Yampa River Fly Fishing Report Oct 2024

  • October 21, 2024

The Yampa River is in prime fall form this October! Flows are hovering around 72-100 cfs, and water temperatures are a crisp 60°F, making the trout active and hungry. This 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.


Colorado Stream Fly Fishing Reports (65)

October 2024 Fly Fishing Report: Yampa River

Current Conditions

  • Flow Rate: 72-100 cfs
  • Water Temperature: 60°F
  • Clarity: Clear
  • Best Times: Mid-morning to early afternoon

Colorado Division of Nation Resources Strem REport Yampa River

 

Hatches & Recommended Flies

Yampa_River_Hatch_Chart

Nymphs

  • Pheasant Tail (#16-18): Great for imitating mayfly nymphs in riffles and deep runs.
  • Zebra Midge (#20-22): Perfect for those slow-moving pools where trout are feeding near the bottom.
  • Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10-12): Use this fly for targeting deeper sections and more aggressive trout.

Dry Flies

  • Blue-Winged Olive (#18-22): Perfect for targeting rising trout during those afternoon hatches.
  • Parachute Adams (#16-20): A versatile dry that works in both fast riffles and slower pools.
  • Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16): A great option for dry-dropper setups in faster-moving sections.

Streamers

  • Sculpzilla (#6-8): Ideal for pulling big browns out of deep pools and undercut banks.
  • Woolly Bugger (#6-8): Effective for working deeper water or along the riverbanks.
  • Mini Dungeon (#6): Great for aggressive fall trout looking for a bigger meal.

Fishing Tactics on the Yampa River

  • Nymphing: The cooler water makes nymphing highly effective. Try a Pheasant Tail or Zebra Midge paired with a small dropper in deeper runs and riffles.
  • Streamer Fishing: Fall means streamer time. Cast streamers like Sculpzillas and Woolly Buggers near structure or undercut banks to target the big browns.
  • Dry-Dropper Setup: A Caddis or BWO dry fly paired with a small nymph like a Zebra Midge is ideal for covering both surface and subsurface feeders.

Access Points

  • Stagecoach Tailwater: Known for its consistent flows and productive fishing year-round, this section is a must for any angler.
  • Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area: With easy access and excellent public water, this area is perfect for wading and offers good opportunities for both dries and nymphs.
  • Downtown Steamboat Springs: Fish right through town for a mix of deeper pools and riffles, with plenty of access points.

New Amazon Listing Images - Streams, Hoppers and Dries (9)

Blog Post

Related Articles

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.

Cache la Poudre Fly Fishing Report – Beat Runoff with These May Fly Picks

June 12, 2025
Flowing through Colorado’s stunning Front Range, the Cache la Poudre River is a rugged, scenic waterway known as...

Poudre River Fly Fishing: Cold Flows, Terrestrial Strikes, and a Pocket-Water Clinic (Clone)

August 6, 2025
Flowing through Colorado’s stunning Front Range, the Cache la Poudre River is a rugged, scenic waterway known as...

Cache la Poudre River Fishing Report: Colorado’s Wild and Scenic Trout Waters 12.2.2024

December 2, 2024
Flowing through Colorado’s stunning Front Range, the Cache la Poudre River is a rugged, scenic waterway known as...
Blog Post CTA

H2 Heading Module

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.