Local Fishing Report

10/21/2024 | Yampa Valley Anglers |

Yampa, Colorado Fishing Report – October 2024

As fall sets in, fishing conditions around Yampa, Colorado, are changing with the cooler weather. Here’s an update for anglers in the area:

Yampa River

  • Flow and Water Conditions: The river is running lower than in the summer months, with clearer water and cooler temperatures. Expect water temps in the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit. Flows have been steady but reduced, which can make fish more cautious and require lighter tippets and stealthy presentations.
  • Hatches: Midges and Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) are the main hatches right now. You’ll see smaller BWO mayflies in the afternoons, especially on warmer days. There are also caddis flies and the occasional stonefly hanging around, but action on those is tapering off as the season progresses.
  • Fishing Techniques: Nymphing remains productive, with small BWO, midge, and pheasant tail patterns working well. Dry fly action is picking up during the warmer hours in the afternoon, with BWOs and midges hatching. Streamers are also effective, especially in deeper runs or undercut banks.
  • Best Spots: Focus on slower pools and deeper runs as trout are starting to hold in those areas to conserve energy. The tailwaters below Stagecoach Reservoir remain a hotspot for both numbers and size of trout.

Stagecoach Reservoir

  • Conditions: The reservoir is cooling off quickly, making it prime time for trout and pike fishing. Water temperatures are in the mid to high 50s. The weed beds are receding, which opens up more fishing opportunities from shore or boat.
  • Fishing Techniques: For trout, try trolling with spoons, spinners, or streamer patterns like woolly buggers. Shore anglers can do well with powerbait, nightcrawlers, or small spoons. Pike are still active, particularly on warmer days, so larger swimbaits and spoons can attract strikes. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times for pike.
  • Best Spots: The inlet area remains productive, especially for trout. For pike, target areas with submerged vegetation or rocky points.

Flat Tops Wilderness Lakes

  • Conditions: The higher elevation lakes are cooling quickly and some may already have skim ice forming. Fish are still active but will become harder to reach as winter approaches.
  • Best Techniques: Use small spinners, spoons, or fly rods with nymphs and midges to entice the hungry cutthroats and brook trout. If the weather holds, dry flies may still produce results in the afternoon.

General Tips

  • Gear: Bring layers for the fluctuating weather, especially as mornings and evenings can be chilly. With lower water levels, lighter tippet (5X or 6X) is recommended to avoid spooking fish.
  • Regulations: Make sure to check local regulations and restrictions, particularly regarding catch and release areas, and barbless hook requirements in some sections of the Yampa River.

Enjoy the fall season in Yampa, as it’s a fantastic time to fish before winter sets in!