The Yampa River is a tailwater gem, especially in sections near Stagecoach Reservoir and Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area, is fishing exceptionally well. Midges and Blue-Winged Olives are hatching steadily, giving you plenty of opportunities for surface action. Whether you're nymphing or stripping streamers for aggressive browns, this river is primed for a productive day on the water, with autumn colors only adding to the experience.

Yampa River Fly Fishing Report – August 6, 2025

NOTE WILDFIRE IN AREA AS OF REPORT DATE: Garfield County braces for more evacuation orders as Lee, Elk fires top 120,000 combined acres. Garfield County Sheriff’s officials upgraded Zone 70, northwest of Rifle near Monument Park, to “Go” status, ordering residents to evacuate immediately. It remains the only zone in the county under a mandatory evacuation. GLENWOOD POST

Summer Reset Mode – Yampa Back to Business

After a push of high water, the Yampa through Steamboat is sliding into perfect late-summer shape. Flows are ~1,650 CFS and dropping, clarity is improving daily, and trout are shaking off the runoff hangover. Mid-morning through early afternoon is producing the best action, especially on the upper river and tailwater stretches.

Town water has some tuber traffic after 11 AM, but if you hit it early or head upstream, you’ll find plenty of open runs and happy fish. Caddis and PMDs are the stars right now, with terrestrials becoming more important every day.

🎧 Listen to the Podcast

Flows are dropping, clarity’s improving, and the Yampa is back in prime form. We break down where to fish, the hatches to match, and the best late-summer tactics for this iconic Colorado river.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: ~1,650 CFS (Yampa through Steamboat) — peaked, now receding
• Water Temp: ~55°F
• Air Temp: Mid-60s°F
• Clarity: Improving fast; still a touch stained
• Best Times: 10 AM–2 PM
• Fishing Pressure: Moderate—tubers around town, quieter upstream & tailwater
• Wind: Pleasant mornings, occasional afternoon chop

Yampa River Hatch Chart

Flies to Try – Yampa River (August)

Nymphs

Two Bit Hooker (Black) 16 | Pat’s Rubber Legs (Olive/Brown) 10–12 | Frenchie 16–18 | Barr’s Emerger (PMD) 18–20 | Pheasant Tail 16–18 | Juju Baetis 20–22 gray | Zebra Midge (Black) 20–24

Pro Tip: Tailwater fish are dialed on PMD emergers—keep them high in the column and swing at the end.

Dries

X-Caddis 14–18 | CDC Comparadun (PMD) 18–20 | Trico Spinner 20–22 | Amy’s Ant 14 | Parachute Hopper 10–12 | Black Foam Beetle 14–16

Pro Tip: Prospect riffles and grassy banks with terrestrials in the afternoon; fish the seams with PMDs late morning.

Streamers

Mini Dungeon (Olive) | Thin Mint 8–10 | Baby Gonga (Brown/Olive) | Slump Buster (Natural or Black)

Streamer Note: Fish are more responsive to small, lightly weighted patterns right now.

Tips for Fishing the Yampa

• Seasonal Tip: Midday PMD hatches are the main draw; don’t leave early.
• Dry Fly: Target slower banks and foam lines with terrestrials after noon.
• Nymphing: Use lighter weight and let your flies drift naturally in softer seams.
• Streamer Fishing: Fish under shade lines in the late afternoon.

Access Points

Local Regulations

• Barbless hooks recommended
• Respect tubers and recreational users in town water
• Catch-and-release encouraged in all trout stretches

FAQs – Yampa River Fly Fishing

Q: When’s the best time to fish the Yampa in summer?
A: Mid-morning through early afternoon is ideal right now.

Q: What’s the top fly this week?
A: CDC Comparadun (PMD) mid-morning, Amy’s Ant in the afternoon.

Q: Is the tailwater fishing well?
A: Yes—cold water and steady hatches make it a strong bet.

Q: Can you fish in town during tubing season?
A: Yes, but expect company after 11 AM. Go early or fish upstream.

Q: Do streamers work here in August?
A: Yes, but keep them small and subtle for best results.

Q: How’s the clarity now?
A: Improving daily—slightly stained but fishable.

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