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Updated: 12/2/2025
The Yampa has settled into true early-winter behavior, with low but stable flows, cold overnight temps, and fish pushing into deeper, slower winter water. Week over week, clarity has improved as the last bits of fall debris clear out, and trout have consolidated into classic soft edges and mid-depth troughs. Midges dominate the feeding menu, though the occasional blue-wing olive trickles through on cloudier afternoons. Pressure is lighter now that fall traffic has tapered. Expect small flies, subtle takes, and plenty of room to move between productive runs.
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Conditions Summary
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- Flow: Low but stable (typical winter baseflows)
- Water Temp: Mid 30s
- Air Temp: Upper 30s to mid 40s
- Clarity: Clear to lightly tinted
- Crowds: Light
- Best Window: 11 am to 3 pm
- Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing, because trout are feeding almost entirely subsurface on midges in deeper winter holding structure.
Weather
Cold early with ice margins. Midday sun opens up fish movement and midge activity once the air warms.
Recommended Companion Article
Colorado Winter Trout Feeding Behavior: Why Micro Nymphs Matter in Cold Tailwaters
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Ten essential patterns for the Yampa right now:
- Black Beauty 20–22
- Mercury Midge 20–22
- Zebra Midge Black or Red 20
- RS2 Gray 20–22
- WD40 Gray 20
- Top Secret Midge 22
- BWO Emerger 20
- Midge Larva Cream 20
- Red JuJu Midge 20
- Mini Leech Black 14
Pro Rig of the Week
Yampa Deep-Slot Winter Double Midge Rig
Leader: 9–11 ft, 5.5x or 6x fluoro
Top Fly: Zebra Midge 20
Dropper: RS2 Gray 20–22
Weight: One micro shot 8 inches above top fly
Indicator: Small yarn or air-lock, very light
Best Water: The deeper mid-channel slots, soft edges near rock shelves, and long slow glides below riffles
Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs You’ll See | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges (black, cream) | Reliable midday window, strongest on calm days |
| Secondary | Baetis | Light pulses during cloud cover |
| Tertiary | Winter Stones | Occasional in rocky zones |
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: ⭐⭐⭐
Photo of the Week
Local Regulations and Notes
- Artificial flies only in the tailwater
- Portions near town have seasonal closures
- Ice shelves form quickly in shaded bends
FAQ
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.
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.
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