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 high country is open again, and fishing has resumed across the Silver Jack Reservoir area. Road access to Silver Jack is now open from both directions, giving anglers access back into the forks, the reservoir area, and the Big Cimarron below the lake. The three forks were not hit hard by the fire, and we have been seeing healthy fish numbers both above and below the reservoir. Fishing has been good, with fish beginning to shift into more fall-style feeding patterns. Most of the activity has been subsurface, but fish are still willing to rise when a hatch is coming off or when a well-presented dry moves through the right water. Light dry-dropper rigs have been the most productive approach and allow anglers to cover runs, pocket water, and pools effectively. Lead with a smaller caddis, mayfly, or attractor dry, then trail a caddis pupa, small mayfly nymph, or general attractor nymph underneath. Focus on defined seams, softer edges, and the deeper portions of pools where fish can feed efficiently as conditions continue to cool. Below the reservoir, the Big Cimarron is also fishing well, but this section can still be tricky to move through. Be prepared for wading, rock hopping, and working carefully through pocket water and uneven banks. Overall, it is great to have this area open again, and the high country should continue to fish well as we move deeper into fall.

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