Steamboat Flyfisher - Box Outdoors (2024)

About

Photos

Fishing

• Trout
• Brown Trout
• Cutthroat Trout
• Brook Trout
• Rainbow Trout

Hunting

• Deer
• Mule Deer
• Elk
• Pronghorn Antelope

Methods

• Bow
• Crossbow
• Fly Rod
• Muzzleloader
• Rifle
• Rod & Reel

Extras

• Backcountry Fishing
• Float Fishing
• Free Range
• Full Day Trip
• Guided
• Half Day Trip
• Ice Fishing
• Meals Included
• Multi-Day Trip
• Private Water
• Public Water

Trips

Guided Float Trips:
A float trip on the lower Yampa can be a great option for beginner and experienced anglers alike. Our float trips are for 1 or 2 people. The float season on the lower Yampa can be a short window while the water is high enough to get drift boats through the shallow riffles. Most years we like to float from late May till mid July, however, this can change depending on runoff. Our float trips use put ins and take outs on our various sections of the river depending on what is fishing best. Please call the shop for additional information on our float trips.

Max group size: 16
Trespass fee: N/A

Hoogendorn Ranch:
The Hoogendorn ranch is one of Steamboat Flyfishers premier properties and is one of our guide’s favorites. With more than 2 miles of continuous river access the Hoogendorn ranch can provide anglers with a variety or different fishing opportunities. With fast riffles to deep holes to long slicks and sharp cut banks, the beginner and experienced angler alike will find themselves at home with any style of fly fishing. Located mid way up the Elk River, this stretch of water provides the perfect climate due to the high country cold water flowing out of the Zirkel Wilderness. With easy access to the water the Hoogendorn Ranch is a favorite to all that have fished it. The Hoogendorn Ranch is typically split into two beats, Upper and Lower, providing each group with over one mile of private river access.

Max group size: 10
Trespass fee: $150

Grace Ranch:
The Grace property is located on the Yampa River about 10 minutes outside of town, downstream of Lake Catamount. At 3/4 of a mile it boasts deep pools and cut banks—ideal trout habitat. This beautiful stretch of river has fairly easy walking. With beautiful views of the Yampa Valley and Storm Peak, anglers will enjoy a half day or full day of nymph, dry, and terrestrial fishing. This property does book up fast, call and reserve your trip today. The Grace’s property also offers a lake filled with large pike and some other warm water species. If you’re looking to step up your rocky mountain fly fishing adventure or for a unique fly fishing experience this private lake is for you. The lake is fished exclusively by our guides so expect these fish to be more willing to eat a variety of presentations and flies. For an additional cost you can fish the river and the lake.

Max group size: 4
Trespass fee: $150

Yeager Ranch:
The Yeager Ranch is located about 9 miles north of town mid way up the Elk river. This stretch of the Elk river provides a very peaceful fishing experience with very easy walking and river access. With many deep pools, large riffles and river structures the Yeager Ranch provides anglers with a variety of different water to fish. Anglers can find themselves fishing dries, nymphs and streamers successfully all in the same day. The large hay fields and shale walls provide great terrestrial fishing during the warm summer months and the large riffles provide very prolific caddis hatches.

Max group size: 4
Trespass fee: $125

Brown Ranch:
The Brown Ranch is located about 10 miles west of town, down stream of the confluence of the Elk and Yampa rivers. This stretch of river is slightly larger than what most anglers are accustomed to on the upper Yampa. Very large runs and deep holes provide great holding water for large rainbows and browns. The large riffles can produce very prolific hatches throughout the summer and fall allowing experienced anglers the chance to pursue large trout on dry flies. The Brown Ranch holds some of the largest and strongest trout on the Yampa and fish well over 20 inches are hooked daily. The Brown Ranch has fairly easy walking and wade trips start in early July and will fish well by foot throughout late fall. A boat ramp in the middle of the property allows for great private float fishing access during higher flows.

Max group size: 4
Trespass fee: $150

Fetcher Ranch:
This stretch of river is ideal for the angler that truly likes to work every piece of water. The upper stretches of the Elk River have many large boulders and log jams that aggressive trout love to hide behind and under. Properly presenting a hopper dropper or light nymph rig around structures can be very rewarding for beginner and experienced anglers a like. Located high on the Elk River, the Fetcher ranch is a perfect choice for the warmer months of summer and hopper season can be epic!

Max group size: 4
Trespass fee: $125

Vale Ranch:
The Vale Ranch is located just outside the town of Clark and provides anglers with easy access to fast pocket water and a few large deep bends. A perfect choice for 2 anglers on a half day, this 3/4 of a mile stretch gives anglers the opportunity to fish hopper-dropper though many shallow riffles as well as nymph and streamer some of the deeper holes. Located on the upper Elk River this stretch of river stays plenty cool even during the hottest summers.

Max group size: 3
Trespass fee: $100

Holloran Ranch:
The Holloran Ranch is located upstream of Steamboat Springs a few miles below the Lake Catamount tailwater. This premier stretch of water is nearly two river miles in length and provides the angler with a variety of different fishing possibilities. From long slicks to deep pools to fast riffles, there is an opportunity to fish dries, nymphs and streamers on any given day. This stretch of river is big fish water and consistently produces many large rainbows and browns over the 20-inch mark. Due to its proximity to the Lake Catamount tailwater, this property will fish well from February to December and will only become iced over during the coldest winter days. Please call for availability.

Max group size: 6
Trespass fee: $185

Hogue Ranch:
The Hogue Ranch is located on the Yampa River about 5 miles west of Steamboat Springs, just upstream of the confluence of the Yampa and the Elk. With many long riffles and slow slicks this property can be very fun for the angler that likes to cover some water. Spring and fall are the most productive times of year to fish this property and anglers can expect to fish light nymph rigs and streamers. Although most fish will be caught sub surface, on certain days a thick hatch can provide anglers the opportunity to cast to large rising fish. Please call for availability.

Max group size: 6
Trespass fee: $135

Overnight Backcountry:
Come explore the high alpine fishing that surrounds the Yampa River Valley. A two and a half hour horse ride brings you to a collection of beautiful lakes in the Zirkel Wilderness Area. Spend three days and two nights fly fishing crystal clear lakes. Indulge in fresh meals cooked over an open fire by a professional chef. Take in breath taking mountain views and starry nights. Call the shop to learn more and book your weekend today!

Guides

Johnny Spillane:
Johnny was born and raised in Steamboat Springs and was a successful Nordic Combined skier competing in the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 Olympic Games. In 2010, Johnny won 3 Silver medals in the Vancouver Olympics. Johnny has been a fly fisherman his whole life and has been guiding since 2001. In 2013, Johnny purchased Steamboat Flyfisher and is currently the owner with Rob Burden. “Our goal is to provide our customers with the best experience possible on the water. In the retail store, we sell equipment that we use ourselves and we cater to both the beginner and experienced angler alike. On our guided trips, we make sure that all of our guides are both experienced and personable. Give us a call and we will do our best to provide you with a fishing experience you will never forget.”

Rob Burden:
Rob Burden has been guiding for Steamboat Flyfisher since 2007, when he moved to Steamboat Springs. Growing up in Northwest Pennsylvania, Rob has been an avid angler from a young age and his experience and knowledge are far beyond his years. Rob is a co-owner of Steamboat Flyfisher and spends almost every day on the water either guiding or fishing on his own. Rob is also a very accomplished fly tyer and spey caster and offers private lessons to both the beginner and expert alike.

Keith Hale:
Hailing from just outside of Detroit, Keith made the move to Steamboat in the 80’s in pursuit of powder. However, he soon learned that the summers provided more activities and quickly picked up fly fishing. Keith has been guiding fly fishing trips for over 15 years now and is the most highly requested guide. Great with beginners, great with advanced anglers, Keith’s goal on the river is to teach and have fun. With endorsem*nts from Winston Rods and Scientific Anglers, Keith is an icon in the fishing industry.

Wes Fout:
Westley Fout, originally from Illinois, moved west when he was a young boy. He grew up on the Colorado River near Glenwood Springs. It was there that his great grand father first took him fishing and it has been his passion ever since. After fishing all over the Roaring Fork Valley, the watershed of the Colorado, Frying Pan, Crystal, Roaring Fork and countless high mountain lakes and streams, Wes moved to Steamboat Springs in 2004. In search of big trout and fresh powder, he found both and has been home ever since. Wes loves teaching and sharing his vast knowledge of Routt County’s world class waters. First time fishers, kids and even the experienced angler will enjoy his patience, knowledge, enthusiasm, and sense of humor. Wes is always up for adventure, if he isn’t guiding or skiing he can be found summer or winter somewhere in Routt County knee deep in water with a fly rod in his hand and a smile on his face.

Andy Best:
Andy has been fly fishing for about 20 years now since he first started out in his home state of WI where he chased trout, salmon, and steelhead on spring creeks, freestone rivers and tributaries of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. He has now spent the last 12 years in Steamboat fishing one of his favorite rivers, the Yampa. Andy is a very patient and informative guide. He is eager to teach every angler ability from novice to expert and enjoys spending the day on the river helping people catch fish.

Tim Widmer:
Tim Widmer is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and dedicated to his customers, three qualities that have helped him become one of the most highly requested guides. Tim has fished extensively throughout Rocky Mountain National Park and Northwestern Colorado. Whether floating or walk-wading, Tim’s customers leave the day feeling excited and passionate about fly-fishing. In addition to guiding, Tim is an accomplished fly tier. With four patterns (Timmy’s Hopindicator, Terresticator, Cicadicator, and Timmy’s Nymphinator) sold through California based Solitude Fly Company, Tim clearly understands insect behavior.

Doug Garber:
Doug grew up in Ohio and has lived in Steamboat for 25 years. He started fly fishing in the early 90’s and has been guiding with Steamboat Flyfisher for 8 years. Doug loves being outside and being on the water. He enjoys taking people fishing of all ages and all skill levels. His biggest joy is seeing the smiles on clients faces at the end of each day.

Jesse Rapp:
Jesse was born and raised here in Steamboat Springs and grew up with the Yampa River steps from his door. Jesse’s knowledge of local water and insects provide for exceptional days of fishing. Always quick with a couple of jokes and a bit of local history. Jesse’s enthusiasm for fishing and the outdoors makes him a sure bet for a great day on the river. Fishing is Jesse’s first passion, though an accomplished chef Jesse is eager to educate fellow anglers on the waters of Routt County, bring your appetite and you may find yourself picking wild berries and mushrooms for an afternoon snack.

Matt Moline:
Matt, born in Denver, grew up hunting and fishing the mountains of Colorado. After catching the fishing fever on the warm water fisheries of the front range, Matt moved to the mountains chasing bugling elk and hungry trout in the fall of 2008. He began his guiding career chasing elk, deer and antelope. After 5 years of guiding fly fishing on several rivers around the state including the Colorado, Eagle, Roaring Fork and Arkansas rivers, he settled in the Yampa valley in 2015. “I love everything this valley has to offer year round, from the outstanding fishing and hunting, to the unbelievable snow in the winter!” Guest service is a top priority with Matt. While on the water, you can expect a courteous knowledgeable guide and an exciting day, whether in a boat or wading from shore.

Damian Wells:
Damian grew up in Denver and learned to fly fish on the South Platte. After Moving to Steamboat to try to make the US Freestyle ski team, he discovered the incredible fishing in the Yampa Valley. After years of skiing and guiding fly fishing in the valley, he moved to the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina to teach elementary school, where he enjoys fishing for native brookies, small mouth bass, and trips to the coast to pursue Redfish. Damian enjoys sight fishing with dry flies, fishing with his son, and teaching people so they can enjoy fly fishing on their own. He Returns each summer to Steamboat to guide and fish, he loves to share the yampa valley fishing experience with all ages and abilities.

Nate Birdseye:
Nate Birdseye was raised in the small town of Tabernash and has been chasing trout in the streams and rivers of North Western Colorado since he was a young boy. He moved to Steamboat in the winter of 2012 to pursue fly fishing, elk hunting, and skiing. Whether it’s teaching a first time fly fisher or guiding an experienced angler, Nate loves sharing his passion for the sport with others. He is a patient, enthusiastic instructor and loves seeing others succeed in fly fishing.

Hunter Thompson:
Hunter grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Since moving to Steamboat in 2011, he has been devoting his time to the rivers and mountains we are so fortunate to have in our back yard. He has a deep knowledge of the sport and his clear and concise teaching techniques enable him to work well with anglers of all skill levels. He enjoys the challenge and reward of guiding. His clients often remark on his patience and kindness. When he’s not guiding you can find him down in the canyon running whitewater on his raft or skiing Steamboat’s champagne powder. Nothing makes Hunter happier than the smile of a client after a successful day on the water.

Billy Epp:
Growing up on the front range in Boulder, Colorado Billy was introduced to flyfishing at a young age by his father an avid angler and fly fishing guide. He’s lived and fished everywhere from Hawaii to the Carolina coast. Billy is always ready to make sure you have a great time while you learn about the sport of fly fishing and all the other things the amazing area of steamboat has to offer.

Alice Tesar:
Alice grew up in the land of 10,000 lakes (she’ll tell you there are actually 11,842 of them). She spent her summers guiding wilderness canoe trips in Northern Ontario and Quebec where she learned to fly fish. Returning to Minneapolis for a brief stint in advertising she heard the call of western trout streams and moved to Steamboat Springs in 2015. When she isn’t guiding or working in the shop she’s fishing or skiing in the high country with her husband and young son. You may also recognize Alice from her monthly articles on Gink and Gasoline. When you’re on the water with Alice you can expect stories, patience, and attention to detail in all aspects of the guided experience.

Robbie Tesar:
Robbie’s great joy is getting to appreciate the river and all of its gifts with whomever he is lucky enough to share it with. An avid outdoorsmen, Robbie seeks to create an unforgettable fishing experience that will give anglers the tools they need to keep pursuing trout and adventure on their own. When Robbie is not guiding for Steamboat Flyfisher he teaches history, as well as outdoor education at Steamboat Mountain School.

Dan Daffer:
Daniel came to the Yampa valley ten years ago, since then Daniel has spent almost all of his time fishing on our local waters. 
Raised in Tennessee, Daniel spent his summers working at North Lake outside of Memphis. Running lines for catfish, cutting his own cane poles and working in a bait shop. Fly Fishing isn’t a hobby or pastime for Daniel, its just part of the day. The best part.

Mikey Penney:
Mikey Penney grew up in the Roaring Fork Valley and moved to Steamboat in 2007. He moved here for the epic powder but also for the love of fishing. Mikey enjoys teaching people new to fly fishing as well as the more experienced ones. He loves being on the river looking for new spots, and the next big fish!

Guide Rates

Walk/Wade Trips:
Half Day
– One person: $275
– Two people: $350
Full Day
– One person: $375
– Two people: $450

Trips accessing our private leases will be assessed an access fee of $100-$185 per person, depending on the property.

Float Fishing:
Half Day
– One/Two people: $495
Full Day
– One/Two people: $595

Ice Fishing:
Half Day Only
– One person: $595
– Each additional person up to four: $30

Big Game Guided Hunts

We now offer fully guided big game hunts on private property and BLM land under special use permit, located south of Hayden 20 miles from Steamboat Springs in GMU 13.

We offer 5-day archery hunts and 4-day muzzleloader and rifle hunts for elk, deer and pronghorn.

– 2:1 Client to Guide ratio
– Rates are $2500.00 per person for first species and $1000.00 for additional species.
– Lunches are provided through Backcountry Delicatessen.
– Lodging recommendations can be provided.
– Transportation to the property is provided daily.
– All hunts are fair chase.
– 50% non-refundable deposit due at time of booking. Remaining balance due prior to the hunt.
– Rate does not include hunting license, lodging.

What To Bring

Winter Months:
We like to tell people to dress like they are going skiing. Warm jackets, hats, gloves, polarized sunglasses and sunscreen are usually all you need. If you don’t have everything, we have it all in the shop. All fishing equipment including waders, boots, rods, reels and flies will be provided. Out guides will provide various beverages and lunches are included on full day trips. Make sure to have your Social Security number and ID handy; it is required to purchase a fishing license in Colorado!

Summer Months:
We like to wear long sleeve shirts that are lightweight and protect us from the sun. Shorts, light pants, sunscreen, raincoats, baseball hats, socks and polarized sunglasses are really all you need. For fall fishing, bring a light jacket or sweatshirt, the mornings and evenings can get a little chilly. Make sure to have your Social Security number handy; it is required to purchase a fishing license in Colorado!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, a one-day fishing license costs $9 in Colorado and is required for anyone 16 and older. Make sure to have your Social Security number handy; it is required to purchase a fishing license in Colorado!

Do you provide equipment?
All fishing equipment including waders, boots, rods, reels and flies will be provided.

Lunches?
Lunches are provided on all full day trips. We work with Backcountry Provisions here in town and they make wonderful Gourmet sandwiches. We are more then happy to order lunches on half-day trips, the cost is $13 dollars per lunch.

Will the trip be cancelled if the weather is bad?
We fish in all weather. The only reason we will cancel a trip due to weather is if it’s unsafe to be on the water. Sometimes the best fishing is on rainy or snowy days!

How many people per guide?
We limit it to three people per guide, but we highly recommend getting two guides for three people. Three experienced fisherman are often fine with just one guide, but it will be a much better trip for novices if they hire two guides for three fisherman.

What is expected for gratuity to the guide?
This is really up to you. If you feel the guide worked hard and provided a pleasurable experience, tip him accordingly. If not, please notify the shop staff and we will do everything we can to make sure you next experience is better!

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