Steamboat Springs is very fortunate to be in such close proximity to so many miles of productive public water. In addition to seven miles of public access on the Yampa through town, there are three more excellent public sections on the Yampa within 35 miles of town. In the Pleasant Valley area South of Steamboat, anglers can enjoy the Tailwaters of Stagecoach Reservoir, a 3/4 mile public section of the Yampa River. Moving downstream, the Sarvis Creek State Wildlife Area is another great 2 mile section of public water. Just South of town, near the Haymaker Golf Course is the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area, which offers 2 miles of public access on the Yampa. If Steamboat is an area that you visit frequently, going on a guided trip to the public area is a great way to learn the water, so that you could return to these areas and know what flies work well, where to park, and what techniques work best.

Bear River at the Flat Tops

 

Stagecoach Brown Trout

 

Stagecoach Rainbow Trout

 

Upper Elk River

 

Brown Trout

 

A good catch in Town(Steamboat Springs)

 

A Brown Trout caught on the Yampa River

 

Winter Fishing on Public Water

 

Winter Fishing in Steamboat Springs