Fishing

​​​​Home of the state record Pike caught in 2006, the reservoir and river offer renowned fishing opportunities.

Stagecoach State Park encourages the practice of selective harvest:

• This is the practice of keeping some average-sized fish to eat while returning the larger and smaller fish to the lake to continue to grow. Without returning some of the fish to the water, it’s impossible for the fishery to withstand modern fishing methods and still produce trophy-quality fishing.
• This practice is good for fishing. Take fresh fish home to eat and put some back for the future.
• Important: As fish get older, there are fewer numbers in that age class. For example, if all 16-to-18 inch fish get harvested, there are none to grow to the 20 inch class.

Selective harvest is not catching and releasing all fish; just some.

Tailwaters, a “Colorado’s Best rainbow trout fishery”

The Tailwater section below Stagecoach Dam is designated as catch and release only. This area is touted by many experts as “Colorado’s best rainbow trout fishery” and has received several accolades from Fly Fisherman Magazine.

This area also experiences heavy use in the springtime due to the consistent water levels when other areas are experiencing high runoff levels. Anglers during this time are asked to help manage heavy use by returning at a time when the river is not as crowded.

Only artificial flies and lures can be used while fishing the length of the Yampa River between Stagecoach Dam and Catamount Lake. A number of commercial fishing guides are available out of Steamboat Springs.

Good luck fishing! If you do hook a big one, be sure to take a picture and share your story with a Park Ranger.