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The Cimarron River emanates out of Eagle Nest Lake and
Dam in Northeastern New Mexico. Located on the eastern
edge of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this dry fly
gem flows eastward along US Hwy 64. After flowing into
several other rivers this water ultimately reaches the
Mississippi River. New Mexico Game and Fish(NMGF) estimates
nearly 4,000 catchable sized wild browns per mile, unquestionably
the healthiest wild brown trout fishery in the state
and one of the healthiest in the southern Rocky Mountains.
Most of the wild browns are 10-14 inches with the occasional
big boy. NMGF stocks 8-12 inch rainbows during the summer
months as part of a put-n-take program.
Ten miles of trout water are open to the public. 8
miles of water flows through the Cimarron Canyon State
Park, the other 2 miles are private only accessible
via guide trips. The state park water begins at the
US Hwy 64 bridge just upstream of Tolby Campground
and ends at the eastern edge of the state park just
west of the small community of Ute Park, NM.
The 2 private miles are located on two different
pieces of private land. The first section, the Holy
Water, is the 3/4 of mile of water flowing out of Eagle
Nest Lake and Dam. The other 1.5 miles known as the
Dream Water is located just east of Ute Park, NM. All
of the Cimarron River from the eastern edge of the
state park down-stream is private. |
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The Cimarron averages 10-15 feet wide and 1-3 feet deep
with every imaginable water characteristic. Fast riffles,
deep runs, bend pools, undercut banks, spring creek like
channels, pockets and beaver pools can be found within
several hundred yards of each other. The one constant
factor on this free-stone like tail-water are the willow,
alder, cottonwood and pine trees lining the river. The
water in the Cimarron is primarily used by ranchers and
farmers down river. The irrigation season runs from May
through September when flows can range from 10 cubic
feet per second(cfs) to 70 cfs, optimal fishing flows
range between 15 cfs -50cfs. |
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Tight casting quarters and ever changing water features
challenge flyfishers of all skill levels. The best technique
involves quietly wading up-river making short roll casts
underneath overhanging branches. Rods should be 7-8.5
foot, 2-5 weights. Hip waders with felt soles are ideal
for the rocky streambed. No need to worry with long leaders,
7.5 foot leaders work.
The big advantage on the Cimarron is the diverse
insect population the brown trout thrive upon. From
April through September anglers can see atleast 5 different
stonefly hatches, 11 different caddisflies and countless
different mayflies along with midges and a host of
terrestrials. A thick Golden Stonefly (Hesperoperla
pacifica) hatch begins in early June moving up river
through June into early July. During this hatch 80-100
fish days are possible. In July numerous species of
mayflies hatch, the caddisflies quickly follow in late
July. The abundant insect hatches combined with the
shallow water makes the Cimarron a premier dry fly
fishery. There is a Special
Trout Waters section on the Cimarron River. In
an effort to help maintain this fabulous wild brown
trout fishery please release all brown trout. |
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