Warm temperatures in late winter have provided open water and outstanding fishing opportunities in the Yampa Valley, but with a historically low snowpack many anglers are worried about what conditions may mean for this coming summer.

Rachael Gonzales, Northwest Colorado public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, acknowledged the worries that many anglers may have as they look at the current conditions.

“We simply don’t know. It is Colorado and certainly anything can happen. We could have a wet April and May and an early monsoon season which would help water flow but honestly, we just don’t know,” said Gonzales.

Gonzales emphasized that CPW, in conjunction with area water districts, carefully monitor the flow of rivers and streams as a means of monitoring aquatic health. While area reservoirs are at low levels, Gonzales was quick to note that “This is not uncommon as we end winter to experience lower water levels. We continue to monitor and hope for the best.”

If water levels decline due to lack of moisture and low spring runoff, Gonzales encourages anglers to use common sense and take preventative measures to ensure and promote healthy fisheries. Lower stream flows can result in water temperatures increasing more rapidly which can stress cold water fish species. She encourages anglers to carry a thermometer to gauge stream temperatures and avoid fishing if stream temperatures exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Gonzales also encourages anglers to always have a “backup plan” when going fishing. If a stretch of river is experiencing low flows or has multiple anglers, Gonzales suggests that anglers move to another location. Too many fisherman in a concentrated area can place additional stress on fish and add to other difficulties they may be experiencing. Moving to a different fishery or not fishing at all may be the best strategy at maintaining healthy fishery, she said.

Self-regulation is also encouraged. If the waters are warm, anglers are encouraged to quickly catch and release fish. Overplaying a fish only increases the stress they are under so anglers are encouraged to quickly net, keep the fish in the water and gently release them. Anglers may also want to consider catching less fish than what they normally would in order to prevent further taxing an already stressed population.

Locally, anglers on the Yampa River are no strangers to periodic closures to fishing. Twice last summer, the river was closed to commercial use and the public was asked to “voluntarily” avoid fishing and other recreational endeavors. Currently, the city looks at status of stream flow and water temperature when determining whether to close the river in town. If water flow falls below 85 cubic feet/sec. for two consecutive days or water temperatures exceed 75 degrees for the same time period, the city, in conjunction with partnering agencies, may close the river.

A popular fishing destination in the area is a .6 mile stretch of the Yampa below Stagecoach dam. This “tailwaters” fishery is known for large brown and rainbow trout and its easy accessibility. CPW closed the section on Oct. 2 due to low inflow/outflow into the reservoir and it remained closed all winter. While the road to the tailwaters is slated to open on April 1, Gonzales said a decision has not been made as to whether or not to open the section to fishing at that time or remain closed.

And although summer may bring closures to rivers and streams that are frequented by anglers, Gonzales noted that there are many other places to fish that will bring success — it just may take a little more work and research to find them. Alpine lakes and higher elevation streams can provide excellent fishing opportunities for those who are willing to hike and get off the beaten path. Gonzales encouraged anglers to view the interactive “Colorado Fishing Atlas” to find alternative fishing destinations.

Meanwhile, for those not looking toward summer who are enjoying the fishing success that an early spring has provided, angling success has been high in recent weeks as large midge hatches, along with early open water, have resulted in excellent results.

As for summer fishing, Colten Creamer, a store manager at Steamboat Flyfisher, said: “It’s too late to wish for snow so now we’re hoping for rain.”