FISHABLE
Low winter flows, excellent clarityYampa River
Current Hatch Activity
Winter midge and BWO activity best on sunny afternoons. Fish slow seams and deeper runs through town. Small flies required.
FISHABLE
Small nymphs (Pheasant Tail #18 + RS2 #20) or dry-dropper with BWO
Quick Reference
100-600 CFS ideal for wade fishing through town. Above 1,000 CFS during runoff makes most sections unfishable. Low summer flows can stress fish.
48-65°F optimal. Watch for voluntary closures during warm summer afternoons when temps exceed 70°F.
One of the last free-flowing rivers in the West—no major dams. Winter flows run 60-100 CFS. Spring runoff can exceed 5,000 CFS and last well into July some years.
Free-flowing character means dramatic seasonal swings. Crystal clear in fall and winter. Runoff brings significant turbidity. Clears from upper reaches down.
What "Fishable" Means Here
Fishable means flows under 1,000 CFS with reasonable visibility. On the Yampa, that's typically October through May (before runoff) and again from mid-July onward. Grand slam potential: rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout all present.
Seasonal Patterns
spring
March through early May offers excellent fishing before runoff. BWOs and early stoneflies bring fish up. Once snowmelt starts, the river can blow out for 6-8 weeks depending on snowpack.
summer
Runoff typically recedes by mid-July. Post-runoff fishing can be excellent with caddis, PMDs, and terrestrials. Watch water temps on hot days—voluntary closures may be in effect.
fall
Prime season. September through November brings low, clear water and aggressive fish. BWOs and caddis provide consistent hatches. Trophy rainbows become catchable. This is when locals fish the Yampa.
winter
Surprisingly productive. Low flows (60-100 CFS) concentrate fish in predictable lies. Midges and small BWOs on sunny days. Four miles of catch-and-release water through downtown Steamboat provides easy access.
Alerts
Alternative Waters
Elk River
Nearby tributary with smaller, cooler water—good when Yampa is too warmColorado River
Alternative freestone option with different runoff timingResources
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