April, 2014

Hello to all my fellow fishers out there,

The fishing at lees ferry is good right now, we are seeing a ton of healty fish out there. Good food production and happy trout. 

We are catching fish on zebra midge patterns #16-#18, dark colors; black, maroon, grey, and purple. Scuds are producing some fish as well, grey, and ginger, size #12-#14. Worm patterns turn a few fish here and there, reds, and browns there size #14-#16, and you can still get a few interested on the egg patterns if your in the right places, as there are still spawning fish, and of course the streamers on sinking line are productive as well.

Flows are fluctuating daily from 6,500 cfs to 10,500 cfs, and should be similar thru May. The weather has been good as well, tempuratures in the high 40's- low 50's in the am, and rising to the high 60's -mid 70's in the afternoons. 

A special thanks to the Kuo family, awsome trip, great company and sweet photos! See you next year.

"I wish you all right lines, and always remeber to keep that top up."

Mick Lovett

MCO 

For More Details, Visit Home at http://www.LeesFerryFlyFishing.com

Common Fly Fishing Mistakes

There are plenty of nice adjectives that get kicked around when we talk about fly fishing – serene, peaceful, patient – but easy is generally not one of them. Fly fishing is hard, no doubt about it, and there is plenty of room for errors that can make it even more challenging. These simple errors sometimes discourage novice fly fishers and keep them from pursuing the sport further. Fortunately, many of these mistakes can be easily identified and rectified, making the experience of fly fishing a whole lot more enjoyable. Today we'll look at a few of these common mistakes.

Approach with Caution

It's easy to get excited and go happily sloshing out into the Colorado River, but this is probably not in your best interest. Bear in mind, any sudden, noisy movements you make will immediately be noticed by any fish in the area. Before you enter a stream or river, scout it out from the shore. Look for any spots with lots of insect activity. There are likely to be fish nearby, and the imitation insect at the end of your line will have an easier time blending in. If you see any rocks jutting out of the water, consider using them as a perch while you fish. This will give you a bird's eye view of the water and minimize your chances of spooking the fish.

Slow and Steady

A fast, rushed cast has a greater chance of spooking fish and tangling your line. Do your best to stay relaxed and find a nice, slow cadence for your cast. It will take a good deal of practice and diligence to maintain this relaxed posture, but it will also greatly increase your chances of success.

Remember the Plan

It's called fly fishing for a reason. The goal is to imitate the action of an insect on the end of your line, thereby enticing unwitting fish to take a nibble on your hook. Before you head off to a local fishing hole, do some research to find out what kind of insects are common to that ecosystem. Choose your flies accordingly and do your best to imitate the movement of the real thing. Getting fish to buy your insect parody will also take time, but it is one of the most rewarding aspects of fly fishing technique.

Learning to fly fish shouldn’t scare away those who are looking to enjoy nature and take part in the rich American pastime. At Marble Canyon Outfitters, you can learn new techniques right here at Lee’s Ferry on the breathtaking Colorado River. Visit our website to get started today.

For More Details, Visit Home at http://www.LeesFerryFlyFishing.com

Spring, midges, and low flows

17" Rainbow

16" 

19"

19"

Hello to all my fellow fishers out there. The fishing at the ferry is fantastic, it's spring so, midges midges and more midges. Zebra midge patterns #18-#14, blk/slvr, red/slvr, grey/black, any midgy combination you can come up with if you tie. Egg patterns are still producing in some places on the river, worms are also producing in some places, and to my surprise I have been pulling a few fish on scud patterns. Most flies are in #16, but anything from #18 in the midges to #12 in the worms and scuds. 

The fish are in great health, getting some good girth out there, fat and happy fish. 

As always right lines and always remeber to keep that tip up,

Mick Lovett

MCO 

For More Details, Visit Home at http://www.LeesFerryFlyFishing.com

Fly Fishing is an American Tradition

All the way across the country from the fly fishing at Lee’s Ferry, The American Museum of Fly Fishing sits in Manchester, Vermont. It showcases the history, traditions and practices of the sport of fly fishing. Even though Vermont is far away from the Colorado River and Northern Arizona, one thing’s for sure—fly fishing has shown itself to be one of the most nationally appreciated hobbies and pastimes time and time again.

Fly fishing in the United States got its start when anglers tried using artificial lures in the streams of the Catskill Mountains of New York in the late 1800s. One fisherman, Charles F. Orvis, developed America’s first fully modern fly reel. Today, there are Orvis stores around the country selling products for people who like to spend time outdoors in nature.

The sport of fly fishing increasingly caught on right through the turn of the century. It has been said that fly fishing peaked in the 1920s, as anglers took to the waters of New England and the Midwest en masse. Writer Ernest Hemingway helped expose the sport to people through his writing, including the 1926 book The Sun Also Rises. Then, in the 1950s, another peak time for fly fishing occurred as new developments in the rods, fly lines and leaders made the sport less expensive, and thus more accessible to the general population.

Brad Pitt—yes, Brad Pitt—helped fly fishing enjoy yet another resurgence in the 1990s when he was seen fly fishing in the 1992 Robert Redford hit movie A River Runs Through It.

Marble Canyon Outfitters’ Mick Lovett is an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing guide who landed his first fish on a fly rod at Lees Ferry when he was 4-years-old. Our fly fishing experiences carry on the time-tested tradition of fly-fishing in one of the most spectacular natural settings in the country. Visit our website to book your trip today.

For More Details, Visit Home at http://www.LeesFerryFlyFishing.com

Tips for Fitting in on Your Lee’s Ferry Fly Fishing Tour

We here at Lee’s Ferry Fly Fishing have the pleasure of offering fishing trips for people of many experience levels. If you are relatively new to fly fishing, you might feel a little out of place when you embark on a trip down the Colorado River. Of course, there’s no reason to feel this way, but it’s still a great opportunity to learn more about fly fishing so that you can feel more a part of the group.

One of the easiest things you can do is research some common fly-fishing terminology and equipment. If you understand different types of fishing equipment you will have an easier time adjusting to your first trip, without needing to ask what everything does. Knowing the terminology can also help you interact with other fishers and understand what everyone is talking about on the boat. There are plenty of resources out there, and of course your guide and fellow fishermen will be happy to give you a few pointers.

You should also spend a little time practicing using your reel. While it takes time to become experienced at something like changing your spool, if you are familiar with your reel you will have a better chance of catching fish right away. Becoming familiar with several different types of knots can also be useful. Most reels come with instructions on some of the basic knots you may need to use. Spend some time away from the water familiarizing yourself with the basics.

Coming prepared is also another important tip. You will want to make sure you dress appropriately for the weather and boating conditions, while making sure you have enough storage space for all of your equipment and supplies. If you are organized you will be able to quickly pinpoint where all of your gear is and ready yourself at a moment’s notice.

These are just a few ways you can make your beginning fly fishing trips as safe, fun, and enjoyable as possible. Stay on your toes and you will be well on your way towards acting like a pro. Remember, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re ready for a true Lee’s Ferry fly fishing adventure, contact Marble Canyon Outfitters to make reservations today.

For More Details, Visit Home at http://www.LeesFerryFlyFishing.com

Fly Fishing as Therapy: How Angling Can Help PTSD

While fly fishing is not often seen as the most glamorous activity out there, it’s been garnering a great deal of attention in the press for a very virtuous reasons. It’s been has been embraced as a way for veterans of war to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Many organizations have been formed to promote this cause, and it’s been highlighted in countless news stories

Water has been a source of healing since ancient times, and fly fishing involves wading in the water, casting a long line, and seeing what can be caught. Indeed, many men, war vets or not, have found a peaceful serenity in the joy of being out in nature, breathing in the air, listening to the birds, and trying to catch ever-elusive fish.

When a person has gone through a traumatic experience, as is prone to happen in the chaos of war, the images and sounds of those dangerous times can haunt them for years to come. PTSD is something that too many soldiers suffer with; fly fishing, however, calms them.

Putting a person’s mind and body at ease is no easy task in a world that’s full of traffic, pollution, noise and people. So a fly fishing “getaway” is an ideal situation for people who want to escape to a quiet, pretty place, away from the crowds and the city. We’re proud to be a part of this peaceful outlet, and encourage those who feel like they could benefit from this therapeutic activity to try it.

Marble Canyon Outfitters at Lees Ferry offers guided fly fishing experiences in northern Arizona. In the Colorado River at the head of the Grand Canyon, this dynamic area is like visiting another planet—far from the suburban look of most of America, this is an out-of-the-way, relaxing place where the fly fishing is great and the surrounding scenery will enliven your senses like nowhere else can. 

For More Details, Visit Home at http://www.LeesFerryFlyFishing.com

10% Discount on all Trips for the Month of December!!!

Hello to all my fellow fishers out there. Marble Canyon Outfitters is offering a 10% discount on all trips booked in the month of December 2013. The winter fishing is fantastic at the ferry and December is my personal favorite of the winter months. The spawn is just starting, so we have a mature fish in shallow water staging for a spawning location, and once the spawn is in full swing a possibility for sight fishing becomes a reality. The coloration of the fish is just pure beauty, with the vibrant reds, and the silvery females. I would like to share the winter fishing experience with everyone, I know you will all love it just as much as I do. If we can be of service please let us know.I look forward to fishing with you all. As always "may all your lines be tight, and always remember to keep that tip up." Mick Lovett Owner/Operator Marble Canyon Outfitters For More Details, Visit Home at http://www.LeesFerryFlyFishing.com