Fishing Season: Spring/summer through fall

Cimarron River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

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

Access to the area is now open from both directions, making it a great time to explore. Spring conditions continue, so expect elevated flows from the Forks above Silver Jack Reservoir. Despite the higher water, clarity remains fishable under normal conditions. Heavy rain, like the event we experienced last weekend, can temporarily impact visibility—but this system typically clears quickly and is often fishing well again by the next day. Dry-dropper setups are producing best results right now. Try a larger foam dry paired with a small but weighted nymph in the #14–16 range. Focus your efforts on the slower pockets and seams where fish are holding out of the heavier current.

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Map of Cimarron River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service

5-Day Outlook as of 6/10/25

Both Cimarron and Owl Creek Pass are now open, offering full access to the Silver Jack Reservoir and surrounding waters. With high elevation comes variable spring weather, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out and pack accordingly. Snowmelt is in full swing, pushing flows higher than average. However, with a fast-melting snowpack this year, water levels are expected to stabilize and return to optimal fishing conditions sooner than usual. Don’t wait too long—this could be a shorter runoff window than normal. Overall, the next week looks promising for those ready to adapt and take advantage of early access and rapidly improving river conditions.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/10/25

Dry Dropper with a foam dry and a weighted nymph below will let you hit the pockets where fish are holding.

Current Conditions as of 6/10/25

Closed for the winter

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):
Stimulator N/A
Larson's Legend Golden Stone Dry N/A
Bead Head Brassie™ N/A
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail N/A
TH Cased Caddis N/A
Tunghead Prince N/A

Stimulator

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Item #0928

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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.