Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides update on fishing closures for sections of the Yampa River

Rachael Gonzales
Northwest Region Public Information Officer
970-773-8587 / [email protected]
Twitter: @CPW_NW Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides update on fishing closures for sections of the Yampa River

 

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — Increased flows from Stagecoach Reservoir prompts Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to lift the mandatory fishing closure on the 0.6-mile stretch of the Yampa River downstream of Stagecoach Reservoir dam on Thursday, July 17.

“We want to thank our anglers for their patience during the closure,” said Stagecoach State Park Manager Craig Preston. “While these closures are not ideal, they were put into place to protect the resource by giving the fish a bit of a reprieve as they are prone to increased stressors related to these extreme low-flow conditions.”

CPW is grateful for our partnership with the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District (UYWCD). Their dedication to keeping us updated on water flows in and out of the reservoir greatly contributes to protecting this unique fishery for current and future generations.

“With current river conditions, everyone plays a role in protecting the Yampa River and its aquatic life by respecting recreational closures,” said District spokesperson Holly Kirkpatrick. “As we’re beginning to see year after year, environmental releases from Stagecoach Reservoir offer multiple benefits to the river’s ecological health and downstream water users. We're pleased that anglers can return to the tailwaters fishery, especially as other recreational closures are implemented.”

The closure was initially put in place on May 19 to protect fish and minimize fish mortality within this tailwater fishery as a result of sub-optimal flow conditions. CPW will continue to work closely with UYWCD and monitor conditions at the dam. 

While conditions have improved on the Yampa River below Stagecoach Dam, water temperatures have exceeded 71°F for several consecutive days downstream near Steamboat Springs. As a result, CPW is implementing a voluntary fishing closure. This closure will affect the Yampa River from the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area to the western edge of Steamboat Springs town limits. 

The voluntary fishing closure will take effect on Wednesday, July 16, and will remain in place until further notice.

“CPW takes implementing fishing closures very seriously,” said Northwest Region Senior Aquatic Biologist Ben Felt. “Closures, voluntary or mandatory, are implemented once river conditions meet a threshold where fish health is impacted. Typically, these closures are implemented when water temperatures are high and stream or river flows are low.”

Water temperatures and river flows fluctuate over the summer, at times creating dangerous conditions for trout and other fish. When water temperatures reach 71°F or above it becomes difficult for fish to survive, even when practicing catch and release. River temperatures are monitored throughout Colorado's rivers using temperature loggers. The loggers record the water temperature every 15 min, and are reviewed by CPW Aquatic Biologists at least once a week. This data in addition to other factors are used to determine the need for voluntary fishing closures.

“Conditions in one section of the river may be different than another, similar to what we are seeing at Stagecoach State Park versus what we are seeing downstream through the city of Steamboat Springs,” continued Felt.

CPW appreciates continued cooperation from the angling community during these voluntary fishing closures to help conserve these fish populations into the future.

Anglers are encouraged to comply with voluntary closures. When fishing stretches that are not closed, anglers are encouraged to help CPW protect these valuable resources by keeping the following tips in mind.

• Fish early in the morning when water temperatures are cooler.

• Bring a thermometer with you to take temperature readings throughout the morning. As temperatures approach 71°F, it’s time to call it a day. 

• Wet your hands before handling any fish you catch

• Keep fish submerged when removing the hook, and avoid taking photos to ensure a quick release. 

• Take your fishing trip to new heights by fishing in lakes and streams located at higher elevations.

Anglers are encouraged to visit CPW’s website or call local CPW offices to learn about destination water conditions before traveling.