Where to Fish

Where to fish is going to be the hardest question for a fly fisher in Steamboat Springs. The Yampa steals the headlines with a trophy producing tailwater. The Elk River is a good alternative to the Yampa. Then you have to consider Pearl Lake and Stagecoach Reservoir for fantastic stillwater fishing. Don't forget the countless creeks and the Little Snake River.

• The Yampa River steals the show with miles and miles of trout-rich waters. Choose from its headwaters, trophy tailwater or bass and pike producing lower reaches, its got it all.
• The Elk River offers smaller fish for anglers who want a more wild experience and a little elbow room. After runoff in June, give it a shot.
• Little Snake River rainbows love dry flies in the summer and fall. Find some public water near the Wyoming border and have a blast.
• Steamboat Lake is the place to go in may for ice out as 20-plus-inch rainbows are commonly caught.
• Bear and Dumont lakes are high elevation lakes which are only fishable in the summer, but if you want to get away from it all and enjoy easy action, try one of these hot spots.

Seasons For Flying Steamboat

The Yampa tailwater is the only year round option as the warmer, flowing waters from under the ice on Stagecoach keep the Yampa fishable on the coldest days of the year. The rainbows and browns eat bugs year round. The other waters are more of a late spring to early winter option as they can ice over or be subject to runoff.

Species On The Prowl

Browns, rainbows, Snake River cutthroat and brook trout dominate the catch. The further you move down the Yampa, you could hook bass or pike as well. Some of the lakes will also offer Colorado River cutthroat.