Innumerable Colorado high country creeks and streams flow as little blue lines on maps of this magnificent state. How does one choose? Take heart in a suggestion to head to the Cimarron country. Only an hour’s drive southeast of Montrose, the Cimarron River and Silver Jack Reservoir lie in wait within the Uncompahgre National Forest. This grand escape has something fishy for everyone, from small creeks and beaver ponds, to a large reservoir, to a quality tailwater river.

The Cimarron Valley is visually stunning, with forests of aspen and evergreens hung against a background of large rock outcroppings and mountains. A long, wide valley, the Cimarron offers fishing, camping, vistas to photograph, and trails into the backcountry - an experience worthy of Colorado’s magnificent outdoor reputation.

Three forks of the Cimarron River, appropriately the East, Middle, and West Forks all offer miles of small creek fishing. All three forks are partially accessible by dirt road. The forks converge into Silver Jack Reservoir, a large impoundment accessible by car at the southern end where you can bank fish or launch a non-motorized boat. Below Silver Jack Dam emerges a river of enough volume to be just right for the wade fisherman. The river is somewhat remote though, only accessible at the dam itself then again about two miles downstream at Beaver Lake campground. In-between, solitude rules and the fishing improves.

Brook trout dominate in the forks above the reservoir, although one will find a mixture of browns, rainbows, and the occasional native cutthroat. Most fish will measure under 8 inches. Reservoir rainbows typically stretch the ruler to 12 inches. Below the reservoir, the compounded river produces mostly rainbows with some browns mixed in the further downstream you go. Standard regulations apply.

Head east of Montrose 20 miles on U.S. Highway 50 to the community of Cimarron. Just a couple of miles east of Cimarron, turn right onto the gravel access road to Silver Jack. Passing first across private lands, continue about 18 miles to the national forest and the Cimarron Campground. There you will first encounter the river. Continue south to Beaver Lake Campground, Silver Jack Campground, Silver Jack Reservoir, eventually crossing the three forks the further you go. This road continues on, circling back west over Owl Creek Pass and on to Highway 550 south of Montrose.

Additional Day Fishing Trips:

Portal Fishing

Chipeta Lake State Wildlife Area 

VCB info

Uncompahgre River /Ridgway Reservoir