Yampa River Fly Fishing Report 1/22/26

The Yampa in winter is a quiet operator. It does not do big hatches or loud signals, but it will absolutely reward anglers who fish clean, fish small, and keep moving. When the river is clear and stable like this, you are hunting seams and soft edges, not trying to force a bite out of dead center current.

Updated: January 21, 2026

The Yampa River is holding in a stable winter pattern. Flows are low to moderate for the season, water clarity is good, and trout are holding deep in slower seams, tailouts, and winter pools. Feeding activity is subtle and tightly tied to midday warmth, with short but reliable windows on calm days.

This week’s Yampa River fly fishing report favors patience. Fish are present and feeding, but presentations must be clean and depth must be exact. Moving water that looks lifeless often turns on briefly and without warning.

Listen to the Audio Overview

Conditions Summary

• Flow: Low to moderate winter flows
• Water Temperature: Low 30s
• Air Temperature: Cold mornings with limited afternoon warming
• Clarity: Clear
• Crowds: Very light
• Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with slow, controlled drifts

Weather 

Cold mornings followed by brief midday warming. Calm, sunny days produce the most consistent feeding windows. Wind and heavy cloud cover shorten the bite significantly.

Top Flies in Your Box This Week

• Zebra Midge 18 to 22
• Black Beauty 18 to 22
• RS2 gray or black 18 to 22
• WD-40 18 to 22
• Small Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
• Mini Leech black 10 to 12

Pro Rig of the Week: Yampa River Winter Soft-Run Rig

• Indicator: Small yarn or minimal pinch-on
• Lead Fly: Black Beauty or RS2 20 to 22
• Dropper: Zebra Midge or Top Secret Midge 22 to 24
• Weight: One small BB placed 10 to 14 inches above the lead fly
• Target Water: Slow inside seams, deep winter runs, and soft tailouts

Hatch Chart for January

Access Points

(Verified, real access only)

Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area (Steamboat Springs)

Consistent winter water with soft edges and deep holding troughs.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sarna’s Pocketwater Section (Yampa River Core Trail proximity)

Small pockets and seams that produce well mid-day.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Stagecoach Tailwater (below Stagecoach Reservoir)

A reliable year-round spot with controlled flows and good clarity. Technical but rewarding.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Downstream of Steamboat (Ranches SWA corridor)

Less pressure, deeper winter slots, and cold but predictable midge feeding.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes

• Artificial flies only in the tailwater
• Portions near town have seasonal closures
• Ice shelves form quickly in shaded bends

Post-Fishing Stop

Storm Peak Brewing Company (Steamboat Springs)
A laid-back local favorite with rotating small-batch beers and a warm indoor space to thaw out. Order the Money Trees IPA or their seasonal dark ale after a cold Yampa session.

Recommended Companion Article

Colorado Winter Trout Feeding Behavior: Why Micro Nymphs Matter in Cold Tailwaters

FAQ

Is the Yampa River Good for Fly Fishing in Winter?

Yes. The Yampa offers consistent winter trout fishing with very light pressure. Feeding windows are shorter than tailwaters, but fish position predictably in classic freestone winter water.

How Does the Yampa Compare to Tailwaters in Winter?

The Yampa fishes colder and more naturally. Trout feed less often but more decisively. Water choice and timing matter more than fly changes.

Q: Is the Yampa good in winter?
A: Yes. Lower flows and good clarity make midday nymphing productive.

Q: What size tippet should I use?
A: 5.5x or 6x fluoro for consistent eats.

Q: Are dry flies an option?
A: Rarely, but warm calm days may bring a short midge rise.

Q: Is the Stagecoach Tailwater worth the drive?
A: Absolutely. It fishes the most consistently in winter.

Q: Do streamers work now?
A: Very selectively. Slow, small patterns only.

Q: How crowded is the Yampa?
A: Light pressure across most sections this time of year.