Cimarron River, New Mexico Fishing Report: 11/14/24 (At bottom of page)
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Type of Stream
Tailwater
Species
Rainbow Trout (Stocked)
Brown Trout
Size
Small
Location
Northeastern New Mexico
Nearest Towns
Eagles Nest, New Mexico
Real-time Stream Data: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nm/nwis/uv?site_no=07206000 Below Eagle Nest Dam
Season
Year-round
Access:
Good
Non-Resident License
State of New Mexico
Weather
National Weather Service Link
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery:
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail.
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Fly Fishing the Cimarron River New Mexico
The Cimarron River is a small tailwater located in northern New Mexico. Fly fishing the little stream is a real treat and often test the angler’s skills. It is easier to fish when the stream levels are up and it is cloudy but that’s often not the case.
This is one of the best small stream brown trout fisheries in the Southwestern United States. It has as many as 4,000 wild brown trout per mile of stream. These brown trout average about 12 to 14 inches but grow much larger. The stream is also stocked with a few rainbows. This tailwater flows from Eagles Nest Lake in the eastern side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Fly fishing the Cimarron River is easy due to the small width of the stream and the easy wading it provides.
The Cimarron Canyon State Park and the Colin Neblett Wildlife Area provide about nine miles of public access to the stream. The state park section of the stream begins at US Highway #64 bridge just upstream of the Tolby Campground. It ends near the little town of Ute Park New Mexico. About two miles of this stream flows through private property.
The river flows moderately through pools, riffles and runs. It has some pocket water and fast water but the majority is smooth flowing. The stream is lined with cottonwood trees and willows along with a mixture of other trees. It only averages about fifteen feet wide. There are beaver dams and undercut banks along its way. The irrigation season runs from May to September. During this time (majority of the season) ranches and farmers use the water the flows can be rather high at times.
This stream has a huge population of aquatic insects consisting of mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies. Dry fly fishing can be good at times but most fishing success comes from fishing nymphs and streamers.
If you enjoy small stream tailwater fishing, your sure to enjoy fly fishing New Mexico’s Cimarron River.
Fishing Reports:
04/25/21 The discharges and stream levels are very low. We didn’t receive any reports the past week. Check back with us.
05/01/21 The river is still low and we have yet to get any reports from anyone fishing. There should be some good hatches and you should be able to catch trout.
05/08/21 The stream levels are at a normal level for this time of the year. We didn’t receive any reports from anyone last week, but conditions are good with good hatches taking place.
05/16/21 Conditions remain about the same. We received one good report from a customer this past week. Good hatches are occurring.
05/23/21 Good conditions continue. We are still getting a few good reports. Send us and email or call us for a recommended fly and gear list.
05/31/21 The stream is very low, almost completely still water. You can fish it but catching trout isn’t going to be easy until they run some water.
06/08/21 We didn’t receive any reports from the past week.
06/21/21 The low water conditions continue to exist. We recommend holding off until the weather and water temperature comes down some.
07/04/21 We are still recommending you wait until it cools some and/or the levels come up.
07/15/21 There are still very unusually low water levels. Suggest waiting until some rain comes to the area.
07/31/21 The stream levels are up some and we received two good reports recently. There are good hatches and our terrestrial patterns are working.
08/08/21 We are still getting good reports from customers.
08/16/21 Stream levels are up but still lower than normal. We still didn’t receive any reports from anyone this past week. Mostly locals are fishing the river and don’t necessarily want to encourage others.
08/22/21 Discharges and resulting stream levels are back up again. We should start getting some good reports.
08/29/21 The stream is in good shape. We received one good report this past week. Discharges are a little above normal.
09/06/21 The discharges and stream levels are still fair. We didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing this past week.
09/25/21 The discharges and level are up above normal. We received two good reports recently. Good hatches are taking place.
10/03/21 Discharges and stream levels are back down low again. You can still catch trout. You just have to make some effort to stay hidden from them. There are good fall hatches taking place.
10/15/21 The levels are still low. You can catch trout if you can stay hidden from them. Stay low and dress to match the background.
10/29/21 Discharges and stream levels are up and we are getting some good reports. Good hatches are taking place.
11/05/21 The stream is above a normal level. We are still getting a few reports.
11/14/21 Discharge sand stream levels are low again but okay. You just have to use caution to stay hidden from the trout. Good hatches are taking place.
11/23/21 We received one good report. The water is still low but the trout still eat in low water.
12/11/21 We didn’t receive any reports lately but the locals don’t generally do that. You should be able to catch trout there. There are still good BWO and midge hatches and our sculpin streamers should work fine.
12/19/21 We received on good report this past week. Stream levels are are very low.
12/27/21 Stream discharges and levels are normal which is low. We didn’t get any reports from anyone this past week but it was likely due to the holidays.
01/04/22 The stream is okay but we still didn’t receive any reports from anyone this past week.
01/12/22 We still didn’t get any reports this past week but conditions are okay and you should be able to catch trout. Let us hear from you.
01/20/22 Still no reports. Let us hear from you. Conditions are okay.
01/28/22 No reports came in this past week. I think locals are fishing and catching trout but not reporting the catches for obvious reasons. The stream conditions are okay and you should be able to catch trout.
02/05/22 We received one good report this past week. Conditions are okay. Good midge, little BWO and Winter stonefly hatches.
02/13/22 We didn’t receive any reports from anyone this past week.
02/21/22 Stream levels are still normal but normal is low. We received one good report from a customer fishing this past week.
03/01/22 We received another good report from a customer fishing the tailwater this past week. Conditions are okay.
03/09/22 Stream levels are low but okay. We didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing this past week.
03/16/22 Stream levels remain low but still okay. We continue to get a few good reports from customers fishing the little tailwater. Good hatches continue to take place.
03/24/22 We are not getting any reports but that don’t mean conditions are not good. You should be able to catch plenty trout. Good BWO and midge hatches are taking place.
04/01/22 Stream levels are a little low but still okay. Let us hear from you.
04/09/22 Stream levels are still very low. The weather is getting a little warmer. You should be able to catch some trout. We didn’t receive any reports.
04/18/22 The stream is up a lot and in much better shape. We received one good report from a local customer yesterday.
04/26/22 We received another good report from a customer fishing this past week. Good hatches are taking place.
05/05/22 Conditions remain the same as last week. Good hatches continues to take place now including PMDs.
05/20/22 The stream is flowing below normal level but in good shape otherwise. We received two good reports from customers fishing it this past week. Good Pale Morning dun and Spotted sedge caddis hatches are taking place.
05/28/22 Good hatches continue to take place. See some of them just above in last week’s report. We are still getting a few good reports from customers.
06/12/22 We received a couple of good reports this past week. Conditions are not that bad. Few are fishing it. Good hatches continue to occur and terrestrials are also working.
06/26/22 Very low water conditions continue to exist. We recommend holding off until the weather and water temperature cools down some.
07/10/22 We still can’t recommend fishing it until the water level gets up some.
07/24/22 The water level is still a little low but better. We received one good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
07/31/22 The stream levels have been high but down to near normal levels and clear. Conditions are good. Good hatches continue to take place.
08/14/22 The stream is near a normal level with good hatches taking place. Let us hear from you.
08/28/22 The stream is up to a normal level and in good shape thanks to recent rain. You should be able to catch plenty trout. Good late summer season hatches are taking place.
09/13/22 The stream is well above its low summer levels in good shape thanks to recent rain. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
09/27/22 The stream is in good shape wit good hatches taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
10/10/22 Stream levels are normal and the water clear. Good late season hatches are taking place.
10/28/22 The stream is a little below normal level but okay. We received one good report from a customer this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
11/15/22 Conditions are okay. Stream levels are low but okay. Good late season hatches are taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing last week.
01/03/23 Stream levels remain above normal with good winter hatches taking place.
01/26/23 The stream is in good condition for this time of the year. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
02/12/23 The water is very cold but you can still catch trout on Cream and/or blood (red) midges.
03/15/23 Stream levels are very low and the water cold. Wait until it warms up.
04/16/23 Sorry for the missed reports. The stream is flowing near a normal level in good shape. There are very good hatches taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing it this past week.
04/26/23 Stream levels are normal and the water clear. We received two reports from customers fishing recently. Good hatches are taking place.
05/15/23 The stream is low. We still received two good reports from customers fishing it recently. Good hatches continue to take place.
05/28/23 The stream is in good shape with a good level of water. There are multiple hatches taking place and you should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
06/08/23 The stream is very low.
06/16/23 The stream is still very low with good hatches taking place. The water is almost still like. Trout can be caught. Let us hear from you.
06/28/23 The stream is very low, almost still water below the day. You should be able to catch trout. Good BWO and midge hatches are taking place.
07/10/23 The stream is still near a normal level with a little more current.
07/17/23 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are taking place and our terrestrial patterns, sandwich hoppers, carpenter ants and Japanese beetles are taking place.
07/29/23 Good reports are coming in thanks to increased discharges. There are good hatches taking place as well as terrestrials.
08/05/23 We received one good report from a customer fishing the tailwater this past week.
08/17/23 The stream is above normal levels but that is good because normal levels at this time of the year are low. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
08/21/23 Good conditions continue to exist. Very good Trico hatches are taking place among others. Our terrestrials are working.
08/28/23 Conditions are still good. Good hatches and good stream levels. Let us hear from you.
09/05/23 We are getting some very good reports. Lots of small BWOs, Tricos, Spotted sedge caddis, Little Sister caddis, and terrestrials are working.
09/12/23 Conditions are still good. Good hatches are still taking place and there are lots of ants, beetles and hoppers around the stream.
09/26/23 The stream is very low but okay. We haven’t received any reports recently but you should be able to catch trout.
10/03/23 The stream is still low but okay. Good hatches continue to come off.
10/10/23 The stream is high and stained. Give it a day or two to drop and clear.
10/25/23 We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday. Good midge and BWO hatches along with October Caddis.
11/02/23 Stream levels have dropped and are very low.
11/10/23 Stream levels are still below normal but okay. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
11/17/23 Stream levels are back down a little below normal and the water is clear. Good late season hatches continue to take place.
11/26/23 Conditions are good. We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday. Good midge and little BWO hatches are taking place.
12/07/23 The stream is low but okay. Good midge hatches are taking place.
12/17/23 The stream is a little above normal, but conditions are good.
12/28/23 Conditions are good and we are getting good reports. Little BWOs and Cream midges are hatching good.
01/10/24 Conditions remain good. We received two good reports from customers fishing it this past week.
01/18/24 The stream is still in good shape with good midge hatches taking place. Our tandem rigged midge pupa and larva work great here.
02/05/24 We received two good reports from customers. Little Blue-winged olives, light Green and red midges and little black caddis are hatching good.
02/18/24 The USGS data on stream levels isn’t available but the water level is okay. We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
02/25/24 The stream level is high and the water a little dingy. Give it some time to drop and clear. We have been getting very good catch reports.
03/04/04 Good conditions exist. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Our light green midge larva and pupa and our sculpin streamers are working good.
03/11/24 Good conditions continue to exist. We received another good report from a customer fishing this past week.
03/25/24 The stream is flowing below and normal level and clear. Good BWO, and Cream midge hatches are taking place.
04/01/24 The stream is still flowing a little below normal level and clear. Good hatches are taking place.
04/16/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are taking place and we are getting good reports from customers.
04/22/24 The stream is up but okay. The water is lightly stained and that’s okay. We received two good reports this past week from customers. Good hatches are taking place.
04/29/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level with clear water. Good hatches continue to take place and we continue to get good reports from customers.
05/06/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level and mostly clear. Multiple hatches are taking place and we are getting very good reports from customers.
05/27/24 The stream is flowing below a normal level and clear. We received two good reports from customers. There are good hatches taking place.
06/03/24 The stream is still flowing a little below a normal level with clear water. Good hatches are coming off and we are still getting good catch reports.
06/10/24 Good conditions exist. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
06/17/24 The stream is still in okay shape with good hatches. Our terrestrial patters -Japanese beetles, Carpenter ants and Sandwich hoppers are also working.
06/26/24 Conditions are still okay. The discharges and stream levels are fine and we are getting good catch reports from customers.
07/01/24 Conditions are still good. The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are taking place and we are getting good reports from customers.
07/08/24 Fish the water near the dam releases where it is cooler. Good hatches continue to take place.
07/17/24 We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday. Good PMD, Spotted sedge caddis, Little Yellow stoneflies and other insects are hatching.
07/23/24 Conditions are still good. We continue to get good reports from good hatches taking place.
07/31/24 The stream is flowing well above normal and stained. Give it a day or two to drop and clear. Good hatches are still taking place.
08/08/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good hatches are still taking place and you should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
08/19/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level with clear water. Very good hatches are taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing it this past week.
08/30/24 Good conditions exist. The stream is flowing just a little below normal level and clear. Good hatches are taking place.
09/03/24 The stream is still in good shape with good hatches continuing to take place.
09/10/24 Good conditions exist. Stream levels are fine and good hatches are taking place.
09/17/24 Conditions remain fairly good. There are good hatches taking place and we continue to get good catch reports from customers.
09/24/24 The stream is flowing just a little below a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to take place.
10/01/24 The stream is still flowing a little below normal level but we continue to get good reports. Good hatches are still taking place.
10/08/24 The stream is flowing well above a normal level and stained. Give it a day or two to drop and clear.
10/30/24 The stream is flowing a little above a normal level and clear. There are good hatches taking place. We received a good report from a customer fishing it yesterday.
11/05/24 Conditions are good. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches are taking place.
11/14/24 The stream is still flowing below a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to take place. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
Perfect Flies are designed and tied to to imitate and behave like the natural foods the trout rely on to survive as much as possible. The more your fly looks like and moves through and on the surface of the water like the real things, the higher your odds of success.
Send us an email at sales@perfectflystore.com for fly and gear recommendations.