Lees FerryOn The Fly
Water taxi & kayak rentals through Horseshoe Bend. Guided fly fishing & spin fishing on the Colorado River. Family owned and operated — guiding Lees Ferry since 1999.
Kayak & SUP Backhaul
We transport you and your kayak or paddleboard upstream to a destination of your choice — typically 10 miles up at Petroglyph Beach day-use area, just below Glen Canyon Dam (15 miles upstream max). You decide how long you want to paddle and we'll drop you off accordingly. Two hours or all day — it's up to you.
- Kayak rentals do not include water taxi or backhaul shuttle
- Choose how long you want to be on the river — 2 hours or all day
- Meet us at the Lees Ferry boat launch ramp on the Colorado River
- No need to transport any boats — we provide everything
- Safe and pleasant trip down the river, all skill levels welcome
Includes upstream transport for you + one watercraft under 50 lbs
Plus tax and booking fee. SUP rentals also available.
No canoes or watercraft exceeding 15 feet. No watercraft with frames. Additional $80 charge for gear and watercraft exceeding 50 lbs total.
Meet at Lees Ferry
Arrive at the Lees Ferry launch ramp. We load your kayak or paddleboard (or use our rentals) onto the custom Koffler jet boat.
You Pick the Drop-Off
Tell us how long you want to paddle. Most folks ride 10 miles up to Petroglyph Beach, but we'll drop you anywhere up to 15 miles below the dam.
Paddle Back in Paradise
Float back downstream through crystal-clear waters, hidden fern grottoes, ancient petroglyphs, and towering canyon walls — at your own pace.
2026 Guide Rates
Backhaul water taxi service, kayak rentals and guided fishing on the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry since 1999. Family owned and operated.
Water Taxi / Backhaul Shuttle
Our custom jet boat takes you and your kayak or paddleboard upstream to a destination of your choice — typically 10 miles up at Petroglyph Beach day-use area, just below Glen Canyon Dam. You decide how far you want to paddle and we drop you off accordingly.
- Choose 2 hours or all day on the river
- Drop-off up to 15 miles upstream
- Kayak & SUP rentals from $40
- Meet at Lees Ferry boat launch ramp
Fly Fishing Guide Trip
Experience world-class trout fishing in the gin-clear tailwaters below Glen Canyon Dam. Your guide Dave Trimble has logged hundreds of guide days since the 1990s on this legendary stretch of the Colorado River.
- 8 hours on the water
- Sage & Echo fly rods provided
- Custom hand-tied flies & lures
- USCG Licensed Captain
Spin Fishing Guide Trip
Perfect for groups up to 4 anglers. Target trophy rainbow and brown trout with expert guidance. All tackle, fuel, and custom Koffler jet boat included. We do NOT fly fish 3 or 4 anglers.
- 4 anglers available at $800
- All tackle & lures included
- Custom Koffler jet boat
- $25 per non-fishing passenger
What's Included in Every Guided Charter
Life on the Colorado
Real photos from real trips. This is what's waiting for you at Lees Ferry.
Lees Ferry
Trophy Trout
Horseshoe Bend
On the Water
Year-Round Fishing
Kayak the Canyon
Spring Season
Tight Lines
Canyon Views
Golden Hour
Dave Trimble
Dave Trimble has been guiding Lees Ferry since 1999 — a family owned and operated outfit with hundreds of guide days on this legendary stretch of the Colorado River. He knows every bend, eddy, and hidden grotto along the corridor.
As sole owner and operator, Dave personally captains every trip — whether it's a guided fly fishing charter targeting trophy rainbow and brown trout in the gin-clear tailwaters, or a jet boat shuttle through the stunning Horseshoe Bend corridor.
He carries a well-stocked guide box featuring Sage and Echo fly rods, Galvan fly reels, and custom hand-tied flies — many of which are available for purchase at the nearby Marble Canyon Lodge.
Lodging & Dining
Our top pick is our friends at Vermilion Cliffs Lodge. Marble Canyon Lodge is another solid option just minutes from the boat launch.
Vermilion Cliffs Lodge
Our friends at Vermilion Cliffs offer the best stay in the area — right under the towering red cliffs. This is where we send our clients first.
vermilioncliffs.comHistoric Marble Canyon Lodge
A historic lodge with comfortable rooms right at the gateway to Lees Ferry. Whether you're here to fish, whitewater raft, or kayak the scenic Horseshoe Bend — this is a great place to stay.
1-800-726-1789Marble Canyon Restaurant
Great dining right on-site at Marble Canyon Lodge. Fuel up before your trip or enjoy a meal after a long day on the water. They also carry local fly patterns and lures in their shop.
On-site at Marble Canyon LodgeMore lodging options in Page, AZ coming soon
Four Simple Steps
Book Online or Call
Reserve your trip by calling Dave directly at (928) 380-4504 or email leesferryonthefly@gmail.com. A $100 deposit is required to secure your date.
Meet at Lees Ferry
Arrive at the Lees Ferry boat launch in Marble Canyon, AZ. Trips typically start at 7:00 AM. We recommend staying at the nearby Marble Canyon Lodge.
Hit the Water
Whether it's a guided fishing charter or a backhaul shuttle, you'll travel in our custom Koffler jet boat with USCG Licensed Captain Dave at the helm.
An Unforgettable Day
8 hours on the water fishing for trophy trout in gin-clear tailwaters, or a scenic paddle back through Horseshoe Bend. Balance due at the end of your trip.
Common Questions
Fly fishing is $650 for 1 angler or $700 for 2 anglers. Spin fishing is $700 for 1-3 anglers or $800 for 4 anglers. There's a $25 charge for any non-fishing passenger. Maximum 4 people per boat. We do NOT fly fish 3 or 4 anglers.
Every guided charter includes a USCG licensed captain, our custom Koffler jet boat, fuel, fly rods (Sage & Echo), Galvan fly reels, hand-tied flies and lures, and 8 hours on the water — typically starting around 7:00 AM.
Bring snacks, drinks, and lunch. You'll also want a valid Arizona fishing license (purchasable online), polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and 9-foot 5x leaders with 4x-5x fluorocarbon tippet. Waders and boots are available for rental locally at Marble Canyon Lodge.
A backhaul is a jet boat ride that transports you and your kayak or paddleboard upstream from Lees Ferry to a destination of your choice. Most folks ride 10 miles up to Petroglyph Beach day-use area, just below Glen Canyon Dam (15 miles upstream is the max). You pick how long you want to paddle and we drop you off accordingly — two hours or all day, your call.
The shuttle is $80 per person, which includes upstream transport for one person plus one watercraft under 50 lbs. Kayak rentals start at $40 plus tax and booking fee. There's an additional $80 charge for gear and watercraft exceeding 50 lbs total.
No! We offer kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals starting at $40. You're also welcome to bring your own gear — just no canoes or watercraft exceeding 15 feet, and no watercraft with frames.
We require a $100 non-refundable deposit to reserve a day. The balance is due at the end of your trip. If you wish to reschedule, you have 6 months from cancellation to rebook (one reschedule only). Cancellations within 15 days of the trip receive NO refund or credit. All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
Our top pick is our friends at Vermilion Cliffs Lodge (vermilioncliffs.com). The Marble Canyon Lodge is another solid option just minutes from the Lees Ferry boat launch — comfortable rooms, on-site restaurant, and a shop that carries local fly patterns and lures. Call them at 1-800-726-1789. More options in Page, AZ coming soon.
Page, AZ: 45 mi via US-89 & US-89A N. Grand Canyon North Rim: 85 mi via Hwy 67 to Hwy 89A. Flagstaff: 124 mi via N 89 to US-89 N. Grand Canyon Village: 134 mi via Hwy 64 to 89 to 89A. Williams: 136 mi via I-40 to Hwy 89 to 89A. Sedona: 153 mi via Hwy 89A N to 89 N to 89A. Phoenix: 273 mi via I-17 to I-40 to Hwy 89 to 89A.
Lees Ferry is one of the top trout fisheries in the Southwest. You'll be targeting trophy rainbow and brown trout in the gin-clear tailwaters below Glen Canyon Dam. The water temperature stays between 46-62°F year-round, making it a year-round fishery.
Call Dave Trimble directly at (928) 380-4504 or email leesferryonthefly@gmail.com. We recommend booking at least a few days in advance, especially during peak season (March-October).
Ready to Hit the Water?
To book a fishing trip, give us a call or send an email.
Contact Info
Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
Trips typically start at 7:00 AM
Booking & Cancellation Policy
We require a $100 non-refundable deposit to reserve a day. This can be done over the phone by calling Dave Trimble at (928) 380-4504. The balance is due at the end of your trip.
ALL DEPOSITS ARE NONREFUNDABLE (with the exception of cancellations due to unsafe weather).
- If you wish to re-schedule, you have 6 months from the date of cancellation to reserve another trip.
- Cancellations made within 15 days of the trip will receive NO refund or credit.
- No refunds for guests who arrive late or depart early from the trip.
- You may not re-schedule more than once. All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
For backhaul shuttle: 50% service fee for cancellations with more than 72 hours notice. Cancellations within 72 hours or arrivals 10+ minutes late forfeit all refunds.