I would give the Yampa a higher rating if town were open to offer more fishable water. Always at least a 3, the Yampa is a year round fishery offering a variety of different conditions and opportunities for any angler. Consistently good at the tail water with scuds, sow bugs, annelids, leeches, cranefly larva, and small midges and mayflies. A great spot to test your nerve sight fishing to the numerous large trout that range in size from 14 to 28 inches. Smaller tippets help with hookups, and being the first to have a crack at these fish can make all the difference. There is always some good dry fly fishing at the tail water, and even the coldest February day can have pods of risers feeding on adults from noon til 2pm. Midges are hatching these days, and they are usually joined by mayflies in mid March. Sparse midges tied down to #26 will have your line tight during the hatch, and some 7x WILL ghet you more eats........and more break offs. The road to the tail water closed January 1 for Elk Migration so now there is a 2 mile ride, walk, or ski to get into the river. As of 2/13 the road in from the backside was manageable by 4wd. The lack of snow is making the trail/ road muddy in spots so be careful. Crowds are down, but there always seems to be somebody else at the Stagecoach tail water. There will be good fishing all winter and spring with midges, olives, scuds, annelids, and leeches. Streamers can be fun but can be difficult to fish if the river is crowded. Town is covered in ice for now with only a few open holes at the west side of town. March is a better month to try town with small black winter stones and smaller baetis. Streamers are good right after ice off as well.