Kayaking

Yampa River: There are excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities east and west of Craig. The Little Yampa Canyon Recreation Area west of Craig is a scenic alternation of canyons and valleys offering wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, and river canoeing. Juniper Canyon offers a short whitewater class II run while Cross Mountain Canyon offers high risk and challenging class IV and V rapids for experienced river runners.

Click here for Yampa River public access points.

Green River: The Flaming Gorge Reservoir, providing a constant flow level year round, regulates the Green River levels. Canoeing is best on the upper stretches of the Green through Browns Park Wildlife Refuge. At the south end of the refuge, the river enters the Gates of Ladore, which is primarily white water suitable for experienced river runners, and best for rafting and kayaks. A permit is required to enter Dinosaur National Monument.

Little Snake River: The Little Snake is accessible early spring to early summer for its entire 40 miles. After mid-season the river is not suitable for boating activity due to low water.

Motor boats &
jet skis

Elkhead Reservoir, located east of Craig, is the most popular body of water in the county for power boating. There is a daily fee for lake use. The lake is patrolled and managed by Colorado State Parks. Water is open year round for boating and popular for water skiing and jet skis during the summer months. Camping, fishing and hiking paths are available at Elkhead.

Non-motorized

Freeman Reservoir: Located in the Routt National Forest, accessed via Colorado Hwy 13

Axial Pond: Four-acre lake located off State Highway 13, 12 miles south of Hamilton. The pond is open for fishing only – no swimming or waterfowl hunting.

Floating & tubing

Tubing on the Yampa River is a popular summertime sport suitable for the entire family. Tubers start at Pebble Beach, #4 on the MAP, and float to Loudy-Simpson Park or the South Beach take-out area, located east of Craig.

Elkhead Reservoir: Northeast of Craig

• Small and largemouth bass, channel catfish, northern pike, rainbow trout.

Freeman Reservoir: Routt National Forest, 20 miles north of Craig

• Cutthroat trout

Green River: Northwest corner of Moffat County in Browns Park

• Brown trout, rainbow trout, catfish

Loudy-Simpson Park: South of Craig on Ranney St.

• Northern pike, brown trout, rainbow trout

Public Safety Center Pond: 1st St.

• Trout. Open only to youths 12 and younger

Williams Fork River: South of Craig

• Rainbow trout

Upper Yampa River: Craig to Steamboat Springs

• Brown trout, rainbow trout, northern pike

Lower Yampa River : Craig to Utah border

• Channel catfish, northern pike