs. They are feeding on sub-surface midge larva’s and breaking the surface with their back and dorsal fin. Although the midges are doing well, you will want to have a few eggs and San Juan’s in your box. The fish are holding in the seams where the water starts getting depth to it and you can find any slight break in the current. The rigs have been pretty simple, a 9 ft. 5 x leaders with 2 ft. of 6x tippet with your fly on the end. Place your indicator towards the top of your leader with a #1 or #4 shot about 18 inches above your fly. Dark colored streamers on a good sink tip line have been working well in the boulder field also.

Fishing has been good top to bottom at the walk in with some of the best fishing just above and below the large rock.  Fish have been caught just a few feet from the shore so making long casts is not always needed.  The boulder field has also given up some really nice fish especially in the morning hours.  The area where the Paria River enters the Colorado River is also doing well, however, keep in mind that wading in this area can be dangerous due to silt buildup and you can get stuck really easily.  It is best to approach this area by walking down from the big boulder.  It is not recommended to wade across the Paria in any area.

The light nymph rigs are still the ticket with darker zebra midges, san juan worms and glo bugs being the go to flies.  Remember when using the nymph rig to make the length about twice the depth of the water.  I start at 8 feet and work from there.  As the water rises you will have to make some adjustments to keep up with the depth of the fish.  Always remember here at the ferry, it’s all about a drag free drift. The key is to get your fly to look just as it would in Mother Nature. With these tactics and a little luck you should be able to land some good fish and take some good memories home with you.

In the afternoon as the water drops and the fish move farther out, streamers are a great option that should not be over looked.  Some real nice larger fish have been taken in the later afternoon.

Spin Fishing Report Walk-in

Spin fishing has not been as good as fly fishing but it can be done and is a lot of fun.  Spin fishing works well with the deeper water which is in the late morning and mid-day.  Fishing below the Paria riffle has been good and the water is always deep in that area.

Kastmasters, Panther Martins, and jigs have been the favorite lures this week.  Remember to cast upriver and bring the lure slowly down river.  Let the river do the work and you just get to enjoy catching a beautiful Ferry rainbow in spawning colors.

The rating for spin fishing the walk-in would be 4 to 5 at this time.

To help understand why midges are so important to our fishing success it’s good to know more about the life cycle of midges and their importance to the trout diet. The adult midges contribute very little to the trout diet. It is rare that you will see an adult trout rise to feed on an adult midge; the reason is that the amount of energy expended is not worth the food intake. It all begins when adult midges breed then release their eggs into the water. The eggs sink and hatch into a tiny caterpillar (larvae) that lives on the bottom of the river for an extended period of time. At some point the larvae pupates and forms a chrysalis. By some process that is not understood, the midge pupae will release in mass, and countless pupae will begin slowly drifting to the surface. This in turn flips the feeding switch for the trout and the fish will move into the shallow riffles where the pupae are concentrated by the shallow water. This is when the trout are feeding so heavily that they get careless and will eat our fly if it has a close resemblance to the midge pupae that they are feeding on.

The bigger the hatch the better the fishing; this is why the best fishing always occurs during big hatches and why the midge hatches are so important to the trout diet. The biggest midge hatches always occur in the lower water flows. During the lower flows trout are not eating worms or scuds because these food items are not available; the only time that worms and scuds are available is during the high water flows when the higher velocity water moves the suds and worms around. If there are no midge hatches in the lower flows the fish will not be feeding and the fishing will be slow. I go into a lot more detail on fish feeding behavior here: http://www.leesferry.com/main/area-information/fishing-101

Be sure to stop by the shop to see the flies that are currently working. The flies change on a daily basis and every day the LFA guides let everyone at the shop know the top producing flies and how to use them.

The streamer fishing has been picking up and will likely get hot when the water flows increase this summer. The reason for this is that the higher flows move larger food items around (scuds, worms, etc.).
Whirling disease detected for 2^nd time at Lees Ferry.

This is the 2nd time that WD has been detected at Lees Ferry. The first detection was in 2007; this was the year that Lake Powell dropped to its lowest level and as a result, the discharge temperatures from the dam were more than 60 degrees. This past year the discharge temperatures increased again, this time it was a result of the huge inflows into the lake which caused another 60 degree discharge. There has always been the thought that it was our cold water that prevented Lees Ferry from being infected with WD and I find it an interesting coincidence that both detections were made during periods of warm water. Water temps returned to normal (48 degrees) last December..

Like the Green and San Juan, I’m not expecting this WD detection to have an impact on the Lees Ferry fishery. The one thing that it should impact is our awareness to make sure that we all take the necessary steps to clean our gear so that WD is not spread to other waters in AZ or elsewhere.

Here is some great info: http://www.tu.org/whirling-disease
__________________

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ARIZONA GAME and FISH DEPARTMENT

PHOENIX The parasite known to cause whirling disease that can affect trout but is not harmful to humans has been reconfirmed at the renowned Lees Ferry fishery within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona, advised Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.

Although the parasite has been confirmed in fish samples from Lees Ferry, to date no trout have displayed any disease symptoms such as the classic whirling motion, said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young. In fact, just the opposite is true; the Ferry is currently providing some of its best fishing in more than a decade.

Young emphasized that there are no human health implications for this fish parasite.

Whirling disease is caused by a microscopic parasite that damages cartilage and compromises the nervous system of trout and other salmonids, but no other fish species. The disease takes its name because it can cause fish to swim in an uncontrolled whirling motion.

This is the second detection of the whirling disease parasite in trout at the Ferry; the first was in 2007. While the parasite was detected in 2007, it did not become established in the trout population and until now was absent from annual samples taken since then.

It’s pretty clear from the recent tests that this parasite is back again in the trout population at the Ferry, Young said. What we don’t know is how the parasite got to the Ferry, nor do we know how it may manifest itself.

There have been no fish die offs detected due to the whirling disease parasite at Lees Ferry. Its presence can, but does not always cause significant trout population losses and typically affects young or immature trout the most, Young advised.

The whirling disease parasite is found at hundreds of waters in 25 states across the nation, including Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. We have been very fortunate in Arizona we don’t have this parasite showing up anywhere else in Arizona. We want to keep it that way, Young said.

It’s critical to have the conscientious cooperation of boaters, anglers and other recreational users along this stretch of the Colorado River and at other waters as well.

The life cycle of this parasite, which involves both trout and tubifex worms along with microscopic spores, results in this parasite being readily transportable unless anglers and boaters are conscientious about cleaning and decontaminating their equipment, Young said.

Anglers and boaters are asked to:

* Never transport live fish from one body of water to another anywhere, not just from the Ferry;
* Do not dispose of fish heads, skeletons or entrails in any body of water, this can spread the disease-causing parasites;
* Do not discard entrails or heads of fish down a garbage disposal. The whirling disease parasite can survive most water treatment plants and infect areas downstream;
* Carefully clean mud and vegetation from all equipment, such as boats, trailers, waders, boots, float tubes and fins. Rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wading gear, and drain water from boats before leaving the area where you’ve been fishing;
* Drain and dry boat bilges, live wells, and lower units.

BEFORE using waders, wading shoes, or fishing gear at another waterway, clean equipment with one of the following:

* Saturate waders and other gear with full-strength “Commercial Solutions Formula 409 Cleaner Degreaser Disinfectant” or “Formula 409 All Purpose Cleaner Antibacterial Kitchen Lemon Fresh” or other cleaners, that contain at least 0.3 percent of the quaternary ammonium compound alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride for at least 10 minutes or,
* Dip, wipe, or spray waders and other gear with 50-percent bleach solution (one part household chlorine bleach to one part water) or,
* Soak waders and other gear for 10 minutes in a 10-percent bleach solution (one part household chlorine bleach to nine parts water) or,
* Pour boiling water (at least 200F) over your gear and allow to cool.

The spores of the whirling disease parasite are known to adhere to these kinds of materials and can potentially be carried on gear from one water to another, Young advised.

Young added that there are also other reasons to clean and decontaminate equipment and boats.

We have a long list of potential invasive species from New Zealand mudsnails, rock snot, to invasive mussels that can be spread from one body of water to another if simple precautions are not taken. Please make it a habit to Clean, Drain, and Dry, and don’t give any of these invaders a free ride to a new water.

For details on Lake Powell conditions and snow-pack, go here: http://lakepowell.water-data.com/

For a real time graphic view of water releases and ramp rates go here: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/uv?09380000

Lees Ferry Anglers Fly Shop maintains a large inventory of Abel, Sage, Winston, Temple Fork, Tibor, Galvin, Orvis, Simms, Patagonia, Scientific Anglers Mastery, Ex Officio, William Joseph, Fish Pond and Rio among others. We have been one of the largest fly tackle retailers in the southwest U.S. and we are Arizona’s oldest fly shop. We guarantee our prices to be the same or lower than any other fly shop or retail store. We offer free shipping on all orders over $100 and no sales tax on out of state sales. Call us for the best advice!

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!!

*****CLOSEOUTS******

We have several SAGE rods that are discontinued models on Sale.

Call for all current sale items as they change quickly.

Cliff Dwellers Lodge:

Our lodge has rooms with cable TV (20 channels), in-room coffee, and the basic amenities. Choices of rooms are ONE king-size bed, TWO doubles and TWO queen-size beds. Also our group unit we call the HOUSE, sleeps six with two baths, dining area, kitchen, patio with a view, and cable TV. Rates vary with season. We are excited about the winter season and have some great black board specials planned. Patio dining is available. (Enclosed in the winter months)

Meet the Guides:

THE GUIDES AND STAFF OF LEES FERRY ANGLERS have thousands of days on this water, and over 100 years combined fish-guiding experience. Captains Terry Gunn, Jeff English, Skip Dixon, Natalie Jensen, Tyson Warren, Tyler Smith, Kevin Campbell, Dale Gauthier, and Jared Nelson make up our guiding staff. Lees Ferry Anglers is proud of our fly-fishing guide team! Wendy Gunn, Dean Windham, Kaila Bruner, TJ Carrington, and Eran Howarth, work in the fly shop. We strive to provide you with the best customer service in the industry. All of our prices in our shop are the same or less than any of the Big Box stores and we really do appreciate your business.

By Dean Windham 2/5/13

Upriver rating for this week, 4-6

We are seeing some changes this week as the flows recently dropped to 8,000 cfs for a low and 14,000 cfs for a high.  When we get a flow change the fish take a while to adjust to the new flows. These flows offer the best of both worlds; plenty of water to drift and fish out of the boat but also lots of areas to wade.  There is more sun on the water now that the sun is moving higher in the sky and this also will produce more prolific insect hatches as the days continue to get longer.  By the middle of February most areas of the river will be getting some sunlight so spring is in the air. Midges and black flies are hatching almost every day now.  Black flies are difficult to match but a very small parachute adams (cut the tail off) fished below a dry fly and just under the surface, in the scum line, suggests the emergers of the black fly and can take some nice fish.  Midges are still the best fly with scuds and san juan worms close behind.  Dry dropper rigs are really working in the slack water upriver on most days.  There have been very little fishing pressure during the week days but weekends are starting to see a little more action now with the longer days and warmer weather. Last week several fish were caught that were over 20 inches so the big boys are starting to show up.

The fish population looks really good and most all the fish we are seeing are in remarkably good shape. It appears that the high flow event had little affect on the trout population or the health of the fish. With the days getting longer, more sunlight in the canyon, and more prolific hatches as we move into the spring, the health and size of the fish should continue to improve. There are a few spawning fish upriver, however, this will be a weak year for spawning trout at Lees Ferry. The reason for the poor spawn is that Lees Ferry trout have an instinct to compensate and have weak spawns when the river’s trout population is healthy and abundant.

Spin Fishing Upriver  rating 5

Spin fishing has been good with some really nice fish being caught.  Drifting glo bugs has been really popular the past few weeks.  Panther Martin spinners have also been very popular with the kastmaster close behind.  Spin fisherman have been drifting more that wading, although that is an option with the lower flows.

Walk in Fishing Report rating 4

Most everyone has been catching fish here but it has been up and down with the flows.  Mid mornings have been the best with late afternoon also being a great time wet a line.  Midge hatches have been observed almost every day so the zebra midge has really been working well.
Glo bugs have also been working most days with san juan worms working well as and attractor fly.   The light nymph rig is the set up to use here in the walk in as the dry dropper is not as easy to work with in the faster water.

Walk In Spin Fishing Report  rating 4

Spin fishing in the upper boulder field area has been good using  kastmasters and panther martins.  There were reports that some bucktail spinners were working well below the large boulder last week.  Spin fishing really is best in the afternoon after the water comes up.

Lees Ferry Fishing Report 12/17/12

By Dean Windham

Current Fly Fishing Rating Upriver: 4 to 6

As another year comes to a close it is the season to begin looking for spawning fish at Lees Ferry; our trout always begin to spawn at a time that most trout are not even starting to think about it. In most waters, rainbow trout typically spawn for a period of a couple of weeks in the spring…here, our spawn begins in December and continues through May. It will be interesting to see if it is a strong spawn season; we are predicting that it will be a moderate to weak effort in response to the healthy trout population that currently inhabits the river. The fishing has been good so far this winter following the high flow event in November and the fish are in good shape. We have not had any winter weather until this week, and have been enjoying the warmer than normal day and nighttime temperatures. The flows are fluctuating from 8,500 cfs to 16,000 cfs on weekdays with slightly lower flows on the weekends. These flows offer the best of both worlds: plenty of water to drift and fish out of the boat, but not so high as to blow out all the wading spots. Drifting is always a good option during the higher flows which allows us to cover lots of water. The pattern that has been working best is wading in the mornings during the lower flows and drifting in the afternoon when the water comes up. .

Good numbers of fish have been caught using dry dropper rigs, light nymph rigs and glo bugs. Of these rigs, the dry dropper has been the choice of our guides the past few weeks. Following the November High Flow Event, you may need to search for fish in areas that you have not traditionally tried. Fish are in the riffles but don’t ignore the slack water; this is where we have been finding good numbers of feeding fish. Be sure to pay attention to the seams; this also has been productive areas where the fish are actively eating. Seams are areas of the river where the fast water meets with a slow water current and food is dropping out of the water column in these areas of mixed currents. Also remember that a good drag free drift is one of the most important skills needed to be successful here at the Ferry.

One of our guides, Natalie Jensen, reports that “to my surprise, the fish will even eat a midge that is suspended and still, in total slack water with no current.” “I have even turned a few with a dry fly.” In addition to the dry dropper she has been fishing the usual nymph rig with a strike indicator and also successfully fishing a streamer (wooly bugger) with or without a weighted line.”

Spin Fishing Report

The spin fishing upriver has improved with the higher flows. Drifting glo bugs has really picked up and is taking some larger fish, and the kastmaster lure has also been a consistent producer of good numbers of fish. Panther Martins and Rapala’s have been working well at times. Customers tell me that Rapala’s have been working really good in the shady areas of the river. Drifting has been the choice of most spin fisherman the past few weeks. Drifting through the deeper holes has produced some nice size fish. As always if you have any questions just call the shop and our friendly staff will be happy to give you a current update.

Walk in Fishing Report:

Fly Fishing Rating for the Walk-in: 4 to 5

The walk-in area has not been as consistent as the upriver areas. Fishing seems to be good in the morning just before and after the first light hits the water and then dropping off around 11 AM. The fishing then picks up again in the late afternoon and continues until dark. Light nymph rigs and dry dropper have proven to be the most productive this week. The light nymph rig with and indicator have been working in all areas of the walk in. The dry dropper works best in the upper boulder field area or in the slack water above the boulder field. I have not heard any reports about streamers working here but with the higher flows they should be doing well.

Spin Fishing Walk-In Report

Walk-in spin fish rating: 4

Spin fishing in the walk-in has been very good at times, especially in the slack water above the boulder field. With the spinners and the longer distance casting some larger fish have been caught. The advantage to a spinner is that you can fish more water and water where fly fisherman cannot always wade or cast to. Kastmasters and panther martins have been the most productive lures for the last month in the walk in area. On Thanksgiving morning a 22 inch fish was caught above the boulder field on a kastmaster.

By: Terry Gunn

Nov. 15, 2012

Recent Fish Rating

Upriver: 3.5 to 5.5

Walk-In: 3.5 to 6

Spin-Fishing: 5 to 7.5

Key: 1 = Go fish somewhere else 10 = Rent a helicopter and get here now!

Today’s Weather: Sunny, Low 38 High 59.

Crowd Rating: Upriver: 1-2 No Crowds during the week and 3 on the weekends

Walk In: 1 during the week and 2 on the weekends

Key: 1 = Sleep late and fish where you want. 10 = Very crowded, get up early

Fly Fishing Up-River:

Since Nov. 1, water flows have been fluctuating between 7,000 to 9,000-cfs daily as part of the upcoming experimental high flow event.

Here are the details of the HFE Event that begins Nov. 19.
• Begin ramp-up from 9,000 cfs at 11:00 pm on Nov. 18 (Sunday);
• Reach powerplant capacity at 11:00 am on Nov. 19 (Monday);
• Open bypass tubes at 12:00 pm Nov. 19;
• Reach full bypass at 9:00 pm on Nov. 19;
• First step down from bypass at 9:00 pm on Nov. 20 (Tuesday);
• Reach ~31,300 cfs at 4:00 am on Nov. 23 (Friday)
• Reach powerplant capacity at 7:00 am on Nov. 23
• Complete HFE (back to 9,000 cfs) at 8:00 pm on Nov. 23

A fall flood in no way mimics a natural event. I think that you know that I consider these flows a waste of time and money. The beaches are built then the rain and wind comes and the sand goes back into the river only to be transported further downstream.

I’m not sure what this flow is going to do to the fish and the food base. The other two spring high flow experiments had no impact on the fishery or food base, while the one HFE fall even did impact our scud population. Other great trout rivers routinely experience floods that are of a magnitude much greater than what will occur here. I’m in the process of writing a book on The 50 Best Tailwaters to Fly Fish and I have been visiting with guides from all over the country. Yesterday, I spoke to a fellow back east who mentioned that his river had just came down from 60,000-cfs and was now back to 6,000-cfs.

The good news is that there is a tremendous amount of monitoring of the food base, fish population and fish movement surrounding this experiment. This is the first time that this level of scientific monitoring has been included with an experimental flow and will include detailed pre- and post-data collection of food base species and abundance along with measuring the time for biomass recovery. We have been promised that if the aquatic food base or trout populations are harmed, there will changes in the flows going forward.

For those brave anglers who want to take a chance on having what just might be the best fishing experience of their lives, you might want to consider coming up to the Ferry just after the high flow subsides. The last time the fall event occurred, the fish got into a feeding frenzy on the scuds and worms that the high flows stirred up. All this food, and the fish, was stacked around the inside corners of the river bends. I remember having a 200 fish day with two clients, sight-casting to individual cruising trout. I can’t promise that it will be like that again, however, it just might be.

This is the last year of the experimental 8,000 constant flow that occurred in Sept. and Oct. For the past several years, this experiment has been conducted to try to measure any benefit that the steady flows might have on the endangered Hump Back Chub which live down river in the Little Colorado River. Current evidence points to the fact that there is no benefit to the chub from these low and steady flows.

The fish look great; they are in superb condition and health. The trout population is better than it has been in a couple of decades. The river has all sizes of fish from fingerlings to many 18-inch fish. Unless something catastrophic happens, that trend should continue.

For details on Lake Powell conditions and snow-pack, go here: http://lakepowell.water-data.com/

For a real-time graphic view of water releases and ramp rates go here: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/uv?09380000

Whirling disease detected for second time at Lees Ferry.

This is the second time that WD has been detected at Lees Ferry. The first detection was in 2007; this was the year that Lake Powell dropped to its lowest level and, as a result, the discharge temperatures from the dam were more than 60 degrees. This past year the discharge temperatures increased again, this time it was a result of the huge inflows into the lake which caused another 60 degree discharge. There has always been the thought that it was our cold water that prevented Lees Ferry from being infected with WD and I find it an interesting coincidence that both detections were made during periods of warm water. Water temps returned to normal (48 degrees) last Dec.

Fishing here this year has been off the charts good and most all the fish that we are catching are in prime+ condition.

Like the Green and San Juan, I’m not expecting this WD detection to have an impact on the Lees Ferry fishery. The one thing that it should impact is our awareness to make sure that we all take the necessary steps to clean our gear so that WD is not spread to other waters in Ariz. or elsewhere.

Here is some great info: http://www.tu.org/whirling-disease

__________________

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ARIZONA GAME and FISH DEPARTMENT

PHOENIX – The parasite known to cause whirling disease – that can affect trout but is not harmful to humans – has been reconfirmed at the renowned Lees Ferry fishery within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona, advised Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.

“Although the parasite has been confirmed in fish samples from Lees Ferry, to date no trout have displayed any disease symptoms such as the classic whirling motion,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young. “In fact, just the opposite is true; the Ferry is currently providing some of its best fishing in more than a decade.”

Young emphasized that there are no human health implications for this fish parasite

Whirling disease is caused by a microscopic parasite that damages cartilage and compromises the nervous system of trout and other salmonids, but no other fish species. The disease takes its name because it can cause fish to swim in an uncontrolled whirling motion.

This is the second detection of the whirling disease parasite in trout at the Ferry; the first was in 2007. While the parasite was detected in 2007, it did not become established in the trout population and until now was absent from annual samples taken since then.

“It’s pretty clear from the recent tests that this parasite is back again in the trout population at the Ferry,” Young said. “What we don’t know is how the parasite got to the Ferry, nor do we know how it may manifest itself.”

There have been no fish die offs detected due to the whirling disease parasite at Lees Ferry. “Its presence can, but does not always cause significant trout population losses and typically affects young or immature trout the most,” Young advised.

The whirling disease parasite is found at hundreds of waters in 25 states across the nation, including Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. “We have been very fortunate in Arizona – we don’t have this parasite showing up anywhere else in Arizona. We want to keep it that way,” Young said

It’s critical to have the conscientious cooperation of boaters, anglers and other recreational users along this stretch of the Colorado River and at other waters as well.

“The life cycle of this parasite, which involves both trout and tubifex worms along with microscopic spores, results in this parasite being readily transportable unless anglers and boaters are conscientious about cleaning and decontaminating their equipment,” Young said.

Anglers and boaters are asked to:

* Never transport live fish from one body of water to another – anywhere, not just from the Ferry;

* Do not dispose of fish heads, skeletons or entrails in any body of water, this can spread the disease-causing parasites;

* Do not discard entrails or heads of fish down a garbage disposal. The whirling disease parasite can survive most water treatment plants and infect areas downstream;

* Carefully clean mud and vegetation from all equipment, such as boats, trailers, waders, boots, float tubes and fins. Rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wading gear, and drain water from boats before leaving the area where you’ve been fishing;

* Drain and dry boat bilges, live wells, and lower units.

BEFORE using waders, wading shoes, or fishing gear at another waterway, clean equipment with one of the following:

* Saturate waders and other gear with full-strength “Commercial Solutions Formula 409® Cleaner Degreaser Disinfectant” or “Formula 409® All Purpose Cleaner Antibacterial Kitchen Lemon Fresh” or other cleaners, that contain at least 0.3 percent of the quaternary ammonium compound alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride for at least 10 minutes or,

* Dip, wipe, or spray waders and other gear with 50-percent bleach solution (one part household chlorine bleach to one part water) or,

* Soak waders and other gear for 10 minutes in a 10-percent bleach solution (one part household chlorine bleach to nine parts water) or,

* Pour boiling water (at least 200°F) over your gear and allow to cool.

“The spores of the whirling disease parasite are known to adhere to these kinds of materials and can potentially be carried on gear from one water to another,” Young advised.

Young added that there are also other reasons to clean and decontaminate equipment and boats.

“We have a long list of potential invasive species from New Zealand mud snails, rock snot, to invasive mussels that can be spread from one body of water to another if simple precautions are not taken. Please make it a habit to Clean, Drain, and Dry, and don’t give any of these invaders a free ride to new water.”

Lees Ferry Anglers Fly Shop maintains a large inventory of Abel, Sage, Winston, Temple Fork, Tibor, Galvin, Orvis, Simms, Patagonia, Scientific Anglers Mastery, Ex Officio, William Joseph, Fish Pond and Rio among others. We have been one of the largest fly tackle retailers in the southwest U.S. and we are Arizona’s oldest fly shop. We guarantee our prices to be the same or lower than any other fly shop or retail store. We offer free shipping on all orders over $100 and no sales tax on out of state sales. Call us for the best advice!

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!!

*****ROD CLOSEOUTS******

SAGE VANTAGE- 9’ 6wt 4 piece rod was $250.00 now $175.00

SAGE TXL- 7’10” 0wt 3 piece rod was $560.00 now $295.00

SAGE ZXL- 9’ 5wt 4 piece rod was $695.00 now $425.00

SAGE ZXL- 8’6” 3wt 4 piece rod was $695.00 now $425.00

SAGE ZXL- 8’6” 4wt 4 piece rod was $695.00 now $425.00

Call for all current sale items as they change quickly.

Cliff Dwellers Lodge:

Winter hotel special:

Nov. 26, 2012 through Feb. 14, 2013

Rooms are $50 per night plus tax for one or two people

Our lodge has rooms with cable TV (20 channels), in-room coffee, and the basic amenities. Choices of rooms are ONE king-size bed, TWO doubles and TWO queen-size beds. Also our group unit we call the HOUSE, sleeps six with two baths, dining area, kitchen, patio with a view, and cable TV. Rates vary with season. We are excited about the winter season and have some great “black board” specials planned. Patio dining is available. (Enclosed in the winter months)

Meet the Guides:

THE GUIDES AND STAFF OF LEES FERRY ANGLERS have thousands of days on this water, and over 100 years combined fish-guiding experience. Captain’s Terry Gunn, Jeff English, Skip Dixon, Natalie Jensen, Tyson Warren, Tyler Smith, Kevin Campbell, Dale Gauthier, and Jared Nelson make up our guiding staff. Lees Ferry Anglers is proud of our fly-fishing guide team! Wendy Gunn, Dean Windham, Andy Vincent and Katy McClenathan work in the fly shop. We strive to provide you with the best customer service in the industry. All of our prices in our shop are the same or less than any of the Big Box stores and we really do appreciate your business.

By: Terry Gunn

October 19, 2012

Recent Fish Rating

Upriver: 4 to 6.5

Walk-In: 4 to 6

Spin-Fishing: 5 to 7.5

Key: 1 = Go fish somewhere else 10 = Rent a helicopter and get here now!

Today’s Weather: Sunny, Low 58  High 82.

Crowd Rating: Upriver: 1-2 No Crowds during the week & 4 on the weekends

Walk In: 2-3 during the week and 5 on the weekends

Key: 1 = Sleep late and fish where you want. 10 = Very crowded, get up early

Fly Fishing Up-River:

The fishing has recently begun to slow down compared to what it has been like for most of the fall season. I attribute this to decline in the midge hatches, the loss of sunlight in the canyon and the cooling weather. As the sun begins to travel in a more southerly trajectory, the sun travels behind the cliffs and shade invades the canyon and areas that had full sun a couple weeks ago are now without any sun whatsoever and will be in the shade for the coming months. The sun/shade cycle is what stimulates the midge hatches so with constant shade the hatches diminish. The 8,000-cfs constant flows do not create enough velocity to move the scuds and worms around so without a lot of food in the water the fish are not as eager to eat. Fishing is still good; however, it is becoming very site specific and not good at every spot on the river. So if you are in the right spot at the right time, fishing can still be good to great.

The flows are scheduled to change on Nov 1, which should improve the fishing. The fluctuating flows should get some food moving and the fish feeding. Not really sure what the flows will be but I would expect the low to be around 8,000-cfs and the high around 14,000-cfs with lower flows on the weekends.

This is the last year of the experimental 8,000 constant flow. For the past several years this experiment has been conducted to try and measure any benefit that the steady flows might have on the endangered Hump Back Chub, which live down river, in the Little Colorado River. Current evidence points to the fact that there is no benefit to the chub from these low and steady flows. Yet this does not prevent the Grand Canyon Trust from continuing to push for these and much more radical steady flow changes, all the while, pursuing litigation against the Bureau of Reclamation to try and force the Trust’s opinion on the operation of Glen Canyon Dam.

The fish look great; they are in superb condition and health. The trout population is better than it has been in a couple of decades. The river has all sizes of fish from fingerling to many 17-in fish. Unless something catastrophic happens that current trend should continue.

EXPERIMENTAL FLOW PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER.

On May 23, 2012 Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar issued a directive related to two Environmental Assessments for the Colorado River from Glen Canyon Dam to Lake Mead. One of these covered the protocol for a series of high flow events. The goals of this EA is to transition sand built up at the confluence of the Paria River and the Colorado River and redeposit it downstream as sandbars and beaches. “These sand features and associated backwater habitats can provide key wildlife habitat, potentially reduce erosion of archaeological sites, enhance riparian vegetation, maintain or increase camping opportunities, and improve the wilderness experience along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park.” For the fishery in Glen Canyon these events will include detailed pre and post data collection of food base species and abundance along with measuring the time for biomass recovery.

Such events would only occur when an adequate supply of sand is present at the confluence of the Paria and Colorado River. With the recent monsoons sand has built up in sufficient quantities to plan a high flow event. All of those using the River from Glen Canyon Dam to Lake Mead need to consider these flows when planning outings and excursions.

They have not made the final decision to do an HFE this Fall and will not until late October, if an HFE occurs, they are now planning to open the bypass tubes on November 19. This means they would begin ramping up to power plant capacity in the evening of November 18. The maximum magnitude would be approximately 42,000 cfs and the maximum duration would be 96 hours. This means that at most, the HFE will be complete by November 26, so the new window is November 18-25. Again this information is preliminary, a final decision to do an HFE and what the actual duration and magnitude will be have not been determined and will not be until late October.

I think you all know that I think that this experiment is a waste of time, money and is destructive to the resource. The concept of creating a flood event with clear-cold water is a flawed concept. Every time one of these flows takes place Glen Canyon and the upper reaches of the Grand Canyon experience scouring and sediment transport. The beaches that are built in the Grand Canyon are short lived and soon the sand is back in the water again, just further downstream. A FLOOD EVENT IN THE FALL IN NO WAY MIMICAS ANY NATURAL EVENT.

 

Walk-in Report: by Dean Windham

The weather has been great the last few weeks. Temps are in the upper 70s to mid-80s with the nights getting down to the low 50’s. We did have a rain event last week but it did not seem to hurt the fishing. Everyone is catching fish with some larger fish being reported. Now is the perfect time to visit the Ferry.

Midges, scuds and streamers have been the best flies recently. San Juan worms also work at times. There also has been a surface bite about an hour before dark. A dry dropper has been working well. There are lots of smaller fish in the walk in area and they are super aggressive. Just be patient and the larger fish are there just not super aggressive.

The upper boulder has been fishing well all day long with mid-morning and later evening just before dark. The steady flows have made the boulder field a great place to start your day.

The seam water by the big rock has been productive but not as consistent as other areas. This area is best later in the afternoon and streamers will work well here. I always try to find the transition water where the water slows down a little bit.

The area by where the Paria enters the Colorado River is a great place to catch some larger fish. A word of warning, do not wade across the Paria River as it has lots of silt and can be like quicksand. Someone came into the shop recently who said he lost a boot due to getting stuck in the muck. It is better to walk from the parking lot by the Paria bridge than attempting to cross the Paria River.

So the fishing has been consistently great with larger fish being caught just not in the numbers we have seen in early September. So the rating for this period would be a 5 to 7.

Spin Fishing Up River:

With the flows remaining the same, so has much of the spin fishing. Drifting glo bugs up river is always a guide recommendation. Dean Windham says, “Don’t be afraid to experiment and change things up regularly!”

It is also important for spin fisherman to understand that this river is very different than others they have probably fished. It moves very fast and is big water. This leads to more opportunity for trout but at the same time more technical challenges. Jigs always work well and are an easy way to go. If you are using lures, test it out a few times and pay attention to how they move in the water. If you have any questions, head on down to the shop and we can give you a quick refresher course on spin fishing the Colorado River.

Spin Fishing at the Walk In:

The usual spots are fishing well at the walk in. The upper boulder field and down by where the Paria River flows in are excellent places especially since it hasn’t flashed down there in a while. Another worthwhile spot is down on Paria Beach. It can be the perfect place for spin fishing all day or for taking the family and enjoying the day both playing and fishing. Gold flash is still our recommendation for lures. We have a selection of the most effective lures at the shop.

For details on Lake Powell conditions and snow-pack, go here: http://lakepowell.water-data.com/

For a real time graphic view of water releases and ramp rates go here: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/uv?09380000

Whirling disease detected for 2nd time at Lees Ferry.

This is the 2nd time that WD has been detected at Lees Ferry. The first detection was in 2007; this was the year that Lake Powell dropped to its lowest level and as a result, the discharge temperatures from the dam were more than 60 degrees. This past year the discharge temperatures increased again, this time it was a result of the huge inflows into the lake which caused another 60 degree discharge. There has always been the thought that it was our cold water that prevented Lees Ferry from being infected with WD and I find it an interesting coincidence that both detections were made during periods of warm water. Water temps returned to normal (48 degrees) last December.

Fishing here this year has been off the charts good and most all the fish that we are catching are in prime+ condition.

Like the Green and San Juan, I’m not expecting this WD detection to have an impact on the Lees Ferry fishery. The one thing that it should impact is our awareness to make sure that we all take the necessary steps to clean our gear so that WD is not spread to other waters in AZ or elsewhere.

Here is some great info: http://www.tu.org/whirling-disease

__________________

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ARIZONA GAME and FISH DEPARTMENT

PHOENIX – The parasite known to cause whirling disease – that can affect trout but is not harmful to humans – has been reconfirmed at the renowned Lees Ferry fishery within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona, advised Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.

“Although the parasite has been confirmed in fish samples from Lees Ferry, to date no trout have displayed any disease symptoms such as the classic whirling motion,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young. “In fact, just the opposite is true; the Ferry is currently providing some of its best fishing in more than a decade.”

Young emphasized that there are no human health implications for this fish parasite

Whirling disease is caused by a microscopic parasite that damages cartilage and compromises the nervous system of trout and other salmonids, but no other fish species. The disease takes its name because it can cause fish to swim in an uncontrolled whirling motion.

This is the second detection of the whirling disease parasite in trout at the Ferry; the first was in 2007. While the parasite was detected in 2007, it did not become established in the trout population and until now was absent from annual samples taken since then.

“It’s pretty clear from the recent tests that this parasite is back again in the trout population at the Ferry,” Young said. “What we don’t know is how the parasite got to the Ferry, nor do we know how it may manifest itself.”

There have been no fish die offs detected due to the whirling disease parasite at Lees Ferry. “Its presence can, but does not always cause significant trout population losses and typically affects young or immature trout the most,” Young advised.

The whirling disease parasite is found at hundreds of waters in 25 states across the nation, including Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. “We have been very fortunate in Arizona – we don’t have this parasite showing up anywhere else in Arizona. We want to keep it that way,” Young said

It’s critical to have the conscientious cooperation of boaters, anglers and other recreational users along this stretch of the Colorado River and at other waters as well.

“The life cycle of this parasite, which involves both trout and tubifex worms along with microscopic spores, results in this parasite being readily transportable unless anglers and boaters are conscientious about cleaning and decontaminating their equipment,” Young said.

Anglers and boaters are asked to:

* Never transport live fish from one body of water to another – anywhere, not just from the Ferry;

* Do not dispose of fish heads, skeletons or entrails in any body of water, this can spread the disease-causing parasites;

* Do not discard entrails or heads of fish down a garbage disposal. The whirling disease parasite can survive most water treatment plants and infect areas downstream;

* Carefully clean mud and vegetation from all equipment, such as boats, trailers, waders, boots, float tubes and fins. Rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wading gear, and drain water from boats before leaving the area where you’ve been fishing;

* Drain and dry boat bilges, live wells, and lower units.

BEFORE using waders, wading shoes, or fishing gear at another waterway, clean equipment with one of the following:

* Saturate waders and other gear with full-strength “Commercial Solutions Formula 409® Cleaner Degreaser Disinfectant” or “Formula 409® All Purpose Cleaner Antibacterial Kitchen Lemon Fresh” or other cleaners, that contain at least 0.3 percent of the quaternary ammonium compound alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride for at least 10 minutes or,

* Dip, wipe, or spray waders and other gear with 50-percent bleach solution (one part household chlorine bleach to one part water) or,

* Soak waders and other gear for 10 minutes in a 10-percent bleach solution (one part household chlorine bleach to nine parts water) or,

* Pour boiling water (at least 200°F) over your gear and allow to cool.

“The spores of the whirling disease parasite are known to adhere to these kinds of materials and can potentially be carried on gear from one water to another,” Young advised.

Young added that there are also other reasons to clean and decontaminate equipment and boats.

“We have a long list of potential invasive species from New Zealand mudsnails, rock snot, to invasive mussels that can be spread from one body of water to another if simple precautions are not taken. Please make it a habit to Clean, Drain, and Dry, and don’t give any of these invaders a free ride to a new water.”

Lees Ferry Anglers Fly Shop maintains a large inventory of Abel, Sage, Winston, Temple Fork, Tibor, Galvin, Orvis, Simms, Patagonia, Scientific Anglers Mastery, Ex Officio, William Joseph, Fish Pond and Rio among others. We have been one of the largest fly tackle retailers in the southwest U.S. and we are Arizona’s oldest fly shop. We guarantee our prices to be the same or lower than any other fly shop or retail store. We offer free shipping on all orders over $100 and no sales tax on out of state sales. Call us for the best advice!

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!!

*****ROD CLOSEOUTS******

SAGE VANTAGE- 9’ 6wt 4 piece rod was $250.00 now $175.00

SAGE TXL- 7’10” 0wt 3 piece rod was $560.00 now $295.00

SAGE ZXL- 9’ 5wt 4 piece rod was $695.00 now $425.00

SAGE ZXL- 8’6” 3wt 4 piece rod was $695.00 now $425.00

SAGE ZXL- 8’6” 4wt 4 piece rod was $695.00 now $425.00

Call for all current sale items as they change quickly.

Cliff Dwellers Lodge:

Our lodge has rooms with cable TV (20 channels), in-room coffee, and the basic amenities. Choices of rooms are ONE king-size bed, TWO doubles and TWO queen-size beds. Also our group unit we call the HOUSE, sleeps six with two baths, dining area, kitchen, patio with a view, and cable TV. Rates vary with season. We are excited about the winter season and have some great “black board” specials planned. Patio dining is available. (Enclosed in the winter months)

Meet the Guides:

THE GUIDES AND STAFF OF LEES FERRY ANGLERS have thousands of days on this water, and over 100 years combined fish-guiding experience. Captain’s Terry Gunn, Jeff English, Skip Dixon, Natalie Jensen, Tyson Warren, Tyler Smith, Kevin Campbell, Dale Gauthier, and Jared Nelson make up our guiding staff. Lees Ferry Anglers is proud of our fly-fishing guide team! Wendy Gunn, Dean Windham, Andy Vincent and Katy McClenathan work in the fly shop. We strive to provide you with the best customer service in the industry. All of our prices in our shop are the same or less than any of the Big Box stores and we really do appreciate your business.

 

 

By: Katy McClenathan

September 5, 2012

Recent Fish rating

Upriver: 8.5 to 9

Walk-In: 8.5 to 9

Spin-Fishing: 6 to 8

Key: 1 = Go fish somewhere else 10 = Rent a helicopter and get here now!

Today’s Weather: Sunny, Low 68 High 96. Occasional afternoon monsoons

Crowd Rating:

Upriver: 1-2 No Crowds during the week & 3 on the weekends

Walk In: 2-3 during the week and 5 on the weekends

Key: 1 = Sleep late and fish where you want. 10 = Very crowded, get up early

Fly Fishing Up-River:

This is a great time of year here at the Ferry. Afternoon monsoons provide us with cooler weather and even cooler nights. Because of the monsoons in the area, the Paria River has flashed a few more times so if you notice a murky colored Colorado River as you cross over Navajo Bridge, don’t be surprised. It is still running clear above the Paria, though, so these flashes haven’t affected anything above it too drastically.

Starting at the end of August, the fishing has been tremendous. Glen Canyon Dam has dropped the flows to a steady 8,000cfs. The flows had been previously fluctuating between 10,000 and 18,000cfs so they have dropped significantly. If you are taking a boat up river just be aware of the gravel bars and very aware of your prop.

These low flows are so far great for fishing. Dropping the volume of water likely condenses the fish into smaller areas of water. As with the previous months, we are definitely seeing an increase in the amount of large fish being caught. The fish are longer, fatter and in general just healthier. It is not unusual to catch more than a handful of 18-20 inch fish a day, however, there are days when the larger fish just don’t want to eat and every small fish in the river appears ravenous.

The low flows also provide us with more wading spots, which is one of the most effective ways to fish the Colorado River. To get up to date information on the fishing up river, I have interviewed a couple of our guides that make daily trips up-river and have the inside information on the river:

• Skip Dixon’s advice was, “Don’t walk through the fish”. He is basically saying that the fish can be in very close and even though the water is low to fish your way out. Start working from the bank out and don’t just walk out to where you may think they will be. Fish all the way out to where you feel comfortable.

• Jared Nelson says, “I’m using a dry dropper a lot… If I am nymphing, I’m using a lot of zebra midges and scuds and I make sure that I don’t have very much weight on because the water is low and you can always add more weight if you need it …Also, I find that at the walk-in that longer line with less weight is the way to be”.

These guides are coming into the shop at the end of every trip and giving the shop staff the low down on exactly what is working up river, so make sure you stop on in so that we can pass that information on to you. It changes daily and we are more than happy to let you know what is working.

Fly Fishing at the Walk-In:

The walk-in has seen some of the best fishing this year. With the lower flows, the larger fish have moved back into the shallows. The lower flows have changed the terrain of the walk in slightly so you have to walk farther out to reach the water but it is shallower and thus easier to reach the fish.

If you are up for some slightly harder wading, try the upper boulder field. There is some pocket water that works well with nymphing but use lighter split shot so you are not scraping bottom the whole time. Like Jared says, less weight and longer line is the way to be.

If you are fishing from the big rock down, follow Skips advice and fish your way out. In the seam water you never know how close in those fish may be so better your odds by fishing the whole way out. A streamer or two is always worth a try from the big rock down to the Paria River.

Although fishing near the confluence of the Paria River is usually extremely good fishing, we recommend staying away from this area if you are not a confident wader. There is a lot of silt and sediment coming in and it can a lot like quick sand so be careful.

If you stop in the shop, we can review a map of the walk in and show you exactly where to go and what to use to increase your odds of catching those elusive rainbows. It always helps to know the water before you fish it and our enigmatic shop staff is always happy to help.

Spin Fishing up River:

Even though the flows are lower, fishing up river has been incredible. Spin fishing has been producing both number and high quality, sizeable rainbows. Over the Labor Day weekend we had numerous clients taking their boats up river and coming back with great reports and even better fish stories, which by the way we absolutely love hearing in the shop. Nothing makes us happier than a satisfied fisherman.

Anyways here are some tips as to what to do straight from a guide:

• Kevin Campbell says, “What has been working well for me is gold lures over big, expansive flats and jigs adjacent to the grass line”.

Guides have also been drifting large glo-bugs with the lead and tubing technique. I would recommend trying some different things out there, like Kevin says. If one thing isn’t working, switch it up. The fish are always there you just have to make sure to get the lures in their face to make sure they have the opportunity to hit it.

Spin Fishing at the Walk-In:

Because of the Paria River running so muddy, we recommend staying away from that area of the walk in because the fishing just hasn’t been that great down there. The area from the big rock down to just above the Paria has been pretty good. Look for the deep seams to pinpoint where the fish are.

Also try anywhere from below the boat ramp to the upper boulder field and if you are comfortable with wading and spin fishing, give it a try. In this section it is effective to walk out to the fish if you are not catching them from the shore line. Everyone has been fishing the lower sections of this area so there has been smaller traffic through here.

Dean Windham, an associate in the shop, recommends gold lures especially those with flash tape. You can also try using glo-bugs to change things up. If you have any spin fishing questions, Dean is our go to guy and you can often him out on the water learning new things about these Colorado River trout.

For details on Lake Powell conditions and snow-pack, go here: http://lakepowell.water-data.com/

For a real time graphic view of water releases and ramp rates go here: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/uv?09380000

Whirling disease detected for 2nd time at Lees Ferry.

This is the 2nd time that WD has been detected at Lees Ferry. The first detection was in 2007; this was the year that Lake Powell dropped to its lowest level and as a result, the discharge temperatures from the dam were more than 60 degrees. This past year the discharge temperatures increased again, this time it was a result of the huge inflows into the lake which caused another 60 degree discharge. There has always been the thought that it was our cold water that prevented Lees Ferry from being infected with WD and I find it an interesting coincidence that both detections were made during periods of warm water. Water temps returned to normal (48 degrees) last December.

Fishing here this year has been off the charts good and most all the fish that we are catching are in prime+ condition.

Like the Green and San Juan, I’m not expecting this WD detection to have an impact on the Lees Ferry fishery. The one thing that it should impact is our awareness to make sure that we all take the necessary steps to clean our gear so that WD is not spread to other waters in AZ or elsewhere.

Here is some great info: http://www.tu.org/whirling-disease

__________________

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ARIZONA GAME and FISH DEPARTMENT

PHOENIX – The parasite known to cause whirling disease – that can affect trout but is not harmful to humans – has been reconfirmed at the renowned Lees Ferry fishery within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona, advised Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.

“Although the parasite has been confirmed in fish samples from Lees Ferry, to date no trout have displayed any disease symptoms such as the classic whirling motion,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young. “In fact, just the opposite is true; the Ferry is currently providing some of its best fishing in more than a decade.”

Young emphasized that there are no human health implications for this fish parasite

Whirling disease is caused by a microscopic parasite that damages cartilage and compromises the nervous system of trout and other salmonids, but no other fish species. The disease takes its name because it can cause fish to swim in an uncontrolled whirling motion.

This is the second detection of the whirling disease parasite in trout at the Ferry; the first was in 2007. While the parasite was detected in 2007, it did not become established in the trout population and until now was absent from annual samples taken since then.

“It’s pretty clear from the recent tests that this parasite is back again in the trout population at the Ferry,” Young said. “What we don’t know is how the parasite got to the Ferry, nor do we know how it may manifest itself.”

There have been no fish die offs detected due to the whirling disease parasite at Lees Ferry. “Its presence can, but does not always cause significant trout population losses and typically affects young or immature trout the most,” Young advised.

The whirling disease parasite is found at hundreds of waters in 25 states across the nation, including Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. “We have been very fortunate in Arizona – we don’t have this parasite showing up anywhere else in Arizona. We want to keep it that way,” Young said

It’s critical to have the conscientious cooperation of boaters, anglers and other recreational users along this stretch of the Colorado River and at other waters as well.

“The life cycle of this parasite, which involves both trout and tubifex worms along with microscopic spores, results in this parasite being readily transportable unless anglers and boaters are conscientious about cleaning and decontaminating their equipment,” Young said.

Anglers and boaters are asked to:

* Never transport live fish from one body of water to another – anywhere, not just from the Ferry;

* Do not dispose of fish heads, skeletons or entrails in any body of water, this can spread the disease-causing parasites;

* Do not discard entrails or heads of fish down a garbage disposal. The whirling disease parasite can survive most water treatment plants and infect areas downstream;

* Carefully clean mud and vegetation from all equipment, such as boats, trailers, waders, boots, float tubes and fins. Rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wading gear, and drain water from boats before leaving the area where you’ve been fishing;

* Drain and dry boat bilges, live wells, and lower units.

BEFORE using waders, wading shoes, or fishing gear at another waterway, clean equipment with one of the following:

* Saturate waders and other gear with full-strength “Commercial Solutions Formula 409® Cleaner Degreaser Disinfectant” or “Formula 409® All Purpose Cleaner Antibacterial Kitchen Lemon Fresh” or other cleaners, that contain at least 0.3 percent of the quaternary ammonium compound alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride for at least 10 minutes or,

* Dip, wipe, or spray waders and other gear with 50-percent bleach solution (one part household chlorine bleach to one part water) or,

* Soak waders and other gear for 10 minutes in a 10-percent bleach solution (one part household chlorine bleach to nine parts water) or,

* Pour boiling water (at least 200°F) over your gear and allow to cool.

“The spores of the whirling disease parasite are known to adhere to these kinds of materials and can potentially be carried on gear from one water to another,” Young advised.

Young added that there are also other reasons to clean and decontaminate equipment and boats.

“We have a long list of potential invasive species from New Zealand mudsnails, rock snot, to invasive mussels that can be spread from one body of water to another if simple precautions are not taken. Please make it a habit to Clean, Drain, and Dry, and don’t give any of these invaders a free ride to a new water.”

Lees Ferry Anglers Fly Shop maintains a large inventory of Abel, Sage, Winston, Temple Fork, Tibor, Galvin, Orvis, Simms, Patagonia, Scientific Anglers Mastery, Ex Officio, William Joseph, Fish Pond and Rio among others. We have been one of the largest fly tackle retailers in the southwest U.S. and we are Arizona’s oldest fly shop. We guarantee our prices to be the same or lower than any other fly shop or retail store. We offer free shipping on all orders over $100 and no sales tax on out of state sales. Call us for the best advice!

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!!

*****ROD CLOSEOUTS******

SAGE VANTAGE- 9’ 6wt 4 piece rod was $250.00 now $175.00

SAGE TXL- 7’10” 0wt 3 piece rod was $560.00 now $295.00

SAGE ZXL- 9’ 5wt 4 piece rod was $695.00 now $425.00

SAGE ZXL- 8’6” 3wt 4 piece rod was $695.00 now $425.00

SAGE ZXL- 8’6” 4wt 4 piece rod was $695.00 now $425.00

Call for all current sale items as they change quickly.

Cliff Dwellers Lodge:

Our lodge has rooms with cable TV (20 channels), in-room coffee, and the basic amenities. Choices of rooms are ONE king-size bed, TWO doubles and TWO queen-size beds. Also our group unit we call the HOUSE, sleeps six with two baths, dining area, kitchen, patio with a view, and cable TV. Rates vary with season. We are excited about the winter season and have some great “black board” specials planned. Patio dining is available. (Enclosed in the winter months)

Meet the Guides:

THE GUIDES AND STAFF OF LEES FERRY ANGLERS have thousands of days on this water, and over 100 years combined fish-guiding experience. Captain’s Terry Gunn, Jeff English, Skip Dixon, Natalie Jensen, Tyson Warren, Tyler Smith, Kevin Campbell, Dale Gauthier, and Jared Nelson make up our guiding staff. Lees Ferry Anglers is proud of our fly-fishing guide team! Wendy Gunn, Dean Windham, Andy Vincent and Katy McClenathan work in the fly shop. We strive to provide you with the best customer service in the industry. All of our prices in our shop are the same or less than any of the Big Box stores and we really do appreciate your business.

 

LESS FERRY FISHING REPORT

By: Terry Gunn

August 22, 2012

Recent Fish rating

LESS FERRY FISHING REPORT

By: Terry Gunn

August 21, 2012

Recent Fish rating

Upriver: 6.5 to 8.5

Walk-In: 5 to 8.5

Spin-Fishing: 5 to 8

Key: 1 = Go fish somewhere else 10 = Rent a helicopter and get here now!
Today’s Weather: Sunny, Low 69 High 93.

Crowd Rating:

Upriver: 1 to 2 No Crowds during the week & 2 to 3 on the weekends

Walk In: 1 Nobody here during the week & 1 to 2 on the weekends

Key: 1 = Sleep late and fish where you want. 10 = Very crowded, get up early

Fly Fishing Up-River:

Our monsoon season has been active for the past 60 days and the river valley is actually green. The Paria River has flash flooded 3 times in the past 4 days (go to our Facebook page for a video http://www.facebook.com/leesferryanglers) which has turned the river to chocolate milk below Lees Ferry. Water Holes Canyon which enters the river directly across from 4 mile bar also flash flooded and brought a tremendous amount of sand into the river. In the long term this is probably good for the river considering that this is likely an input of nutrients.

The fishing this summer was good. I rate the July cicada hatch a 3 on a scale of 10; the hatch was early, of short duration and not as many bugs as some years. It is different every year and we’ll see what next year’s hatch is like. Recent fishing has been all about streamers; I would say that the streamer fishing the last couple of weeks has been as good as I have ever seen it. We are also doing well with nymphs, both wading and drifting from the boat.

Conditions are getting ready to change on September 1 when the water flows are going to drop to 8,000 cfs constant for all of September and October. This is the last year of a multi-year experiment where the water flows have been held steady for these 2 months. I’m not really sure what this is going to do to the fishing but it will be perfect wading water for both upriver and the walk-in section. If we get some good midge hatches the fishing should be good. Since the conditions are changing and we have no real way of predicting how the fish are going to react to the change we are going to resume regular fishing reports posted on our website so be sure to check back in September for regular fishing updates.

Overall the fish population is the highest that it has been in years. The trout fishing at Lees Ferry continues to be better than we have seen in many years. The AZ Game and Fish department has confirmed through creel surveys that fishing is better than it has been in more than a decade. The Trout are in superb condition, growing fast, and we are seeing fish of all sizes in the system which is indicative of a very healthy fishery and should continue that way for the foreseeable future.

Walk In Fly Fishing Report, By Dean Wyndam:

Well the fishing has been really great the past few weeks. The upper boulder field is where most of the anglers have been catching good numbers of fish. That being said, I cannot believe that more fishermen are not up here fishing. Today I fished the walk in and counted TWO people other than me fishing. The weather has been decent with the temps moderating up to the low 90’s. We have had some rain but most of the moisture has been in the upper plateau areas. Most days we have had clouds in the afternoon and the midge hatches have been amazing. The fish have been cooperating well by being active from first light until about 11 am and then on and off until picking up again around 5 pm. My suggestion is for you to fish as early as possible until 10 am and then find a place to get a cool drink and take a nap. Then fish again at 5 pm until dark.

The upper boulder field has really great numbers of fish. Yes, some of them are small but be patient there are larger fish there also. Almost everything is working in the boulder field. Small tan or brown dry flies have been very productive. A wine colored San Juan worm with a midge has been working well also. For the streamer fisherman, black wooly buggers have been really the hot ticket, especially in the afternoon. Remember that the boulder field has lots of great holding water but caution needs to be taken when wading due to deep holes and lots of rocks. If you have a wading staff brings it.

The area by the big rock is still fishing well but not as good as last month. There are fish in good numbers here but they have been really picky about what they want to eat. Streamers in the afternoon have been the most productive fly in this area lately. Midges with San Juan worms have been working in the morning and late afternoon.

The area by where the Paria River enters the Colorado is in a state of change. Due to the rains on the upper plateau area there is lots of silt being put In the Colorado River. The river below the Paria riffle is very silty and red colored. However, the area just out from the confluence is still very clear and is being scoured clean from the silt daily. New holes are being formed that will make good holding areas during the afternoon. Fish have not been as active during the morning in this area. That should change as soon as the deeper holes are scoured out. This area is also hazardous for wading due to the heavy deposit of silt. It can be almost like quicksand. So it is better to walk in from the parking lot on the main Lees Ferry road. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO WADE the Paria River.

The water flows are changing to 8,000 cfs constant on September 1. This is going to be great for the walk-in fishing.

So I would rate the fishing at a steady 8 for this week. So if you have a few days to fish come on up and catch some wonderful rainbows. Hope to see you on the water.

Walk in Spin Fishing Report:

The higher flows have improved the walk in for spin fishing. All areas are producing good numbers of larger fish on a daily basis. Kastmaster in the gold color is the most productive lure. The silver Kastmaster also works but not as well as gold. Panther Martins #6 in a gold blade with a black body have been working well also. The spin fishing pressure has been very light due to the lower flows of the spring and now the higher flows have been giving us some larger fat fish. I fished the walk in from the bottom to the top two days ago and did not see another person spin fishing. In an hour and a half I caught 12 fish with the largest at 17 inches and the smallest at 8 to 10 inches. I have also been using fluorocarbon line and I like the way the lure sinks quickly through the water column. I have been using 4 lb. diameter test.

The upper boulder area from the river boat beach area down river to the big boulder has been really fun to fish with a Kastmaster. The boulder area has some really deep holes and lots of transition water where larger fish can be caught.

The area from the large boulder to the Paria River has not been as productive as in the past. I have tried several different set ups but the bite just appears to be more difficult right now.

At the area where the Paria River enters the Colorado anglers have been catching nice size fish later in the day. As the water comes up the big fish move in closer to shore and are easier to catch. Be cautious if you are wading in this area as the Paria is dumping large amounts of silt into the river making areas that are soft and mucky. A wading staff is helpful but walking in from the main Lees Ferry road would be the safer bet.

Whirling disease detected for 2^nd time at Lees Ferry.

This is the 2nd time that WD has been detected at Lees Ferry. The first detection was in 2007; this was the year that Lake Powell dropped to its lowest level and as a result, the discharge temperatures from the dam were more than 60 degrees. This past year the discharge temperatures increased again, this time it was a result of the huge inflows into the lake which caused another 60 degree discharge. There has always been the thought that it was our cold water that prevented Lees Ferry from being infected with WD and I find it an interesting coincidence that both detections were made during periods of warm water. Water temps returned to normal (48 degrees) last December.

Like the Green and San Juan, I’m not expecting this WD detection to have an impact on the Lees Ferry fishery. The one thing that it should impact is our awareness to make sure that we all take the necessary steps to clean our gear so that WD is not spread to other waters in AZ or elsewhere.

Here is some great info: http://www.tu.org/whirling-disease

__________________
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ARIZONA GAME and FISH DEPARTMENT
PHOENIX – The parasite known to cause whirling disease – that can affect trout but is not harmful to humans – has been reconfirmed at the renowned Lees Ferry fishery within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona, advised Arizona Game and Fish Department officials.

“Although the parasite has been confirmed in fish samples from Lees Ferry, to date no trout have displayed any disease symptoms such as the classic whirling motion,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young. “In fact, just the opposite is true; the Ferry is currently providing some of its best fishing in more than a decade.”

Young emphasized that there are no human health implications for this fish parasite.

Whirling disease is caused by a microscopic parasite that damages cartilage and compromises the nervous system of trout and other salmonids, but no other fish species. The disease takes its name because it can cause fish to swim in an uncontrolled whirling motion.

This is the second detection of the whirling disease parasite in trout at the Ferry; the first was in 2007. While the parasite was detected in 2007, it did not become established in the trout population and until now was absent from annual samples taken since then.

“It’s pretty clear from the recent tests that this parasite is back again in the trout population at the Ferry,” Young said. “What we don’t know is how the parasite got to the Ferry, nor do we know how it may manifest itself.”

There have been no fish die offs detected due to the whirling disease parasite at Lees Ferry. “Its presence can, but does not always cause significant trout population losses and typically affects young or immature trout the most,” Young advised.

The whirling disease parasite is found at hundreds of waters in 25 states across the nation, including Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. “We have been very fortunate in Arizona – we don’t have this parasite showing up anywhere else in Arizona. We want to keep it that way,” Young said.

It’s critical to have the conscientious cooperation of boaters, anglers and other recreational users along this stretch of the Colorado River and at other waters as well.

“The life cycle of this parasite, which involves both trout and tubifex worms along with microscopic spores, results in this parasite being readily transportable unless anglers and boaters are conscientious about cleaning and decontaminating their equipment,” Young said.

Anglers and boaters are asked to:

* Never transport live fish from one body of water to another – anywhere, not just from the Ferry;
* Do not dispose of fish heads, skeletons or entrails in any body of water, this can spread the disease-causing parasites;
* Do not discard entrails or heads of fish down a garbage disposal. The whirling disease parasite can survive most water treatment plants and infect areas downstream;
* Carefully clean mud and vegetation from all equipment, such as boats, trailers, waders, boots, float tubes and fins. Rinse all mud and debris from equipment and wading gear, and drain water from boats before leaving the area where you’ve been fishing;
* Drain and dry boat bilges, live wells, and lower units.

BEFORE using waders, wading shoes, or fishing gear at another waterway, clean equipment with one of the following:

* Saturate waders and other gear with full-strength “Commercial Solutions Formula 409® Cleaner Degreaser Disinfectant” or “Formula 409® All Purpose Cleaner Antibacterial Kitchen Lemon Fresh” or other cleaners, that contain at least 0.3 percent of the quaternary ammonium compound alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride for at least 10 minutes or,
* Dip, wipe, or spray waders and other gear with 50-percent bleach solution (one part household chlorine bleach to one part water) or,
* Soak waders and other gear for 10 minutes in a 10-percent bleach solution (one part household chlorine bleach to nine parts water) or,
* Pour boiling water (at least 200°F) over your gear and allow to cool.

“The spores of the whirling disease parasite are known to adhere to these kinds of materials and can potentially be carried on gear from one water to another,” Young advised.

Young added that there are also other reasons to clean and decontaminate equipment and boats.

“We have a long list of potential invasive species from New Zealand mudsnails, rock snot, to invasive mussels that can be spread from one body of water to another if simple precautions are not taken. Please make it a habit to Clean, Drain, and Dry, and don’t give any of these invaders a free ride to a new water.”

Spin Fishing Up River:

Spin fishing is just OK. The reason that it has slowed down is due to the fact there is so much algae floating in the river that it is difficult to get a good drift.

• If you have some news you would like to report about fishing lees ferry, the walk-in section or up river please e-mail your report to: anglers@leesferry.com  Attn. Lees Ferry Fishing Report

• We would be happy to have your input, and pass it along.

Here is a report form one of our customers.

To: Administrator

Subject: [Cliff Dwellers Lodge] Fishing

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to fish with my wife on the boat and Skip as the guide and I just wanted to tell you that we enjoyed the day so much that it’s all I have talked about for nearly a week. Skip was a great teacher and I enjoyed the day so much with the beauty of the river and I am trying to talk some guys to coming out and fishing a couple of days. It was great and to catch fish on top of that what a deal!

For details on Lake Powell conditions and snow-pack, go here: http://lakepowell.water-data.com/

For a real time graphic view of water releases and ramp rates go here: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/uv?09380000

Lees Ferry Anglers Fly Shop maintains a large inventory of Abel, Sage, Winston, Temple Fork, Tibor, Galvin, Orvis, Simms, Patagonia, Scientific Anglers Mastery, Ex Officio, William Joseph, Fish Pond and Rio among others. We have been one of the largest fly tackle retailers in the southwest U.S. and we are Arizona’s oldest fly shop. We guarantee our prices to be the same or lower than any other fly shop or retail store. We offer free shipping on all orders over $100 and no sales tax on out of state sales. Call us for the best advice!

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!!

SAGE RODS BLOWOUT. We have a sale on discontinued SAGE rods. Call us for the models we have in stock.

Cliff Dwellers Lodge:

Our lodge has rooms with cable TV (20 channels), in-room coffee, and the basic amenities. Choices of rooms are ONE king-size bed, TWO doubles and TWO queen-size beds. Also our group unit we call the HOUSE, sleeps six with two baths, dining area, kitchen, patio with a view, and cable TV. Rates vary with season. We are excited about the winter season and have some great “black board” specials planned. Patio dining is available. (Enclosed in the winter months)

Meet the Guides:

THE GUIDES AND STAFF OF LEES FERRY ANGLERS have thousands of days on this water, and over 100 years combined fish-guiding experience. Captain’s Terry Gunn, Jeff English, Skip Dixon, Natalie Jensen, Tyson Warren, Tyler Smith, Kevin Campbell, Dale Gauthier, and Jared Nelson make up our guiding staff. Lees Ferry Anglers is proud of our fly-fishing guide team! Wendy Gunn, Dean Windham, Andy Vincent and Katie McClenathen work in the fly shop. We strive to provide you with the best customer service in the industry. All of our prices in our shop are the same or less than any of the Big Box stores and we really do appreciate your business.