Hooked on Fly-Fishing in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs may be best known for its shimmering snow and cowboy heritage. However, for those who trade ski poles for fly-fishing rods, this Colorado mountain town is a year-round angler’s paradise.* 

What sets Steamboat Springs apart from Colorado’s other great fishing destinations is its mix of accessibility and wildness. The Yampa River — one of the last free-flowing rivers in the state — cuts straight through town. It offers world-class trout fishing with a backdrop of golden aspens in the fall and snow-dusted peaks come winter. It’s also not far from the Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas, where you may be able to prepare your fresh catch in your villa’s fully equipped kitchen. 

Spend the morning fishing in town and the afternoon miles away from another soul without driving half a day to get there. The season stretches year-round, the scenery never disappoints, and there’s always the chance of landing a trophy-size trout, even on a slow day.

Casting a Line on the Yampa River

The Yampa’s section in Steamboat teems with brown and rainbow trout, some surprisingly big for a river that flows past restaurants and boutiques. The best fishing occurs in the early morning and late evening when the water cools and the fish come up to feed.

In the summer, dry fly action is at its peak, with caddis, mayflies, and stoneflies all appearing. For beginners, this means you have your best shot of tricking a fish into biting an artificial or “dry fly.” In fall, a crisp bite chills the air as the river takes on a different beauty. Golden cottonwoods line the banks, and big, aggressive brown trout get territorial before the spawn. 

Even winter has its moments. If you don’t mind the cold, midges (a type of small fly that is a top food source for trout) hatch all year. There’s something special about standing in a quiet, snow-covered landscape, casting into a river that refuses to freeze.

Remote Waters Bring Big Rewards

For those looking to venture outside Steamboat, the surrounding wilderness rewards you richly. The headwaters of the Yampa, located in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area within White River National Forest, offer some of the best fly-fishing in the region. It’s particularly good for chasing trophy-size rainbow trout. 

Located about 65 miles southwest of Steamboat Springs, these cold, clear waters provide perfect fishing conditions for trout. With riffles or shallow areas, pocket water, and deep pools hidden among the lakes, ponds, and tributaries — especially where the Bear River feeds in near the town of Yampa, you’re sure to get a good catch. Unlike some of Colorado’s more exclusive fishing destinations, this area is entirely public land. This means anglers can spread out, take their time, and fish without worrying about trespassing restrictions.

Big Catches at Stagecoach

Stagecoach State Park, located less than 20 miles south of Steamboat, is a reliable choice for those searching to hook a big rainbow without trekking into the backcountry. The stretch of river below the Stagecoach Dam stays cool and oxygen-rich, making it an ideal year-round fishery. The muddy banks in this area support a thriving insect population, ensuring a steady food supply for the trout. Cast from shore or wade in. Either way the odds of landing a feisty rainbow trout here are high.

The Après-Fishing Scene

At the end of a long day on the water, Steamboat makes it easy to trade waders for warmth. A soak in Strawberry Park Hot Springs will soothe your sore legs. Then head to popular spots like Mountain Tap Brewery, Storm Peak Brewing Company, and Mythology Distillery to toast the day’s catch. When it’s time to go to sleep, your resort provides the idyllic setting to drift into sweet casting dreams.

Where to Stay

Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas is a Rocky Mountain haven for any traveler, any season. Skiing is the first thing that comes into your mind and the resort is a ski-in/ski-out destination for fans of the slopes. But there’s plenty of fun to be had year-round. The Yampa River cuts through town and is a fisherman’s dream during the warm summer months. And the mountain foliage is inviting during the spring and fall. The resort offers three- and four-bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchens, or a studio villa with a well-equipped kitchenette. Other amenities include nearby golf, whirlpool spas, a day spa, and your choice of four delicious dining options.

Becca Blond has authored over 30 Lonely Planet travel guides. She is a Yahoo! Life content creator, and her byline appears regularly in Travel + Leisure, AFAR, The Points Guy, and others.