Fishing Season: Spring/summer through fall

Cimarron River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 71°

Temp:

71°

RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service's Tip of the Week

The Forks of the Cimarron above Silverjack Reservoir have been providing excellent fishing conditions. We've observed consistent hatches of Caddis and Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) throughout the day, accompanied by the occasional appearance of small hoppers. Our most effective setup has been targeting pockets with a dry-dropper rig, featuring a foam dry fly on top and a weighted nymph below. For those who prefer a simpler approach, using a single dry fly will still yield plenty of action.

Directions open in app

Map of Cimarron River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service

5-Day Outlook as of 7/23/24

The weather has cleared up and there is very little rain in the forecast so it's a great time to plan a trip up to this area.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/23/24

Light Hopper Dropper with Caddis and Mayfly patterns.

Current Conditions as of 7/23/24

Fish the slower water and deeper holes, the water is cold in the morning and as the sun comes out they become more active. Try dry/dropper or light nymphing techniques to catch fish.

Local Species Available Spring/summer through fall

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    Cutthroat

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    Brook Trout

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    Rainbow Trout

RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Adam's Purple Parachute N/A
Adams N/A
Elk Wing Caddis N/A
Hopper N/A
Quasimodo Pheasant Tail N/A
Witch Doctor N/A

Adam's Purple Parachute

Tie on this deadly purple parachute dry fly to show trout something unique.

2.49

Item #7R6K

Buy Now

RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service's Recommended Gear

Description: About Cimarron River

High Alpine fishing at its best! The Cimarron River offers endless fishing for Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat, and Brook Trout. As one of the most beautiful settings in Colorado, the Cimarron high country offers rare opportunities for solitude, native fish, and remote access. If you’re looking for a real Colorado backcountry experience, it doesn’t get any better than this. The Forks of the Cimarron include the West Fork, Middle Fork, and East Fork, and each offer an exceptional high-country angling experience. These small freestone streams provide miles of access, with riffles and pools, and plenty of trout. In addition to the Forks, the Big Cimarron includes a three-mile tailwater stretch below Silver Jack Reservoir. Large boulders and deep pools provide excellent habitats for large high-country trout. Summer through fall is the best time to fish the high country. After the snow melts and the Forks settle down, anglers can enjoy fishing dry flies at 9,600 feet with beautiful mountain scenery as the backdrop. After the summer mayfly fade, it’s all about hoppers. Throwing dry flies and hopper patterns at native and wild trout is tough to beat!

Nearest Airport:

Montrose Regional Airport

Bait Recommendations:

Light indicator nymphing is the best way to fish in the winter. Bring plenty of small may flys and midges.