NW Colorado Fly Fishing Reports
Yampa and Elk Rivers
Date Updated: April 1, 2025
The Yampa through Town, and at Chuck Lewis are open and the water is rising, but there is still plenty of fishable water. The Stagecoach Tailwater and Sarvis have both been productive. The Elk river is getting high and dirty. 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: Zebra nymphs, Pheasant Tails, RS2’s, Hears Ears, Barrs Emergers, Eggs and Worms.
Dries: BWO’s, Midges.
Streamers: Articulated Goldies, Sparkle Minnows, Leaches, Slumpbusters and Wooly Buggers.
970-879-6552
Stagecoach Tailwater
Date updated: April 1, 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 open and fishing well. Midges and scuds have been the most productive flies. Call us down at the shop if you have any questions.
970-879-6552.
Elk River Public Water
Date updated: April 1, 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 high and dirty. Please feel free to give a call down to the shop for up to date info.
970-879-6552
| Flows- 400 | |
| Dries: n/a | |
| Nymphs: stoneflies eggs and worms |
Sarvis Creek State Wildlife Area
Date updated: April 1, 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. Feel free to give a call down to the shop with any questions.
970-879-6552
| Flows | 40 C.F.S. |
| Nymphs | Hairs Ear , Pheasant Tail, Barrs Emerger, Zebra Midge, RS2, Buckskin, Soft Hackles |
| Dries | Midges, BWOs |
| Streamers | Hale Bop Leach, Slump Buster, Zonker |
Steamboat, Pearl & Hahns Peak Lakes
Date updated: April 1, 2025
The lakes have not thawed out yet. Give a call down to the shop for up-to-date reports.
970-879-6552
Yampa River Public Water
Date updated: April 1, 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 rising, but fishing has still been good. Feel free to give a call down to the shop with questions.
970-879-6552
| Flows 100 | 400 C.F.S. |
| Nymphs | Pheasant tails, Hares ears, RS2, Midges, eggs, worms |
| Dries | Midges, BWOs |
| Streamers | Lead eye bugger, Beldar bugger, Hare sculpin |
