Fishing Season: Spring/summer through fall

Cimarron River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

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

Winter is on the back half, and with warmer temperatures on the way, signs of spring are beginning to show. As ice melts and the river starts to open up, early pre-runoff fishing can be excellent, offering some of the season’s first great opportunities. While fish are still cold, focusing on the warmest parts of the day will give you the best success. Nymphing remains the most effective approach, but as conditions improve, it’s a good idea to keep some small dries in your box for rising fish. Early spring hatches will feature Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and Caddis, but don’t overlook small black stoneflies—both nymphs and adults—as they make an early appearance. Fish will continue to hold in deeper holes, but as water temperatures rise, they’ll become more active and willing to feed. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t miss out on this prime early-season fishing opportunity!

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 2/20/25

Great temps are in the forecast for the next 7 days with highs in the 50s. Not all the ice has melted yet but, there is open water and hungry fish if you are headed this way.

Techniques & Tips as of 2/20/25

Nymphing the deeper pools with small flies trailed behind an attractor like an egg or a worm.

Current Conditions as of 2/20/25

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):
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A
Micro Egg N/A
Bead Head Brassie™ N/A
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail N/A
TH Cased Caddis N/A
Tunghead Prince N/A

Vernille San Juan Worm

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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.