The Yampa and Elk rivers are wide open and fishing well. Clarity has been off and on depending on overnight temps. look for the flows to come up in the next couple weeks with warmer temps in the forecast.
Give a call down to the shop anytime for for suggestions and up to the hour info!
970-879-6552
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 has been fishing great. The road is now open from the state park down to the Tailwater.
We have seen our best fishing from 9-3. Nymphing has been good all day and we have seen some fishing rising to midges mid day and on any overcast or stormy days. Make sure you are fishing 6x fluorocarbon leaders, small strike indicators and micro split shot. Try changing your depth more then your fly as these fish eat lots of different bugs but depth seems to be most important. Feel free to give a call down to the shop with any questions.
970-879-6552
Flows: 40 C.F.S.
Nymphs: Juju Baetis, Barr’s Emerger, Zebra Midge, Bling Midge, RS2, Top Secret, Scuds, D Midge, Bead Wing Midge
Dries: Vizadun, Brooks Sprout, Parachute Blue Wing Olive
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.
970-879-6552
Flows: 250 C.F.S.
Nymphs: Barr’s Emerger, Juju Baetis, Hairs Ear, Pheasant Tail, RS2, Zebra Midge, Dath Baetis, Worms, Eggs
Dries: Grifith’s Gnat, Parachute Midge, Brooks Sprout
Streamers: Hale Bop Leach, Slump Buster, Zonker
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 is getting bigger and more off every day. We have still seen some good nymphing in any slow water you can find. Look for this section to clear up late May or early June. Feel free to give a call down to the shop with any questions.
970-879-6552
Flows: 753
Nymphs: Jigged PT, Red Copper John, Tungsten Reckoner, Patt’s Rubber Legs, Hares Ear, Barr’s Emerger, Zebra Midge, RS2, Worms
Dries: Parachute Adams, Mole Fly, Griffith’s Gnat
Streamers: Leaches, Zonkers, Sparkle Minnow
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 very high and muddy. We have seen some good nymphing in any slow deep water you can find. Look for this section to clear up late May or early June. Give a call down to the shop for up to date info.
970-879-6552
Flows: 753
Nymphs: Patt’s Rubber Leg, Lightening Bug, Copper John, 20incher, Worms, Eggs
Streamers: Sparkle Minnow, Zonkers
970-879-6552