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Updated: May 19, 2025
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has issued a mandatory full-day fishing closure on a 0.6-mile stretch of the Yampa River beginning May 19, 2025. This closure extends from the Stagecoach Reservoir dam downstream to the lowermost boundary of Stagecoach State Park. According to CPW’s regulations, this action is meant to protect fish during periods of low streamflow and increased water temperatures.
This stretch, often known for its tailwater trout fishing, is experiencing critically low outflows. Fish are congregating in shallow, isolated pools and are at elevated risk of hooking mortality and thermal stress. CPW, in coordination with the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, is monitoring inflows and will adjust outflows if conditions improve.
For official updates and closure notifications, anglers should refer to Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s fishing alerts and the Yampa River-specific closure listings.
Summary of Closures
| Section Closed | Effective Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Stagecoach Tailwater (0.6 miles) | May 19, 2025 | Low flows, fish stress |
| Fish Creek Confluence (Yampa River) | Oct 1 – Nov 15 | Spawning protection (mountain whitefish) |
Anticipated Fall Closure: Fish Creek Confluence
Later this year, CPW plans to enact a seasonal closure to protect spawning mountain whitefish at the confluence of Fish Creek and the Yampa River. The closure will extend approximately 100 feet upstream and 200 feet downstream on the Yampa River, as well as 0.3 miles up Fish Creek. This closure is expected from October 1 through November 15, 2025.
Refer to CPW’s official seasonal closure list for confirmation and updates.
Why CPW Implements Closures
According to CPW’s fisheries management practices, closures are triggered when environmental factors such as low flows, elevated water temperatures, or spawning seasons threaten fish survival. In this case, prolonged drought conditions and limited reservoir release have made the Stagecoach tailwater section especially vulnerable.
How This Affects Anglers
- Plan Ahead: Before fishing the Yampa, always check the CPW river conditions page.
- Avoid Closed Areas: Fines and citations can be issued for violating closures.
- Fish Early or Find Alternatives: Consider other stretches of the Yampa or nearby rivers like the Elk or Colorado that remain open.
- Respect Spawning Grounds: Avoid walking through redds, even if closures are not yet active.
FAQ: Yampa River Fishing Closures 2025
Is the Yampa River completely closed to fishing in 2025?
No. Only specific segments—like the 0.6-mile tailwater below Stagecoach and the Fish Creek confluence during the fall—are currently closed.
How long will the closures last?
Closures are indefinite and based on environmental monitoring. CPW will lift restrictions once flows and water temps stabilize.
Where can I still fish on the Yampa?
Stretches near Steamboat Springs and downstream toward Craig remain open unless otherwise noted on CPW’s official maps.
