The Yampa River: Growing Up
by
Karen Christopherson
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Maybe you haven't noticed, but
the Yampa River is maturing into one of Colorado's better
Rainbow Trout streams. The trout are prospering, and some state
anglers are finding some large 'bows on the ends of their lines.
The brown trout aren't doing bad either. These 'large trout'
waters are found close to or in Steamboat Springs.
There are several reasons for the
quiet growth in population and size of these trout. Among them
are the vast stream improvements done to parts of the Yampa near
Steamboat Springs, and the progressive adaptation into the
relatively-new Stagecoach Reservoir tailwater. Although the dam
was completed, and reservoir filled, by 1991, it takes many
years for the habitat to become established.
 |
Scott Murdoch with a 23.75" Rainbow (photo
courtesy Scott Murdoch) |
And established it has! Just
take a trip to the Stagecoach tailwater and peer into the
water. As your polarized-lensed eyes adjust, you will see
movement. The rainbows are enormous! How did these cousins
of the Cheesman and Taylor rainbows travel this far? These
cousins have also gone to school, so have your small flies,
fluorocarbon leaders, and quiet presentations ready. Bring a
large does of patience too, and enjoy the surroundings. When
your patience gives out, move downstream. There are public
access points on State Wildlife Areas (SWAs) and town
properties just a few miles away.
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The Yampa tailwater below Stagecoach
Reservoir |
Closer to town, and within Steamboat proper, you'll find some great access. This is where many of the large-trout photos are taken.
Most anglers won't disclose their secret spots, and neither
will I. But suffice it to say that there are several public
parks along the river. Do some of your own detective work,
scouting from the ski area all the way thru Steamboat to the
west end of town. You'll find the places. There's a paved
trail that runs along or near the river called the 'Yampa
Core Trail'. This is one good way to find access.
One place to get started....
Map of Steamboat Springs City Parks
 |
Scott Murdoch with a 24.5" Brown (photo
courtesy Scott Murdoch) |
Downstream from Steamboat, the Yampa is best
floated. There's less public access, and the flows are a bit
higher. Like Pike? You'll find them downstream. For info on floating, see another article on the Yampa
River by clicking here.
Resources/Other Info:
Rules for
the Yampa
 | Catch and release for 2 areas: Stagecoach
Dam downstream for 0.6 miles; and Walton Creek downstream to James
Brown bridge in Steamboat |
| Artificial flies and lures for 2
areas: Stagecoach Dam to Catamount Lake; and Walton Creek
downstream to James Brown bridge in Steamboat |
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State regs on rest of the river in Colorado. Except, no bag and possession limit
from Hwy 394 bridge near Craig downstream to Green River for channel catfish,
largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, green sunfish, bluegill,
bullhead, and crappie. |
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