The City of Steamboat Springs has lifted the restrictions for commercial and recreational use on the Yampa River. However, a voluntary angling closure will remain in place from 2PM to midnight within the city limits and Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area until further notice.
“We’ve been monitoring river conditions along with the Colorado Parks & Wildlife for the past few weeks,” said Craig Robinson, interim Parks & Recreation Director. “Based on improvements and a favorable forecast, we are opening the river for commercial and public use of city owned portions of the river.”
With cooler daytime temperatures and lower night time temperatures along with recent rain events, the river is experiencing some improvement in aquatic habitat conditions. River temperatures have remained in the low to mid 70°s during the daytime and dropped into the low 60°s overnight. In addition, a new water release from the Upper Yampa River Conservancy District has increased river flows, which are anticipated to improve river conditions for at least for a week or longer.
While the river opens to recreational users, a voluntary angling closure remains in place from 2 pm to midnight until further notice within city limits and the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area. Commercial angling companies are required to adhere to the closure on city property and in the Chuck Lewis area.
“The Yampa River is the community’s number one natural resource,” commented Robinson. “We want to thank the public and commercial operators for adhering to the closures. Your efforts go a long way in protecting the aquatic habitat and overall health of the Yampa River.”
City staff will be removing signs from the river corridor this morning. Please keep in mind, river restrictions could be implemented again should conditions change.
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Contact:
Craig Robinson, Interim Parks & Recreation Director, 970.871.7034 or email
Brad Setter, Howelsen Hill, Parks, Open Space Supervisor, 970.871.7035 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email