Yampa River (Through Steamboat)
The Yampa River section through Steamboat Springs features five miles of public, improved water with countless structures, riffles, runs, and pools to suit any taste in fly fishing. All of the fishing is Catch and Release for trout with artificial flies and lures only. The insect life is prolific with various hatches of Midges, Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies through out the year. During certain times of the season the Terrestrial and Streamer fishing can be off the chart. You can expect to land Rainbows, Browns, Brookies, and Cutthroats all in a single outing. Northern Pike fishing can also be exceptional and a good departure from the trout.
The Yampa below Stagecoach Reservoir is a classic technical tailwater. Sight fishing for large, well educated fish with small flies on fine tippet is the rule. Current Tailwater Fishing Report : Fishing on the tailwaters below Stagecoach has been tough mostly due to the intense pressure it receives. Most trout are being taken on midge patterns in brown, black, grey, or olive in sizes 20-22. Small ant and beetle patterns will fool some fish. The best advice would probably be to find some where else to fish that is loved a little less. The trout will still be there when the pressure eases a bit.
Elk River
The Elk River is a freestone fishery through one of the most beautiful valleys in northwest Colorado. Fishing one of the Elk’s many hatches to its wild trout population is a great way to spend any day. Excellent attractor dry and streamer fishing can be expected most all of the summer season. The Elk River drainage also features many fishable tributaries that are easily accessible in the warmer months.
Lakes and Reservoirs
The Steamboat Springs area boasts over 80 lakes and reservoirs within a short drive. The marquis still water fisheries are Steamboat Lake flanked by Pearl and Hahn’s Peak Lakes to the north and Stagecoach Reservoir to the south. The lakes all produce good populations of Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Brook Trout with Stagecoach also becoming one of the premier Northern Pike fisheries in the West.
View the latest fishing report for the Flat Top Lakes: Stillwater, Bear, and Yamcola
