Fishing at Stagecoach Lake
Home of the state record Pike caught in 2006, the lake and river offers renowned fishing for Steamboat Springs, CO.
Stagecoach State Park encourages the practice of selective harvest:
- This is the practice of keeping some average-sized fish to eat while returning the larger and smaller fish to the lake to continue to grow. Without returning some of the fish to the lake, it's impossible for the lake to withstand modern fishing methods and still produce trophy-quality fishing
- This practice is good for fishing. Take fresh fish home to eat and put some back for the future.
- Important: As fish get older, there are fewer numbers in that age class. For example, if all 16-to-18 inch fish get harvested, there are none to grow to the 20 inch class.
The Division of Wildlife designated fishing at the Tail Waters below Stagecoach Dam as catch and release only. This area is touted by many experts as "Colorado's best rainbow trout fishery" and has received several accolades from Fly Fisherman Magazine.
Only artificial flies and lures can be used while fishing the length of the Yampa River between Stagecoach Dam and Catamount Lake. A number of commercial fishing guides are available out of Steamboat Springs.