NW Colorado Fly Fishing Reports
Yampa and Elk Rivers
Date Updated: July 2, 2025
The Yampa River through Town and at Chuck Lewis are open and fishing well. Flows are dropping everyday and clarity is great. The Stagecoach Tailwater is currently closed. Sarvis Creek is at ideal flow and has been productive.
The Elk River is at a great level but dropping daily clarity is excellent. Walk and wade the elk, flows too low for floating. Crossing river is relatively easy in most spots. Rocks are getting slick.
There is plenty of water to fish in the Yampa Valley. Feel free to give a call down to the shop for up to the hour info and bugs to toss. (970)-879-6552.
Nymphs: Sallies, PMDs, Rubber legs, Pheasant Tails, RS2’s, Hare’s Ears, Barr’s Emerger
Dries: Sallies, Caddis, PMDs, small terrestrials, some tricos depending on the day
Streamers: Articulated Goldies, Sparkle Minnows, Leaches, Slumpbusters and Wooly Buggers.
970-879-6552
Stagecoach Tailwater
Date updated: July 2, 2025
The “tailwater,” also known as the upper Yampa, is one of the most productive stretches of river year-round. The dam keeps the flows and water temperature nearly consistent for the entire year. The DOW keeps a close eye on the water and river bank health, which makes for incredible fishing.
The tailwater is closed until further notice due to low flows.
970-879-6552.
Elk River Public Water
Date updated: July 2, 2025
Flowing out of the Zirkel Wilderness Area. There are just a few access points to the river starting with Christina State Wildlife Area located about 8 miles out of town. Christina is a 1 mile stretch that provides numerous long runs and solid pocket water. Browns, Rainbows, Cutthroats, Brookies and Whitefish, ranging from 12-18 inches can be found in this stretch of the Elk. The Upper Elk, north of Clark down Seedhouse road, has tons of public water access in the National Forest. Bring a small rod, attractor dry flies and 4x tippet.
The Elk is at a great level. Dries and dry dropper rigs all day. Easy to walk and wade. Please feel free to give a call down to the shop for up to date info.
970-879-6552
| Flows- 341 | |
| Dries: PMDs, Sallies and Golden Stones and Tricos | |
| Nymphs: sallies, stoneflies, pmds and some tricos |
Sarvis Creek State Wildlife Area
Date updated: July 2, 2025
Just one mile downstream of the Stagecoach tailwaters this stretch of river can be very productive year round. This state wildlife area is about 2.5 miles of idyllic trout stream habitat. There is a high density of fish in this area so do not walk past any structure without first casting in for a try. Sight casting this stretch of river is popular.
Sarvis is open and the river is fishable and productive. Flows are down but temps are still good. Feel free to give a call down to the shop with any questions.
970-879-6552
| Flows | 40 C.F.S. |
| Nymphs | PMDs, Sallies, small stones, midges |
| Dries | Sallies, PMDs, Caddis, terrestrials |
| Streamers | Hale Bop Leach, Slump Buster, Zonker |
Steamboat, Pearl & Hahns Peak Lakes
Date updated: July 2, 2025
Lakes are open and fishing is best morning and evenings. Look for rising fish and cruisers along the bank.
Flies: Small terrestrials, caddis, leeches and chronomids
970-879-6552
Yampa River Public Water
Date updated: July 2, 2025
Flowing right through downtown Steamboat Springs, the Yampa River gives anglers miles of excellent fish-able water. Stop into the shop and we can point you in the right direction.
The Yampa through town and Chuck Lewis is getting low and dropping everyday, but fishing has still been good. Easy to walk and wade. Feel free to give a call down to the shop with questions.
970-879-6552
| Flows 100 | 341 C.F.S. |
| Nymphs | Sallies, PMDs, soft hackles and emergers |
| Dries | PMDs and sallies, some golden stones |
| Streamers | Lead eye bugger, Beldar bugger, Hare sculpin |
