Yampa River
Fly fishing the Yampa River in Colorado, from the Stagecoach tailwater and Steamboat Springs to pike and smallmouth water near Craig.
- 319 miRiver length
- 7Game fish
- 108Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the Yampa
The Yampa River rises in the Flat Tops and flows through Steamboat Springs and Craig toward Dinosaur National Monument. It is one of the last big freestone rivers in Colorado that has not been dammed along its length.
The upper river is the trout water. The Stagecoach tailwater and Sarvis Creek State Wildlife Area offer catch and release water for big trout. Steamboat Springs also has fishing right in town. Headwater creeks near the Flat Tops are good for smaller fish. The trout are brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and cutthroat trout.
Farther down, the river warms. Smallmouth bass, northern pike and common carp are the targets near Craig and into the canyons. Pike can run big. Rafts make great sense in the canyons.
Fall is the season anglers mention most. Hatches include pale morning duns, green drakes, salmonflies, golden stoneflies and hoppers.
Closures happen when flows drop. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations and closure notices.
Yampa River below Craig, CO
Is the Yampa fishing today?
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Nearby gages
- Elkhead Creek near Craig, CO18.4 mi away Not reporting USGS 09246500
- Elkhead Creek above Long Gulch, near Hayden, CO25.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 09246200
- White River near Meeker, CO29.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 09304500
- White River above Coal Creek near Meeker, CO31.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 09304200
- White River below Meeker, CO34.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 09304800
- Little Snake River near Lily, CO35.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 09260000
- Piceance Creek at White River, CO35.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 09306222
- Yellow Creek near White River, CO38.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 09306255
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
Fish you'll catch
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Hatching in November
What's on the water in the White-Yampa watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 11 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Yampa
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Check closures
Low flows can close sections to protect fish.
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Fish Sarvis Creek
Catch and release water holds big trout.
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Streamers for pike
Large flies suit pike.
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Float the canyon
Rafts open stretches that wading cannot reach.
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Wade the headwaters
Small creeks near the Flat Tops hold lots of fish.
Every access point on the Yampa, in your pocket.
- 108 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Yampa
Yampa River FAQ
What is the best time to fly fish the Yampa River in Colorado?
Fall is the season locals mention most.
Where can I fly fish the Yampa River near Steamboat Springs?
The Stagecoach tailwater, Sarvis Creek and town water. The app map shows mapped access points along the river.
Can you wade the Yampa River?
Yes in many places in the upper river.
What flies work on the Yampa River?
Dungeons, Woolly Buggers and stoneflies are local favorites. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is hatching and working on the Yampa River today.
What fish are in the Yampa River?
Brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike and common carp.
Are there special rules on the Yampa River?
Yes. Catch and release and closures apply in places. Check current Colorado regulations before you go.
