Yampa River
Yampa River Reopens to All Recreation Except Angling - July 18, 2025
The commercial and voluntary closures on the Yampa River, implemented earlier this week, will be lifted for all recreation except angling. CPW and the city will continue the voluntary angling closure to assist aquatic life in additional recovery time.
Effective immediately, the Yampa River will be open to tubing, rafting, kayaking, SUPing and all other water recreation except for angling. Commercial tubing operations will be permitted to resume immediately. Commercial angling will not be allowed at this time while staff continues to consult with CPW on river conditions and aquatic health.
Currently, water flows are sitting at 115 cubic feet per second (cfs), and water temperatures over the past few days have moved below the 75° threshold but still hang in the lower 70s. In addition, since late June, environmental releases from Stagecoach reservoir have boosted flows through the city.
That trend, coupled with slightly cooler temperatures, and possible precipitation has led to the reopening of the river for both commercial and recreational use, except for angling, for the weekend. River closures could be implemented again next week when hot and dry conditions return.
Thank you for Respecting the Yampa.
About the Yampa River
The Yampa River is a vital element of the Steamboat Springs community. Increasing recreational demands upon the river have created the need to develop the City of Steamboat Springs Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Trails, and River (PROSTR) Master Plan to help ensure protection of the biological integrity of the river and manage recreational uses. The PROSTR Plan is available upon request.
Maintaining a Healthy River
To help maintain the health of the river please adhere to the following practices:
- Avoid standing or walking on river bed (except fisherman)
- Life jackets, flotation devices, and proper footwear recommended
- No alcohol
- No bathing or diapers in river
- No glass
- No littering
- No disposable containers (cans, plastic bottles, glass, bags, Styrofoam collers, etc).
- Respect other river users (i.e. fisherman, kayakers, waders, etc.)
- Respect private property