CRB Loc: Arizona

I am going to be kayaking the Colorado river down to Lee's Ferry in a couple weeks. I have never done this before and it has been decades since I have fished with a spinning rod and reel. I am being told try Panther Martin #9, Rooster Tail, or Kast master 1/4-1/2 oz. I have #2 Meps and a red/white Daredevil in my tackle box. Also am being told it is a wasted effort to troll for trout with a kayak on the Colorado.
This is my first time posting and look forward to any other information from.
Thanks.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Well I've never trolled from a kayak on the Colorado, but if someone told me that and I were planning a trip, guess what I'd be preparing for? What size is that Daredevil? Kastmaster is liable to catch anything in there. Heavens. Have a great time and post some photos!

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

I wouldnt hurt to have a couple different sizes of all the lures mentioned by prior posts. The rule still holds about larger bait, larger fish caught, and I presume it will apply there. Just Sayin...RJS

Mike-1000 Loc: SE Mn. Between Winona Mn. and LaCrosse Wi.

Kayak fishing? I bet a good size fish could take you for a ride...that sounds like a blast, wear a PFD and if all else fails you can fish from shore try a mepps spinner and have fun.

CRB Loc: Arizona

Ha ha. I like your attitude. Daredevil is 1 3/4" length treble hook. I cannot see a number on the dd. Maybe get a couple larger dd's? Maybe try the dd for trolling? I remember a dd working really well when trolling from a canoe ( over 50 years ago). I will post a picture if I get something to bite. Colorado river in that section is touted as a blue ribbon fishery, so 2 trout is the limit. Barbless hooks.

CRB Loc: Arizona

Thanks for the reminder. That is what my thoughts were.

CRB Loc: Arizona

Yes. PFD will be on before I get in the kayak. Never thought about going for a ride in the kayak with a large fish.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Hey CRB welcome. I'm sure you will catch a bunch trollin. Just keep a tight line with the barbless hooks or they'll come off pretty easily. But I'm sure you know that. Take lots of pics and post em for us. Have a great time and be safe.

CRB if you'll hit "Quote Reply" before you type your response we know who you're talkin to. Thanks bud.

CRB Loc: Arizona

All of these comments are helping my confidence. I will get back to this forum with pics if I catch fish. All comments appreciated. If I am reading the regulations correctly I am supposed to kill any trout caught right away. Bigger lure applies here.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Just the ones you're gonna keep, right.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

You might also try a Berkley/Johnson Silver Minnow. I like the black one, but you choose the color. The half oz. one.

Elefantdude Loc: Oxnard, CA

Hi CRB and welcome to the Stage :-)
I lived in Arizona for 30 years and kayak fished my last 10 years there on a Hobie Kayak :-)
That stretch of the Colorado River is HEAVEN!!! We used to have someone tow our kayaks up to Horseshoe Bend and Camp there for the weekend, then drift back down to Lee's Ferry to end our trip. Sometimes we would peddle our way upstream from the campsite as well, depending on how strong you paddle/peddle :-)
The fishing there is phenomenal. Considered a Blue Ribbon Fishery by some. You can catch nice Rainbows and Browns. (Trout) You mentioned some of the lures I use - Panther Martin and Kastmasters. I have also flyfished from my kayak or from shore, whenever I found a good "hole". San Juan Worms and scuds work great!!!
I also have had luck using Rapala Countdowns or Dynamic Lures HD Trout (similar lures) They seem to catch the bigger fish!
Trolling from your kayak there is a wasted effort and a lot of work. Trolling both upstream is a lot of work and trolling downstream is too fast. You can catch fish trolling, but I would rather just drift and enjoy the natural movement of the river as it carries you through some awesome scenery. There are a few stops you can take to hike and see old petroglyphs on the walls of the canyons.

Enjoy your trip and can't wait to see your pictures!!! It'll bring back some awesome memories for me :-)

Washingtonfish

All good lures , I have caught many Colorado river browns on the yellow with black Panther, my favorite. Good luck.

Alaska Charlie

Now you are talking about my old home country. Back in the early '60s us kids would climb down the ropes on the west side of the canyon and catch çat fish in the old muddy Colorado River. That hike would kill me today. Went down for my 55th high school reunion 3 or 4 years ago. There sure has been a lot of changes since the dam building days. They closed the gates in the diversion tunnels in April '63 and the water cleared and they planted rainbows in the river the lake. The fishing was great for several years.
To answer your question, I think you have been told right. I have caught trout on all those lure. Two more I would suggest are the Thomas fighting fish and I think the Phoebe is an Acme lure. I have always done well with them. Get both silver and gold. Silver for bright sunshine and gold for clouds or deep shade. Get your hooks changed and get some rigs ready so you can spend your day fishing and not fighting with lures.
One more thing, be very concerned with thunder storms. Being in the canyon bottom during a bad one can be a terrifying, life threatening experience. I was on the west side on August 29, 1963 and my Heavenly Father had another plan for that 17 year old boy or I would not be writing this now.
God bless you sir and have a great day!

Dr. Jim

I lived in AZ for 3 years and fished the Colorado in several different spots. Best baits were big brown body black hackle wooly worms drifted on the bottom with a splitshot or 2 and 6 lb test mono. Got lots of trout up to 4 lbs.