On The Water Steamboat Springs is surrounded by cool, clear water. Dip into the lakes, rivers and favorite fishing holes. Raft
Whitewater raft the Yampa River through Steamboat in early summer or travel west to Cross Mountain with class IV and V rapids. The Elk River is a thrilling early season option; later the mighty Colorado runs all summer through canyons southwest of Steamboat. See “Boating” listings on page VG44 for river rafting outfitters.
Fly Fish
The Yampa River is famous for fly fishing, and catch-and-release restrictions apply throughout town. There is free public access all along the river – but you need a fishing license ($9/ day or $26/year for Colorado residents). Only artificial flies and lures are allowed, and all fish must be returned to the water. Kids will like fishing at Casey’s Pond (U.S. 40 and Walton Creek Road), where the water is still and the catches plentiful. Novice and diehard fishermen can find experienced local guides listed under “Fishing” on VG45.
Swim
Aryeh Copa
Cool off on a hot summer day with a plunge into the Yampa River. Downtown swimming holes include the C-Hole behind the Bud Werner Memorial Library and the D-Hole just downstream – both have appealing sunny rocks for spectators. If a snowmelt swim leaves you chilled to the bone, stop at Rich Weiss Park and warm up in the runoff from Old Town Hot Springs. Wake surfing is one of many water sports at Stagecoach Lake, one-half hour south of Steamboat Springs.
Boat
Three Colorado state parks with lakes surround Steamboat. All offer camping, fishing and hiking; two have marinas where you can rent everything from kayaks to pontoons and water-ski boats. Steamboat Lake State Park (27 miles north of Steamboat) has a marina (970-879-7019) and is suitable for sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing. Stagecoach State Park (17 miles south of Steamboat) offers recreation and wildlife watching as the lake is divided into wakeless and non-wakeless areas for fishing boats, pontoons, sailboats, waterskiing and kayaking, with rentals available at the Stagecoach Marina (970-736-8342). Bring your canoe to Pearl Lake State Park (22 miles north of Steamboat) – a high mountain lake where all boating is wakeless.
Tube
Paddle Board
Kayak
Yampa River Festival & the Paddling Life Pro Invitational
Steamboat’s tubing season starts in early July. As soon as spring runoff slows down, tube rentals begin with shuttle services for trips up and down the river. Grab an inner tube and take a cool float down the Yampa. See “Tubing” listings on page VG49 for tube rental shops. Dip your paddle in spring whitewater or mellow mid-summer flow on the Yampa River. Backdoor Sports and Mountain Sports Kayak School rent boats and can teach you to paddle. Backdoor Sports (970- 879-6249) and Mountain Sports Kayak School (970-879-8794)
VG 14 | ON LIN E AT WWW.ST EA MBOA T C HA MBER.C OM
Standup paddle boarding is the latest water craze to hit mountain sport enthusiasts. Try it on flat water on one of Steamboat’s local lakes, or up the ante and coast down the Yampa River’s rapids. Ski Haus (970-879-0385) rents epoxy, inflatable and soft top boards for you to transport to your preferred watering hole.
Unite with sun-seekers and river rats for amateur and pro kayak, rafting and river races in the snowmelt: Saturday-Monday, May 25-28. www.friendsoftheyampa.com & www.paddlinglife.com