NW Colorado Fly Fishing Reports
Yampa and Elk Rivers
Date Updated: April 15, 2026
The Yampa River from Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area (south of town) to the western boundary of Steamboat City limits, is closed. The Stagecoach Tailwater is CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Sarvis Creek State Wildlife Area has also been placed on a temporary closure. The upper Yampa (bear river) has been very good, as well as other high alpine options in our surrounding National Forest areas. If you are looking for some Stillwater- Hahn’s Peal Lake and Steamboat Lake, north of town have been providing positive reports. Feel free to call the shop for more knowledge or with any questions on these areas!
There is still plenty of water to fish in the Yampa Valley. Give a call down to the shop for up to the hour info and bugs to toss. (970)-879-6552.
Nymphs: Pheasant Tails, RS2’s, Hare’s Ears, Barr’s Emerger
Dries: BWOS, AND, MIDGES, HOPPERS AND ANTS
Streamers: Articulated Goldies, Sparkle Minnows, Leaches, Slumpbusters and Wooly Buggers.
970-879-6552
Stagecoach Tailwater
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.
CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!
970-879-6552.
Elk River Public Water
Christina State Wildlife Area is closed until further notice. Give us a call to ask any questions about fishing the upper Elk!
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. BWOS AND MIDGES HAVE BEEN THE BEST FLIES
970-879-6552
| Flows- 700 | |
| DRIES: PARACHUTE ADAMS, BROOKS SPROUT MIDGE | |
| NYMPHS: BARRS EMERGER HARES EAR, ZEBRA MIDGE |
Sarvis Creek State Wildlife Area
Sarvis Creek State Wildlife Area is Currently Closed until further notice.
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.
Feel free to give a call down to the shop with any questions.
970-879-6552
| Flows | 70 C.F.S. |
| Nymphs | bwos, midges |
| Dries | bwos, midges |
| Streamers | Hale Bop Leach, Slump Buster, Zonker |
Steamboat, Pearl & Hahns Peak Lakes
Lakes are open and fishing is best morning and evenings. Look for rising fish and cruisers along the bank.
Flies: leeches and chronomids
970-879-6552
Yampa River Public Water
The Yampa River from Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area (south of town) to the western boundary of Steamboat City limits, is closed. The Stagecoach Tailwater is CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Sarvis Creek State Wildlife Area has also been placed on a temporary closure. The upper Yampa (bear river) has been very good, as well as other high alpine options in our surrounding National Forest areas. Give us a call with any questions/for more in depth knowledge on high alpine options!
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.
Feel free to give a call down to the shop with questions.
970-879-6552
| Flows 100 | 400 C.F.S. |
| Nymphs | BWOs, MIDGES, soft hackles and emergers |
| Dries | BWOs and MIDGES |
| Streamers | Lead eye bugger, Beldar bugger, Hare sculpin |
