Yampa River Fly Fishing Report

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.

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The Yampa River near Steamboat Springs is one of the best winter fly fishing spots in Colorado, offering solid trout action year-round and the added bonus of soaking in a hot spring after a long day on the water. While much of the river freezes over in winter, the tailwater section below Stagecoach Reservoir and the stretch through downtown Steamboat remain fishable, productive, and full of hungry trout.

With low, clear flows, fish are holding deep, sipping midges, Baetis, and the occasional scud. The town stretch is easier to access and great for a quick session, but if you want solitude and trophy trout, the tailwater below Stagecoach is where you want to be. Nymphing is the name of the game, but if the sun hits just right, you might spot some midges bringing trout to the surface.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 30-50 CFS (low but steady below Stagecoach)
• Water Temperature: 34-38°F
• Clarity: Crystal clear
• Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 – Excellent winter fishery, but small flies and technical drifts required)

River Flow Chart

Yampa River Hatch Chart

Top 3 Flies for the Week

• Dry Fly: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22) – Only useful if you spot rising trout in slow eddies.
• Nymph: Jujubee Midge (#20-24) – A go-to pattern for slow, deep winter drifts.
• Streamer: Black Leech (#8-10) – Slow, deep swings can wake up a big brown.

Tips for Fly Fishing the Yampa River Near Steamboat

Seasonal Tip

The fish are hugging the bottom, so get your nymphs down and adjust weight frequently.

Dry Fly

There’s not much surface action, but midges may bring a few risers out in slower runs on warm afternoons.

Nymphing

Small midges, Baetis, and scuds fished deep will get the best results. Use 6X tippet and long leaders to avoid spooking fish.

Streamer Fishing

Trout aren’t moving much, but a dead-drifted or slow-twitched leech or sculpin pattern can trigger a strike.

Access Points

Stagecoach Tailwater (Below Stagecoach Reservoir)

• Description: The most productive winter section with consistent water temps.
• Why Fish Here: Year-round open water, big trout, and less pressure than town.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Downtown Steamboat Springs

• Description: Easy access with deep pools and slower runs.
• Why Fish Here: Convenient and productive, with good winter holding water.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area

• Description: More secluded with some deeper winter pools.
• Why Fish Here: A mix of riffles and slower sections, great for nymphing.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

• Artificial flies and lures only in the Stagecoach tailwater section.
• Private property exists downstream—watch for fences and posted signs.
• Winter Safety: Snow and ice can make wading tricky—be cautious when entering the river.
• Catch-and-release recommended—this stretch holds a delicate wild trout population.

The Yampa River near Steamboat offers fantastic winter fly fishing, especially below Stagecoach Reservoir. If you can brave the cold and match the hatch, you’ll find hungry trout and minimal crowds. Plus, there’s always a hot spring nearby to warm up in after a long day on the water!