Colorado Fishing Reports ยท Yampa & White Basin
The Yampa runs right through downtown Steamboat Springs along the Core Trail, with easy access and good fall fishing in normal years.
Looking for the latest Yampa River Steamboat Springs river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Yampa River โ Steamboat Springs.
Current flows
Heads up: Parts of the Yampa through town may still be closed to fishing. Check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you go.
Wind forecast
Steamboat Springs fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The latest Steamboat shop report still lists the town stretch and Chuck Lewis as closed after this year's low, warm summer flows. Please check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you fish.
Once it reopens, expect low, cold water with BWOs, midges and streamers at midday.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Steamboat Springs, bring: RS2 Emerger #18-22, Zebra Midge #18-22, Parachute Adams #18-20, Woolly Bugger #6-8, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Steamboat Springs river details
| Access | The Core Trail through town and the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 6,700 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 169 miles, roughly 3 hours 43 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | Fall and spring |
| Fish | Brown and rainbow trout, plus whitefish |
| Regulations | Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for current rules and closures. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 5X tippet |
| Camping | Nearby state parks |
| Kids | Yes. Easy in-town access. |
| Good to know | In dry years the town stretch gets heat closures. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Open, with midges.
Spring
Runoff.
Summer
Tubers and heat closures.
Fall
BWOs.
How to get there
Park along the Yampa River Core Trail in Steamboat Springs.