Once in a Lifetime Fishing

Aside from enjoying the staggering scenery and roaring rapids, some rafters may also like to add fishing to their Grand Canyon experience. But before you break out your trusty gear, there are a few important facts you need to know about casting a line into one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Below we have compiled answers to frequently asked questions for your easy reference.


Are fishing permits required?
Yes, you must purchase a permit to do any fishing during your rafting trip. If you are meeting your outfitter in Flagstaff, permits may be purchased at Big 5, Wal-Mart, or Peace Surplus. If not, you may also purchase permits online with the Arizona Fish and Game Department. The permit itself is one cost, and each stamp is an additional cost. The trout stamp is mandatory. Your permit must be kept on hand at all times while fishing in Grand Canyon.

What kind of fish are in Grand Canyon?
Mostly trout; there is rainbow trout in the main river and cutthroat trout and German brown trout in the side canyon streams. Trout like clear and cold water, so they like to hang out above Phantom Ranch. Below Phantom Ranch there is only humpback chub, which is an endangered species, so if you accidentally catch one you will have to release it back to the river. You can keep your trout, but your guides may ask that you clean and cook it yourself.

What time of year is best?
Before the monsoon season, which occurs July through August and can occasionally last even into early September. When the water gets muddy from the sediment that is washed into the river by the monsoon rains, the river seems warmer to the fish, so they tend to hide in the colder, less accessible spots in the river. Your best chance of catching anything will be April- June.

Where is the best fishing in Grand Canyon?
Fishing is best between Lee’s Ferry and the Little Colorado River on a rafting trip, but the absolute best fishing is between the Glen Canyon Dam and Lee’s Ferry.

Where can I fish during the rafting trip?
You may fish in camp, when you stop at a beach for lunch, or if you choose not to participate on one of the side canyon hikes, you can break out your pole then. You must wear your lifejacket at all times when fishing in the main river.

What type of fishing pole should I bring?
It will have to be a light-weight, collapsible pole which stores in a hard case, and we hear that fly fishing is the most effective way to go.

For more information, the following websites are great resources:
Lee’s Ferry Anglers: http://www.leesferry.com/main/
Arizona Fish and Game: www.azgfd.gov

Minimize the Stress of your Vacation Planning

In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to indulge workaholic tendencies and to forget to take the time to step back, breathe, and recharge the batteries. When we do take time, often it’s precious little, and every moment of it becomes so vital we can over think and overstress the planning of what should be a worry free, fun, and exciting escape from the norm.

Recently we came across an article that we wanted to share to help you create some good vacation juju. The article’s author, Jason W. Womack, offers three key ideas to help you on your way to a stress free traveling and vacation experience:

1. “Appreciate what you have.”- It’s easy for us to spot and focus on the things that are going wrong, but instead, Womack suggests that we try to see all of the things that are working out and build some kind of a “check-in” system. Whenever your vacation planning starts to feel overwhelming, pause a moment to appreciate what you already have accomplished.

2. “Practice being present.”- Start taking away some of the stress of traveling before you even get in the car or board that plane. Especially for families with young kids, the task of getting to your vacation can be even more overwhelming than the planning process. Take some time with the family (or your traveling buddies) and really listen to one another and try to only focus on the present moment.

3. “Reprioritize your objectives.”- The author writes that it can make a significant difference to not just focus on the end result, but to look at the bigger picture; and by doing this you will be better able to identify your priorities. Womack suggests that you “ask yourself, “What do I want this year to be known for?”

We hope these tips help take away some of the stress of planning your next getaway, and when you’re ready, give us a call and we’ll help you check another item off that bucket list!

by Vanessa Therrien

Pipeline Break in the Grand Canyon and Heat Advisory

The National Park Service released a report this morning that the Trans-Canyon Water Pipeline has suffered a series of breaks, and Phantom Ranch (located at the bottom of the canyon) is currently experiencing a water shortage. The NPS expects repairs to be completed on Saturday, June 29, but in the meantime, those who are hiking the Bright Angel Trail need to be prepared to carry/treat all of the drinking water they need for the hike into/out of the canyon.

Also, the National Weather Service has released an excessive heat warning for the weekend beginning at 10am Friday, June 28 through 8pm Sunday, June 30 (Mountain Standard Time). Temperatures could reach as high as 97 degrees at the rim and 117 degrees inside the canyon at river level. If you are traveling, please exercise caution and make sure you have plenty of water, sunscreen/sun protection, salty snacks and bevreages to replenish your electrolytes.

More information about both of these events and safety tips may be found on the NPS website at: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/weather-condition.htm.

There's Still Time to Book Your 2013 Grand Canyon Summer Adventure!

Now is the perfect time to plan a last minute Grand Canyon rafting summer vacation! Here is a list of just some of the outstanding trips still avaialble for the 2013 rafting season, and a few are currently being offered at UNBELIEVABLE discounted rates! Please note: prices do not include the cost of lodging, transportation or park entrance fees. Please contact our office for specific details.

Upper Canyon Motorized Trips
You must be able to hike 9.5 miles out of the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail
4 Day-July 28-31: $1217 per person

Lower Canyon Motorized Trips
You must be able to hike 9.5 miles into the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail
6 Day- Aug 12-17: currently discounted 25% off the regular rate o $2060 per person!

Full Canyon Motorized Trips
7 Day- July 7-13: currently discounted 25% off the regular rate of $2495 per person!
7 Day- July 14-20: currently discounted 25% off the regular rate of $2495 per person!
6 Night- July 14-20: currently discounted at $2040 per person!
8 Day- Aug 15-22: currently discounted at $2065 per person!

Upper Canyon Non-Motorized Trips
You must be able to hike 9.5 miles out of the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail
6 Day Oar- July 18-23: currently discounted 25% off the regular rate of $1910 per person!
6 Day Oar- Aug 29-Sept 3: currently discounted 25% off the regular rate of $1910 per person!

Lower Canyon Non-Motorized Trips
You must be able to hike 9.5 miles into the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail
9 Day All Paddle- July 12-20: $2855 per person
8 Day Oar- July 18-25: currently discounted 25% off the regular rate of $2468 per person!
9 Day Oar- Aug 2-10: $2765 per person
8 Day Hybrid- Aug 14-21: $2475 per person
9 Day All Paddle- Aug 21-29: Buy 4 spots get $1600 off the total cost, buy 5 spots get $2000 off the total cost, buy 6 spots and receive one free space!
9 Day All Paddle- Aug 23-31: $2855 per person
9 Day Oar- Sept 2-10: currently discounted 25% off the regular rate of $2780 per person!


Full Canyon Non-Motorized Trips
13 Day Oar- July 18-30: currently discounted 25% off the regular rate of $3450 per person!
14 Day Oar- Aug 29-Sept 11: currently discounted 25% off the regular rate of $3499 per person!

With prices like these, spaces are going to sell out fast. Give us a call today! 1-800-473-4576

Taking Care of the Bare Necessities

Let’s start with the most important question- when you gotta go, where do you go? The National Park Service regulates everything in the Grand Canyon, including where you can use the restroom. Urination always takes place in the main river as it is not permitted in any the side canyon streams or pools. The guides will designate separate areas for men and women. For solid waste, the guides set up a portable facility like what you have at home, only it doesn’t flush and has a much better view! For privacy, they set up a “key’ system near the washing station. Take the key (often a seat cushion, hat, or some other large object) with you when you use the restroom so other passengers know it’s occupied and return it to the washing station when you’re done.

There’s nothing like a good scrub down after a long day of rafting and exploring, and you won’t have to completely forego your daily preening while on the river. Like the restroom, bathing takes place in the main river and only biodegradable soaps and shampoos are permitted, but not to worry! These items are becoming more available at the local Wal-Marts, Walgreens and Targets. Solar showers can be hard to keep track of on the raft, but you may bring one if you wish, but remember: the water from your shower must fall into the main river! Most passengers opt to follow the guides’ example. When you stop at a beach for lunch, while the day is still warm, jump in the river, jump out and suds up, then jump back in and rinse off. And remember safety first, so stay near the shore, always have a buddy nearby, and always tell the guides where you’re going.

Camping in the Grand Canyon will likely be one of the most “cush” outdoor experiences of your lifetime, but it’s also a group effort. The outfitters provide all of your camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, cots on some motorized trips or sleeping pads) as well as all of the kitchen essentials. In the afternoon after the camp site has been chosen and the rafts have been beached, everyone will form a bucket line to help unload the rafts. While you pick out a spot to pitch your tent, the guides will set up the bathroom and kitchen facilities and get to cooking the group an amazing meal.

While lunch is the more average meal of the day (generally sandwiches and salads, something that can be quickly prepared) and breakfasts are hearty with all the fixings, dinners really take the cake. The evening meals will change daily from fresh meats like steak and fish to pasta with sides and dessert. If you’re vegan, vegetarian, have any food allergies, etc. as long as the outfitters know in advance, most dietary preferences and restrictions can be accommodated. Celebrating a birthday or anniversary? You may be surprised with a homemade Dutch oven treat!

So while on your Grand Canyon adventure, remember to take note from an old bear and “rest at ease” because we took care of the bare necessities!

by Vanessa Therrien
edited by Megan Prescott

Fall Into Grand Canyon River Rafting!

Kids are back to school, the weather is getting chillier, and the 2012 rafting season will soon be coming to an end. Fall is definitley upon us but it's still not too late to book a one day motorized trip or a non-motorized multi-day rafting trip for this year and it is the best time to start planning for 2013!

Rafting in September-October can be a gorgeous time to be in the canyon with fair , mostly clear weather and the changing fall colors. Cooler temperatures can allow for longer trips and longer side canyon hiking opportunties that just aren't possible in hot summer weather, and if you're looking to beat the crowds or just a smaller group size, now is definitely the time to go.You can have the trip of a lifetime, however it is important to remember that the Grand Canyon is a place of extremes. In the course of one day you can experience a multitude of weather conditions so the key to your overall enjoyment of the trip no matter what time of year you go is your level of preparation and overall sense of adventure!

No matter what time of year you raft in the Grand Canyon, the river is always between 45 degrees and 55 degrees fahrenheit as it is coming from the bottom of Lake Powell and the water has never seen the light of day. September and October are generally mild months weather wise, but the biggest mistake people make when rafting this time of year is under dressing.

If the morning is chilly, start off wearing layers of warm, quick drying clothing such as fleece and don't forget a waterproof, two piece rain suit! You'll appreciate the protection from the elements as you splash and ride through those chilly rapids. As the day warms you will have plenty of opportunities to de-layer and it is always better to pack something and not need it than not to pack it and end up wishing you had! For pictures and examples of the type of river gear to buy, we recommend visiting our Rivers & Oceans Outfitters store via the link on our main page.

Happy Rafting!

New Discounts Available for August 2012 Grand Canyon Rafting Season!

New discounts have become available on select departure dates for whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon! Select dates in late July, August and September 2012 on the full canyon motorized trips, full canyon non-motorized trips, and a few partial canyon non-motorized trips have been discounted from 10% to up to 50% off the regular rate. With prices like these spaces are sure to sell out quickly so give us a call today for specific dates and itineraries!