Yampa Fly Fishing Report  - Monday, Jan 14, 2019

Colorado Stream Update: The hike into the tail water below Stagecoach Reservoir is brutal right now but the rewards are well worth it!

Current Conditions at Yampa:

It's a relatively low flow coming out of Stage Coach, so finding holding water is very crucial, but the fishing is excellent right now. Nymphing with small tippet-- 5x fluorocarbon-- is the name of the game. Small patterns are the way to go. WD-40s, juju beatis, jujubee midges, black beauties, top secrets, and disco midges are all working. With the crystal clear water and low flow, sight fishing is one of your best tools so make sure and keep the sun at your back and have a good pair of polarized shades. On warmer overcast days you'll see midges and possibly BWOs hatch which makes it possible to catch a dinker here or there on the surface but the larger trout are still all feeding sub-surface.

No need to be on the water early, wait for the sun to come up in order to warm up the water temperature. Fishing has been best from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and fly fishing trips have been catching lots of trout. Use three different midge patters. Try a black Zebra Midge (size 20-24) or a Money Midge (size 20-24). An egg makes a great point fly during the winter months.  The fishing is fantastic.  Clear skies and 28-31 degree weather. The water temperature was between 36-39 degrees and Crystal Clear.