It’s winter in the Yampa Valley. There is still plenty of great fishing to be had at the Tailwater and on some of our private ranches. Most of the water through town is frozen look for it to open up mid February. Give a call down to shop anytime for up to the hour info. We look forward to fishing with you soon!
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
Flows: 59 C.F.S.
Nymphs: Barr’s Emerger, Zebra Midge, Medallion Midge, Brassie, RS2, BTS Nymph, Buck Skin, JuJu Baetis, Scuds, Bling Midge
Dries: Pablo’s Cripple, Blue Ribbon Foam Baetis, BWO Fripple
Streamers: Jake’s Leech, Hale Bop Leech, Slump Buster.
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.
The road to Sarvis is now closed. It is about a 45 minute hike to the bridge. At this time we would recommend snowshoes or cross country skis.We have seen great fishing from 10 am to dark. Nymphing all day has been very productive with a good midge hatch mid morning and again in the evening. Give a call down to the shop for up to the hour info 970-879-6552.
Flows: 70 C.F.S.
Nymphs: Barr’s Emerger, JuJu Baetis, Jauns Hi Def, Hot Bead Prince, Z Wing Caddis, Translucent Emerger, Edwards Black, RS2, Black Beauty, Buckskin
Dries: Last Chance Cripple, Mole Fly, BWO Fripple, Pink Parachute
Streamers: Beldar Bugger, Slumpbuster, Zonkers
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
Flows: 75 C.F.S.
Nymphs: Barr’s Emerger, Hot Head Prince Nymph, JuJu Baetis, RS2, Zebra Midge, Translucent Emerger, Kaufman’s Stone, Z Wing Caddis
Dries: Blue Ribbon Foam Baetis, Last Chance Cripple, Hackle Stacker BWO
Streamers: Zoo Cougar, Zonkers, Beldar Bugger
Flowing out of the Zirkel Wilderness Area, the Elk River is clean and clear this fall. 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 mostly frozen with a small sliver of water running through. If you can find deep open water the fish should be hungry. Give a call down to the shop anytime for up to the hour info.
970-879-6552
Flows: ? C.F.S.
Nymphs: Tung Jig Stone, Red Ass, Edwards Black, Hot Wire Prince, Copper John, Lightening Bug, Juju Baetis, TungTeaser, Brassie, Black Beauty, Hares Ear.
Streamers: Zonkers, Hare Sculpin, Beldar.
Steamboat Lake, Pearl Lake, and Hahns Peak Lake are frozen and the ice fishing is good!
Give a call down to the shop for up to the hour info.
970-879-6552