Fishing Update - April 23, 2012:

          - from Paul Inglefield

Fly fishing has started early compared to last year due to our “no winter”.

The Stagecoach tail water is the best fishable stream water at present and the levels are low, so it is challenging and it is crowded. There are some blue wing and midge hatches for dry fly fishing but the standard method of tiny midge nymphs(Size 20,22) is generally reliable.   Olive scuds and egg patterns can also be successful. A double rig with a scud and a midge tailing is reliable and switch the midge pattern if nothing takes.

Flows are high for fishing in the Yampa and with the runoff. However some people are fishing though wading can be challenging. it should be fine in a couple of weeks or so.    
Some of the streams and rivers in North Park (Walden area) are fishable with reasonable levels  Up to date conditions are available at http://northparkanglers.com./

The lakes:
- Stagecoach is open, I would expect fly fishing to be slow for a while. There are lots of reports of fish at the inlet but it is crowded also.
- The Delaney Butte lakes (North Park) are open and fishable and will improve as the water warms. The most activity appears to be on the East lake, but bigger fish in North lake Up to date conditions are available at the above website. The main problem is wind.
- Steamboat lake normally is ice free in mid May. This year is much sooner and the lake is open and there are reports of fish being caught. Near the dam, Sage Flats aceess, is usually good in early season.

If anyone needs advice or wants to get together for some instruction contact myself (Paul Inglefield) or Steve Richheimer depending on availability, contact info in the OTHG book.