Arizona fishing reports
195 reports for Arizona — what's biting, water temps, and where to focus.
Colorado River at Lee's Ferry: 55°F Tailwater Hits Prime Range as Flows Hold at 8,140 cfs
USGS gauge 09380000 put the Colorado River at 55°F and 8,140 cfs on the evening of May 3 — textbook conditions for the Lee's Ferry tailwater below Glen Canyon Dam, where rainbow trout thrive in the 50–60°F sweet spot. Flows are within the typical operational range for this stretch, with current seams and mid-channel cushions likely concentrating fish in predictable lies. No Arizona-specific reporting appeared in the current angler-intel feeds, so species assessments below draw on the gauge reading and established seasonal patterns for this fishery rather than on-the-water captain or shop reports. On the Salt River arm of the system, largemouth and striped bass typically grow increasingly active through May as reservoir surface temps climb toward the mid-60s. A waning gibbous moon this week opens productive low-light windows at dawn and dusk — historically prime timing for streamer and topwater presentations on both systems. Confirm current Glen Canyon Dam release schedules before heading to Lee's Ferry, as dam operations can shift flows with little notice.
Colorado River Hits 54°F at Lees Ferry — Tailwater Trout Window Open
USGS gauge 09380000 at Lees Ferry clocked 54°F and 6,320 cfs early this morning — squarely in the optimal feeding range for rainbow trout on the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam. Flows at 6,320 cfs are moderate and manageable for drift-boat anglers, though wade-fishing mid-river is difficult at these levels. No AZ-specific tackle-shop or charter reports surfaced in this cycle's feeds, so conditions here are drawn from the gauge reading and what is expected for early May on this tailwater. Field & Stream's current aquatic insects primer is timely — midge and mayfly activity typically peaks on tailwaters in this temperature band, and matching the hatch with small nymphs or soft-hackle emergers is the standard play. On the Salt River corridor, the full moon is likely pushing largemouth bass toward pre-spawn staging and will activate channel catfish feeding windows after dark across the impoundments.
Colorado River at Lees Ferry: 55°F, 8,450 cfs — Trout in Prime Window
USGS gauge 09380000 logged the Colorado River at 8,450 cfs and 55°F as of the evening of May 1 — conditions that place rainbow and brown trout squarely in their feeding comfort zone along the Lees Ferry tailwater stretch. None of this week's national angler-intel feeds carried AZ-specific reports, so this conditions picture is built from the gauge reading and typical early-May patterns for these drainages rather than on-the-water testimony. At 55°F, trout are active feeders; the 8,450 cfs flow is on the higher end for wading, pushing fish into seams and soft-water pockets behind structure, which favors drift-boat presentations over wading. On the Salt River system, largemouth and smallmouth bass are likely in late pre-spawn to spawn staging given the warming spring temps, and tonight's full moon adds a classic timing trigger. Check local AZ fly shops before heading out for current on-the-water confirmation.