STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-October 2, 2023-While most of the Yampa River is open to recreation, a small section at the confluence of the Yampa River and Fish Creek, as well as a portion of Fish Creek will be under a voluntary closure starting Friday, October 6 and running through the end of the month, October 31, and possibly into November depending upon water flows and river conditions.
The City of Steamboat Springs, in collaboration with Colorado Parks & Wildlife, is implementing a voluntary closure on a portion of Fish Creek, as well as the pool at the confluence with the Yampa River.
This closure is being implemented as a management tool to help protect the fragile native mountain whitefish population during their annual spawn migration and concentration. The mountain whitefish population of the Yampa River has declined to very concerning levels, thus it’s imperative that fish are protected during spawning time.
The voluntary closure runs roughly 100 feet upstream and 200 feet downstream on the Yampa River, as well as up Fish Creek to the Safeway bridge (~.3 miles). Signage is in place to alert river users of the voluntary closure in this area.
As part of the Yampa River Health Assessment and Streamflow Management Plan, adopted in 2018, the city, along with its partners, is committed to promoting native fish populations from further decline and the specific focus on whitefish in Fish Creek is one of the ways to accomplish this goal.
Signage will be posted in the area and your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
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Contact
Craig Robinson, City of Steamboat Springs, Parks, Open Space & Trails Manager, 970.871.7034 or email
Julie Baxter, City of Steamboat Springs, Water Resources Manager, 970.871.8267 or email
Rachael Gonzales, Public Information Officer, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, 970.255.6165 or email