Here is the fishing report, issued August 11th, from Straightline Outdoor Sports in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
By John Camponeschi for Straightline Outdoor Sports
Reporting Guide: Ben Rock
Author’s Note: The Yampa River has been closing periodically over the course of the last two weeks. Anglers are encouraged to check for river closures on public waters in town before heading out. Fish when it is cooler to avoid stressing and possibly killing trout and try to be off the river when the fish activity slows or when the water warms.
Fishing Report: Warm weather and low flows have led to less active fish as they seek to reduce stress related to water temperatures and lower oxygen levels. This has made trout lethargic and pushed them into deep and slow portions of the river. Anglers should focus their attention in these areas during the cooler parts of the day.
Water temperatures in the morning have been starting in the mid 60’s and by midday often exceed 70.
The ideal temperature for trout is 45 to 55 degrees.
Steamboat Sports’ Ben Rock called August one of the toughest months of the year for trout.
That said, there fish to be had, especially on our exclusive private waters. Rock explained that tricos are a consistent hatch in August and that grasshoppers are also thick along the banks of the river. There are sporadic caddis hatches as well.
Hot patterns right now include grasshoppers, especially Chubby Chernobyls, in large sizes and natural body colors. With the slow and clear water, realistic presentations and drag-free floats are a must. Trico imitations in a size 20 or 22, including a Brooks Sprout in black, are also great patterns to have in your fly box. Other small trico spinner imitations with a laid down wing, down-turned tail, and dark color will also work.
Subsurface stonefly imitations have also produced big fish, especially after rain or a weather fluctuation. Rock explained that anglers should be ready for these weather changes and
fish stonefly imitations early the next morning. Pat’s Rubber Legs, as well as bead-head stonefly imitations, are great to have as your point fly with a red San Juan worm trailing behind it. Small black nymphs, imitating tricos, are also a great fly to trail behind these heavier stonefly imitations. Zebra Midges, or other sparsely tied black trico nymph imitations, are good patterns to turn towards as well.
Due to fish holding along the bottom of the river, and the growth of algae, nymphing can be challenging this time of year. Morning nymphing has been most productive in recent weeks for those who can get out early.
“Constant maintenance of your nymph rig, and removing any algae that is present on your setup, is a must,” explained Rock.
Streamer fishing has also been productive, but sporadic. Crawfish imitations, bounced slowly along the bottom, have been effective early in the day before the water warms. Minnow patterns have not been as effective due to the trout not wanting to “chase”.
Rock explained that fish are hard to move right now, so placing the fly right in front of them is key.
Elk River, and high country streams, have been fishing better than the Yampa, as have lakes and ponds at higher elevations. The same patterns mentioned above for the Yampa will also work on the Elk.
Lightweight setups in a three weight, or tenkara rods, can provide the angler with a fun (and cooler) experience on small streams. Attractor dry fly patterns as well as beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and caddis will produce when combined with a stealthy approach to pockets of water that hold fish. Getting out early, however, is still the key to being successful, as the fishing slows in the hotter parts of the day.
Please call Straightline Sports at 970-879-7568, or stop by the shop at 744 Lincoln Ave. in Steamboat Springs, for the most up-to-date information regarding river conditions (including closures) and the best patterns to carry.
Tight lines!
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