Fly Fishing in Steamboat

Recreation>Over the Hill Gang>Fly Fishing

Bear River [Click here to view full size picture]

Opportunities for both stream and lake fly fishing for trout abound in the immediate Steamboat area (less than 1 hour drive) and within a 2 to 3 hour drive. A number of OTHG members are active fly fishers and though there are no formally organized, regular activities at this time, contacts for advice, fly fishing outings and instruction are possible.

The local organization: “Yampa Valley Fly Fishers” (http://www.yvff.org/) meets on a regular basis in the winter months giving talks and other presentations and are active in conservation projects in the area.

One of the people most active in fly fishing in the Over the Hill Gang is Paul Inglefield. You can contact him for information and for suggestions of what else should appear on this page.

Near Places
Farther Afield
Current conditions ( By Paul Inglefield)

Near Places

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The Yampa
1. Downtown: Good water from the Rotary Park area all the way through town. Conditions depend on water levels and temperature, which varies considerably throughout the season.
2. The Stagecoach Tailwater: About 25 mins south of town fishes consistently throughout the season. Water is very clear and often quite low so fishing can be “technical” (you can see the fish but can’t catch them). There are fairly large fish and lots of them, mostly Rainbow and lots of people especially in the holiday months.
3. The Sarvice Creek, Pleasant Valley Area: About 25 mins south of town. Can be good depending on water conditions, fish density is lower than above and Whitefish are present, but not so many people.

The Elk
1. Most of the public water is in the National forest area (off Seedhouse road, about 35min north of town. This is a freestone river and not really fishable till runoff subsides (June/July). Beautiful river with three main branches, the fish tend to be smaller than the Yampa. Can be a great dry fly stream.
2. There is a small area of public water just above Mad Creek about 15 mins from town. It tends to be heavily fished.

Farther Afield

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There are numerous streams and high mountain lakes in the Zirkel and Flat Top areas which contain trout mostly requiring hikes of varying length and difficulty.

The North Park area (near Walden) has many lakes and rivers including the North Platte in Northgate canyon, which is a designated Gold Medal stream. Walden is about 1.25 hours and most waters are within 30 mins from Walden.

Further away (ca 2-3 hours) is the Green river on the Utah Colorado border. This is a very famous and extremely popular destination.

Current conditions ( By Paul Inglefield)

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July 1, 08:

Flows are finally coming down to fishable levels in some rivers but high water still remains in many areas. Throughout this month things should improve dramatically however as the flows have peaked.

The Stagecoach tail water is fishable though slightly higher than usual due to dam releases, the fishing is good though crowded as always. Both dry fly (caddis and midges) and nymph fishing (small as always is best, 20, 22) is productive. The Yampa in the Sarvice Creek area is high but clear and fishing is not bad on nymphs (caddis and small emergers). Dry fly fishing should pick up as water levels drop. Downtown etc the Yampa is still very high and difficult. It is clear enough and should come down in 1-2 weeks.

The smaller streams in North Park (Walden area) are fishable but high. Up to date conditions are available at http://northparkanglers.com./

The lakes:
Stagecoach is fishable, I would expect fly fishing to be best at the inlet end. The Delaney Butte lakes (North Park) are all fishing well according to reports. The most activity appears to be on the East lake. Up to date conditions are available at the above website.
Steamboat lake is also good, damsel fly nymphs should be starting.

Due to high water in the Elk (it is running about 3 weeks behind last years levels) my “Intro to flyfishing” day/trip will be later this year, I will send a notice out in mid July.

Related Links:
Colorado Division of Wildlife