The Yampa River is without a doubt one of the best trout rivers in the west. Flowing through Steamboat Springs, Colorado, this river holds lots of large trout. It also has great hatches with its abundant bug life. If you’re looking to catch nice trout in a beautiful setting, the Yampa River should be on your list.
The Yampa River meanders through scenic ranch lands and stretches of national forest, offering anglers access to prime
fly fishing locations surrounded by natural beauty. The dramatic backdrop of sandstone cliffs creates an unforgettable setting for wild experiences along the river. As part of the larger Yampa watershed, the river plays a vital role in regional conservation and eventually joins the Green River, a major tributary of the Colorado River, highlighting its environmental significance.
If you are looking for technical fishing on smaller water, the Stagecoach tailwater is going to be your best bet. For looking to fish bigger flies on wider water, fish it through Steamboat or even float downstream, which we will cover below.
This article will cover the best access points for floating and wading the Yampa River. If you’re traveling through this area of Colorado, this is a destination that every fly fisher should consider.
Yampa River Wade Fishing Access
Wading is one of the best ways to fish this river, and there are quite a few public access points. The Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area is one of the key public access points for wade fishing, offering productive water and convenient proximity to town. Below, we’ll cover the top access points for a day of wade fishing. Miles of water throughout the Stagecoach tailwater and Steamboat Springs provides many days of angling opportunities. In addition to the Yampa River, the nearby Elk River is another productive local option, especially when flows are optimal. You can take your pick of which water you want to fish, whether it be the tailwater or through town.
Stagecoach Tailwater
Below the Stagecoach Reservoir dam flows the tailwater section of the Yampa River, known for its consistent cold water and productive fishing. Here, you will find large trout willing to eat a variety of flies. There is a dedicated parking lot here, and you can work your way upstream towards the dam, or downstream to the Sarvis Creek section.
This is a tailwater, so the fish are picky and you’ll need to be stealthy. This often means smaller flies and light tippet such as 5x or 6x. However, when targeting big fish with streamers or large flies in the fast currents of this tailwater section, using heavy tippet like 1X or 2X is sometimes necessary to apply pressure and prevent break-offs. Throughout this winding meadow section, you’ll find plenty of nice runs and riffles. You can also fish right below the dam where some of the larger fish are found.
This section is still open in the winter time, but the road is closed. You’ll need to park at the Stagecoach lot and walk a longer distance. Throughout the warmer months, you can drive downstream and fish the Sarvis Creek section as well.
Steamboat Springs Access
Once you get to Steamboat, there are several access points throughout the town itself. River Creek Park is one of the first stops, and offers good wade fishing with easy access. This place is no secret, and you can expect to see other anglers out there. The convenience of downtown Steamboat and downtown Steamboat Springs means you’re close to lodging, restaurants, and the Yampa River, making it easy to enjoy local attractions and amenities.
Going downstream with the Yampa River Core Trail, there are other stops such as the Rotary Park Boardwalk, Fletcher Park, Emerald Park, Little Toots Park, and West Lincoln Park, etc. Along the Core Trail, there is roughly 4 miles of full river access. Fly fishers use this trail, but it is also popular for summer rafting and tubing down the river.
The plethora of public access makes Steamboat Springs a great spot to fish the Yampa River. You could spend days exploring all of the different pools and runs. The proximity to the ski area and Steamboat Ski Resort adds to the appeal for visitors looking for year-round activities.
In stark contrast to the plentiful public access through town, float fishing downstream is pretty much all private property. This section is only floatable for a short period when the water is dropping after runoff. There is virtually no public water, so there is no anchoring allowed (or getting out of your boat). Colorado is notorious for being one of the strictest states when it comes to private water laws.
You can put in at many spots, but we like to stay at the KOA camp and use their put in. However, this is a private ramp and you have to pay for a campsite to use the ramp. From here, you’ll float all the way down to the Pump Station, which is a long float! At about 19 miles, this float will take you all day, but it is an amazing experience. The trout are large, and there is also a population of Northern Pike. The Pike are invasive, but they are still very fun when you hook one. Stagecoach State Park is another popular fishing destination nearby, offering year-round opportunities for anglers.
You can also put in at the River Creek Park, and float through town.
If you are an inexperienced boater, this section is best done with one of the local guides. There are some diversion dams and rough water, so experience is necessary. Hiring a local guide ensures you get expert advice and a safer, more enjoyable float trip.
Below the Pump Station, fly fishers still float, but the trout population dwindles. You will find more Northern Pike and Bass on this float, but they are still a blast on the fly.
For gear, advice, and up-to-date fishing reports, check out local fly shops such as Steamboat Fly Fisher, Steamboat Flyfisher, and Straightline Outdoor Sports. These shops are excellent resources for anglers visiting the area.
Fishing Techniques and Gear for Yampa River
The Yampa River, winding through the scenic Yampa Valley and Steamboat Springs, CO, is a dream destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. With its mix of riffles, deep runs, and emerald subalpine meadows, the river offers a variety of challenges and rewards for anglers targeting rainbow trout, brown trout, and more.
When gearing up for a day on the Yampa, most anglers reach for a 9-foot, 5-
weight fly rod, which provides the versatility needed for both delicate dry fly presentations and the backbone to handle big fish in strong currents. For those planning to cast larger streamers or fish during high flows, a 6-weight rod can be a smart choice. Floating lines are standard, but having a sink-tip handy can help when targeting deeper pools or swinging streamers.
Nymphing is a go-to technique on the Yampa River, especially in the tailwater and through the town of Steamboat Springs. Using small nymphs like Pheasant Tails, soft hackles, and midges under an indicator can be highly effective, particularly when flows are low and the trout are selective. In faster water or during higher flows, don’t hesitate to add some weight and use heavier tippet to get your flies down quickly.
Dry fly fishing comes alive during the prolific summer hatches. Casting to rising fish with attractor patterns or matching the hatch with PMDs, caddis, or golden stones can lead to unforgettable days. The river’s clear water means stealth is key—long leaders and light tippet (5x or 6x) often make the difference when targeting wary trout.
Streamer fishing is another exciting way to cover water, especially in the early morning or late evening, or when targeting larger brown trout. Patterns like sparkle minnows, dungeons, and sculpin imitations can entice aggressive strikes from big fish lurking under cut banks or along sandstone cliffs.
The Yampa River’s flows can change quickly, especially with releases from Stagecoach Reservoir or after summer storms. Always check current conditions before heading out, and be prepared to adjust your tactics. High, off-color water often calls for bigger, brighter flies and heavier tippet, while low, clear flows demand a more subtle approach.
No matter your technique, the Yampa River rewards patience, observation, and adaptability. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or new to the sport, the combination of wild trout, beautiful scenery, and the vibrant community in Steamboat Springs makes every trip to the Yampa a memorable adventure.
Bug Life
The Yampa River has just about every insect hatch you would expect in Colorado. There are many ways to fish this river, and below we will cover the main hatches for each season.
Winter brings mostly midge hatches, with some winter stoneflies as well. Eggs are also a good fly to fish throughout the winter months. Try
Zebra Midges, Bling Midges, Brassies and Thread Midges in sizes #18-#24.
Spring brings large Blue Winged Olive hatches, so try Rs2’s, JuJu Baetis, and Pheasant tails in sizes #18-#22. Later in the spring brings good Caddis hatches as well.
Summer brings the full spread of bug life to the river. In early summer, dry fly patterns like caddis, Tricos, mayflies, and drake imitations are especially effective, particularly in small pockets behind natural structures. You will see Stoneflies, Yellow Sallies, Pale Morning Duns, Caddis, Drakes, and hoppers. Fishing a dry dropper setup is best during this time, with a large Chubby Chernobyl to suspend the nymphs. Tungsten bead head nymphs work quite well during the summer, so you can get your flies down quickly. Perdigons, Sally nymphs, PMD nymphs and Pats Rubber Legs are best fished in deeper runs and faster water. You can even fish larger attractors such as
Squirmy Worms. Some stretches of the river are best floated to access less-pressured water and target larger fish. In late June, high water from snowmelt can make fishing challenging and may require targeting different species or switching rigs.
When fall comes, Blue Winged Olives come back into play, so make sure to have some imitations in your box. Fall is a great time to fish streamers on the tailwater or through town. This is when you’ll hook some of the larger browns of the year. Larger articulated patterns such as the Dungeon, Circus Peanut, and Goldie are good choices.
