The Yampa River is a tailwater gem, especially in sections near Stagecoach Reservoir and Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area, is fishing exceptionally well. Midges and Blue-Winged Olives are hatching steadily, giving you plenty of opportunities for surface action. Whether you're nymphing or stripping streamers for aggressive browns, this river is primed for a productive day on the water, with autumn colors only adding to the experience.

Flows are ~126 CFS through town with clear water that fishes better as temps rise. Tricos linger late morning; expect BWOs to pop under clouds, and a steady background of midges. With low water and a freestone sheen, stealth and micro-presentations matter. Pressure’s medium; tubers are tapering off, but mid-day still draws folks to the easy access.

Rating: — technical and timing-dependent
Flow (CFS): ~126
Water Temp: ~43–64°F (warms into the bite window)
Air Temp: 43–72°F
Clarity: Clear
Best Times: 11 AM – 3 PM (warmest water)
Fishing Pressure: Moderate (lighter above town and in canyon water)
Top Flies: Trico Spinner #22 | RS2 #20 | Mini Leech #10

A tight, on-date breakdown of September Yampa tactics: when the bite turns on, the exact small patterns to run, and how to handle low, clear freestone water.

Source: OpenWeather / NOAA

• Dry Setup: Trico Spinner #22 on a 12–14' 6X leader; add a micro-dropper (RS2 #22) when heads go down.
• Nymph Setup: RS2 #20 below a Zebra Midge #22, 18" apart, 6X fluoro, one tiny shot when needed.
• Streamer Setup: Mini Leech (olive/black) #10, slow strips on seams and inside bends.
• Pro Rig (Guide’s Pick): Hopper-dropper: Micro Chubby #14 with RS2 #20 on 18" 6X. Swap the dropper to a WD-40 #20 during BWO flurries.

• Expect rolling BWO windows under clouds; be ready to swap from Trico to BWO emerger quickly.
• Keep fish wet and fish early/late if afternoon temps climb.
• Always check the latest local notices for any temporary restrictions; conditions have been fluid this season.

Best time to fish the Yampa in mid-September?
Late morning into mid-afternoon as temps lift; clouds = BWO bonus round.

Go-to flies right now?
Trico Spinner #22, RS2 #20–22, WD-40 #20, Zebra Midge #22, Mini Leech #10.

How’s clarity and flow?
Clear and low around 126 CFS—great visibility, spooky fish.

Is town crowded?
Moderate; lighter above town and in canyon stretches.

Leader/tippet advice?
12–14' leaders, 5X–6X; fluorocarbon for subsurface, keep drifts drag-free.

Streamer game?
Selective. Small leeches on soft edges and shade lines; slow down the strip.

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