Snaking its way through Steamboat Springs is the Yampa River, one of the last, primarily free-flowing rivers in the western United States. It is not only home to our aquatic population, but a sought-after recreation spot for anglers, kayakers, rafters, tubers and paddle boarders. 

During warm summer days the cool water is a magnet for sunbaked tourists and locals. At peak times, the downtown stretch becomes Steamboats’ version of rush hour traffic. Friends of the Yampa, a non-profit organization and the City of Steamboat Springs formed a guideline for users, in order to protect the waterway. 

Anglers are required to purchase a fishing license from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office, online, or at one of the local sporting goods stores in town. Only artificial flies and lures can be used and there is a catch and release policy. 

Private tubing is recommended from Fetcher Park to the James Brown Bridge. Check the river flow to see if it is at a safe level for tubing. Water levels above 700 cubic feet per second are not safe for tubing. Current river conditions can be found at www.WaterData.usgs.gov.