Fishing Season: Spring/summer through fall

Cimarron River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

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

This area is now locked in with snow and will become available again in the spring as it warms up so keep checking in April

Directions open in app

Map of Cimarron River

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

RIGS Fly Shops & Guide Service

5-Day Outlook as of 1/23/23

Head somewhere else like the lower Gunnison or your local tailwater.

Techniques & Tips as of 1/23/23

Big Cimarron and Silverjack fishing with Dry/Dropper or light nymphing techniques. A bead head BWO in 18-20 under a small hopper or caddis will allow you to control your drift in the most effective water.

Current Conditions as of 1/23/23

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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    Brown Trout

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    Rainbow Trout

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 Brown Trout, 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 habitat for large 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 only way to go. Bring plenty of small may flys and midges.