The Yampa in winter is a quiet operator. It does not do big hatches or loud signals, but it will absolutely reward anglers who fish clean, fish small, and keep moving. When the river is clear and stable like this, you are hunting seams and soft edges, not trying to force a bite out of dead center current.

Updated: January 29, 2026

If you show up without a plan, the Yampa can feel like ice, wind, and missed opportunity. But if you hit the midday window, dial your depth, and fish small, the Yampa in winter gives up solid trout — even when other rivers feel dead.

Right now, real river data tells the story: shallow winter flows mean fish are bunched, selective, and feeding thinly but consistently near soft edges and deep lanes. The anglers who read the gauge and fish precision rigs are catching fish; everyone else is watching from the bank.

(Latest from USGS Gauge USGS-09239500; note: ice can affect instantaneous data)

Flow (CFS): Ice-affected / currently not reporting stable discharge (gauge showing ice conditions) — typical for winter at this site below Steamboat Springs

Water Temperature: Near 0.1°C (~32°F) as last recorded before ice influence

Air Temperature: Teens to low 30s (based on local winter conditions)

Clarity: Clear (typical for winter Yampa)

Crowds: Light, even on weekends

Best Window: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Fishing Focus: Winter nymphing with tiny midges and subtle baetis patterns

Note: USGS gauge conditions in winter are often “ice affected” — meaning the river is cold enough that the gauge doesn’t always report continuous discharge. You can expect low winter flows typical for this time of year with fish holding in slow seams and deeper runs.

Expect hard overnight freezes and slow morning starts. Calm, sunny afternoons offer the most consistent feeding, especially when wind stays light. Wind near the flat meadow sections can shut the bite early, arget midday calm.

• Zebra Midge 18 to 22
• Black Beauty 18 to 22
• RS2 gray or black 18 to 22
• WD-40 18 to 22
• Small Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
• Mini Leech black 10 to 12

• Indicator: Small yarn or minimal pinch-on
• Lead Fly: Black Beauty or RS2 20 to 22
• Dropper: Zebra Midge or Top Secret Midge 22 to 24
• Weight: One small BB placed 10 to 14 inches above the lead fly
• Target Water: Slow inside seams, deep winter runs, and soft tailouts