Rainbow Trout is One of the Top Five Game Fish in America

Fly Fishing is always a great way to spend your day and the experience itself is enough to put a smile on your face for a long time. But what do we catch? Our main game is the rainbow trout and the best way to bring one (or several) home is to know your animal.

Adult freshwater rainbow trout range from 1 to 5 lbs., but lake trout can get as big as 20 lbs. Coloration of these fish range depending on species, but they live up to their title and exhibit gorgeous hues of reds, greens and blues here in Arizona. They also feature heavy black spotting.

Both wild and hatchery-bred rainbow trout can be found in over 45 countries and on every continent save Antarctica. They spawn in early to late spring (between January and June) when water temperatures reach 42 degrees Fahrenheit. The maximum-recorded lifespan is 11 years.

Though not particularly aggressive, rainbow trout are certainly predators that will eat anything they can get their jaws around. They generally feed on aquatic insects in larval, pupal and adult stages of life. These include caddisflies, stoneflies, mayflies and aquatic diptera. However, they’ll also chow down on fish eggs and even terrestrial insects that fall into the water like ants and beetles.

In fly-fishing circles, rainbow trout are known as one of the hardest-fighting fish. This is determined by their tendency to leap when hooked. They’re regarded as one of the top five game fish in America.

Rainbow fish are also highly regarded for their use in western cuisine. Seafood Watch named them a “best choice” fish for human consumption for their appealing flavor and high levels of vitamin B. Typical wine pairings for trout include chardonnay, sauvignon blancs and pinot gris.

When you’re ready to tackle a rainbow trout, contact Marble Canyon Outfitters. We can’t wait to get out on the Colorado River.

Equipment for Fly Fishing

Fly fishing can seem daunting, if only because of the amount of equipment involved. But how much of that is purely for show? We’ve put together a list of what you actually need to get started to make your first fly fishing experience a little less complicated.

Five-weight rods can handle any fish from 6 inches long to five pounds. For fish of this size, most fly reels, regardless of price, will work just fine. Weight-forward, five-weight floating lines work best for five-weight rods. Floating line is a simple place to start practicing your cast and works with wet and dry flies. Weight-forward just refers to the line’s taper.

Braided Dacron backing isn’t essential, but it will prevent any big fish from taking all of your line and make bringing your line back in a lot less painless. A standard nine-foot, 5X leader is the way to go with a five-weight line. These are tapered monofilament line. Keeping 5X tippets to replace portions of your 5X leader is always a good idea.

Neoprene waders will keep you warm in cool weather, but with the Summer season coming in, we suggest either going big with waterproof/breathable waders (a bit expensive, but often with a lifetime guarantee) or fabric waders. Fabric waders are prone to leaks, but are one of the better options to avoid an uncomfortable trip.

Other items to never forget on your trip are wading boots, clippers, fly floatant, a net, forceps, a leader straightener and a fly vest or chest pack. These last two items should be comfortable as well as functional, as you’ll be wearing them all day.

Contact Marble Canyon Outfitters to get started on a guided day of fly fishing. You’ll be glad you did!

Source: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/03/04/1103605/want-to-fly-fish-heres-what-you.html

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