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The Yampa River is one of Colorado’s few true free-flowing rivers, and winter strips it down to its essentials. Cold, clear water, light pressure, and trout that reward anglers willing to slow the game down. Near Steamboat Springs, the Yampa fishes quietly this time of year, with fewer anglers and predictable winter holding water.
Updated: January 7, 2026
The Yampa River is holding steady under winter conditions. Flows are low, water clarity is excellent, and trout are set up in classic winter lies. Feeding windows are short but reliable, centered on late morning through early afternoon when water temperatures stabilize.
This week’s Yampa River fly fishing report favors simple nymph rigs and patient coverage of slower runs. Midges dominate, with occasional opportunities to move fish on small streamers during low light.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: Low winter baseflows
Water Temperature: Near freezing mornings with slight midday improvement
Air Temperature: Teens to low 30s
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with selective midge patterns
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 (black) 20 to 22
- Black Beauty 22 to 24
- Top Secret Midge 22 to 24
- RS2 (gray or black) 20 to 22
- Mini Leech (black) 10 to 12
- Small Stonefly Nymph 12 to 14
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
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Hatch Chart for November
Bug Type Size Notes Midges 20 to 26 Primary winter food source Blue Winged Olive Nymphs 20 to 22 Limited movement on mild afternoons Stonefly Nymphs 10 to 14 Present but largely inactive Download the Full Yampa Hatch Chart Here
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.
