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Colorado State Parks
Parks > Yampa River State Park > River Use

River Use

Knowing the Yampa River stream flows and proper river safety techniques is an important part of having a rewarding and safe experience on the Yampa River.

Current River Information:

River Safety Guidelines:

  • Always wear a personal flotation device
  • Check weather conditions before launching
  • Inform someone of your planned route and return time
  • Carry emergency communication devices for remote sections
  • Be aware of seasonal flow variations and hazards

Fishing on the Yampa River is some of the best. With a variety of species including rainbow and brown trout found from the headwaters to the Yampa River State Park headquarters, to sport fishing species like Northern Pike and small mouth bass found from Craig to the confluence of the Green River, there is always something biting.

Fishing Highlights:

  • Upper sections (Hayden area): Rainbow and brown trout, some of Colorado’s healthiest trout fishery
  • Middle sections (Craig area): Mixed species including trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike
  • Lower sections (Maybell to Utah border): Warm-water species, excellent smallmouth bass fishing

Updated: 6/2/2025 10:30 AM MT