Fishing Season: June-November

The Elk River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

60

Steamboat Flyfisher's Tip of the Week

The Elk River has peaked and clarity is improving. Current flow is 341 CFS and dropping everyday. Fishing is good all day, PMDs and sallies in AM, both dries and nymphs. Emergers in the fast water. Good dry fly fishing noon-dark. Feel Free to give a call down to the shop anytime for more in-depth info 970-879-6552

Directions open in app

Map of The Elk River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 7/14/25

Flows are great, but dropping daily. Fishing will continue to be good all week. Watch for high temps later in afternoon as flows decrease

Techniques & Tips as of 7/14/25

Mornings- nymphing deeper water, some fish will be rising to PMDs and depending on the day youll see a small trico hatch. Afternoon- dry dropper and smaller dries. Fish will eat smaller terrestrials (ants, beetles) as the water warms up. Fish faster water as day goes on.

Local Species Available June-November

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    Brown

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    Brooke

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    Rainbow Cutbow

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    Cutthroat

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    White Fish

Steamboat Flyfisher's Recommended Gear

Description: About The Elk River

Flowing out of the Zirkel Wilderness Area. There are just a few access points to the river starting with Christina State Wildlife Area located about 8 miles out of town. Christina is a 1 mile stretch that provides numerous long runs and solid pocket water. Browns, Rainbows, Cutthroats, Brookies and Whitefish, ranging from 12-18 inches can be found in this stretch of the Elk. The Upper Elk, north of Clark down Seedhouse road, has tons of public water access in the National Forest.

Nearest Airport:

Hayden, HDN

Hatches:

Stones PMD Yellow Sallies Caddis Tricos

Best Time to Fish:

8am -5pm

Best Stretch:

Christina State Wildlife Area

Best Access:

Christina State Wildlife Area