HIGH COUNTRY RIVERS

Cimarron High Country is a term used at RIGS to help classify the regions vast access to high alpine streams and creeks that emanate from the northern drainages of the San Juan Mountains surrounding the Ridgway area and within Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. If you imagine quintessential Colorado scenery and love chasing creek fish, including native cutthroat trout, brook trout and rainbow trout, in small high alpine remote backcountry fishing locations, this is your place. Endless miles of access to a multitude of locations at elevations above 9000 feet, including popular drainages like Forks of the Cimarron & Big Cimarron River, with an abundance of forested meadows, steep canyon drainages and dry fly fishing in gin clear pocket waters and pools.

Happening Now
**The Cimarron area is currently closed to fishing and travel access from both directions. At this time, there is no estimated reopening date. Please continue to check in with us, and we will update this report with new details as they become available.** Fishing has been excellent in the high country, and access around the Silver Jack Reservoir area is open from both directions. The forks have been fishing very well, with strong dry fly activity throughout the day. If you enjoy fishing a single dry, caddis adults and smaller hoppers are great choices right now. Dry-dropper rigs continue to be our most consistent setup. Lead with a buoyant caddis or small foam dries, then trail a caddis pupa, mayfly nymph, or small attractor nymph below. Fish are looking up, but having that subsurface option will help cover more water and pick up fish that are feeding just below the surface. Below the reservoir, the Big Cimarron is also fishing well. This section can be more technical to move through, so be prepared for wading, rock hopping, and working around pocket water. Focus on defined seams, soft edges, and pockets behind structure where fish can hold and feed efficiently.

Recommended Fly Patterns
Stubby Chubby #18, Twisted Caddis Jig #16,Tung Pheseant tail #14-18, Hare on Fire #16-20, Two Bit Hooker #18 all colors, Never Sink Caddis #14,Mimic May #18, Never Sink Caddis #14

See Streamflow on USGS

HANDPICKED

FLIES FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY

Fly fishing in the Cimarron High Country region of Western Colorado is all about exploration, getting away from the crowds and finding your own secret spot. The region of the Uncompahgre National Forest in Colorado’s northern San Juan Mountains is vast and remote and best reached by forest service dirt roads in high clearance or 4×4 vehicles. Weather changes quickly in the high country so be prepared for anything. Just because it is sunny when you leave does not mean a sudden shift in temperature or weather won’t occur, sometimes very suddenly.

Fly Fishing Gear & Equipment for Cimarron High Country Rivers:

• 2 weight to 4 weight, 8’6” to 10’ moderate action Fly Rods with floating fly lines or Tenkara Rods are perfect for high sticking steep creeks or presenting dry flies in tight pockets, vegetated banks and open meadow situations.
• 6x to 5x leader & tippets will cover most situations in the high country. Consider shorter length leaders to turn over dry flies in tight quarters or to present dry dropper rigs with better accuracy.
• Core dry flies for match the hatch, small attractor dry flies and plenty of terrestrials are essential in the high county. Visit the Fly Shop for a curated selection of proven and successful fly patterns ideal for the specific drainage and time of year you are visiting.
• Small poly yarn indicators for the occasional deep pool, and dry fly flotant or dry shake for combating turbid waters.
• Don’t forget backcountry essentials like a quality rain jacket, day pack, bug spray, and plenty of packable food and water for a full day of exploration.

GUIDED TRIPS

LEARN THE RIVER WITH AN EXPERT