Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Cimarron River - Below Eagle Nest Dam - New Mexico

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon #20-#28 Black Beauty, Griffith's Gnat
Blue winged olives Afternoon #16-#20 RS2, BWO Emerger
February Midges Afternoon #20-#28 Zebra Midge, Flossy Worm
Blue winged olives Afternoon #16-#20 BWO Emerger, Foam BWO
March Midges Mid-morning/Afternoon #20-#28 WD-40, Palomino Midge
Blue winged olives Afternoon #16-#20 Juju Baetis, Biot BWO
April Blue winged olives Afternoon #16-#20 Gum Dropper, Split Case BWO
Caddis Afternoon/Evening #14-#18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
May Blue winged olives Afternoon #16-#20 Flashback Pheasant Tail, RS2
Caddis Afternoon/Evening #14-#18 Elk Hair Caddis, Peacock Caddis
June Blue winged olives Afternoon #16-#20 Barbless BWO, Mercury Baetis
Caddis Afternoon/Evening #14-#18 Green Rock Worm, Henryville Special
July Blue winged olives Afternoon #16-#20 BWO Barr emerger, All Day May BWO
Tricos Morning #20-#24 Trico Spinner, Double Wing Trico
August Tricos Morning #20-#24 Hi Vis Trico Spinner, CDC Trico
Terrestrials All day #10-#16 Hopper Patterns, Ant Patterns
September Tricos Morning #20-#24 Organza Trico, Parachute Adams Trico
Terrestrials All day #10-#16 Dave's Hopper, Foam Beetle
October Blue winged olives Afternoon #16-#20 Blue Wing Olive CDC, Bunny Dun BWO
November Midges Afternoon #20-#28 Copper John, Midge Larva
Blue winged olives Afternoon #16-#20 BWO Spinner, Bat wing emerger
December Midges Afternoon #20-#28 Disco Midge, Mercury Midge
Blue winged olives Afternoon #16-#20 Quill BWO, Foam BWO

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Cimarron River, flowing below the Eagle Nest Dam, offers excellent spots for fly fishing:

  • Ute Park: This area provides access to the river for nearly two miles and is stocked annually.
  • Colin Neblett Wildlife area: Considered one of the best places on the river for fly fishing, with a one-mile stretch of public water accessible off US Hwy 64.
  • The Cimarron Canyon State Park: Known for the high-quality trout found in its waters. Provides excellent wading opportunities.
  • Gravel Pit Lakes: Just below the dam, these waters has a high amount of food resulting in larger fish.
  • Palisades Day Use Area: Conveniently located near the highway with some of the best areas for fly fishing.

Remember to respect private property along the river and adhere to all fishing rules and regulations.

Best Access Points

The Cimarron River, below the Eagle Nest Dam, presents numerous access points suitable for fly fishing. Among the best are:

  • Cimarron Canyon State Park: This park provides public access to a 4-mile stretch of the river filled with brown and rainbow trout.
  • Tolby Campground: This campground offers easy access to the river along with convenient facilities, making it perfect for a fishing trip.
  • Maverick Campground: The river flows right through this spacious campground, providing an excellent fishing spot.
  • Private Ranches: In this section of the river, a number of private ranches allow fishing for a small fee.

Note the specific regulations and licenses needed for fishing in these areas. For the best experience, consider visiting during spring or fall when the river’s trout are most active.

Local Fish

  • Trout – This species is abundant in the area, making it a prime target for many fishermen. Some of the common varieties are:
    1. Rainbow Trout – These are stocked in the river and very popular among the fly fishermen due to their size and fighting spirit.
    2. Brown Trout – Brown trout are naturally abundant in the Cimarron River. They are a favored catch due to their elusive nature and the fight they put up.
    3. Brook Trout – Although less common in the area, some fly fishermen target them specifically for their beautiful coloration.
  • Cutthroat Trout – Named for the red markings under their jaws, Cutthroat trout are a specialty catch in the Cimarron River. They are a native species and represent a unique challenge for fly fishermen.
  • Whitefish – Mountain whitefish are another species found in the Cimarron River, providing a nice variety for fly fishermen.
  • Golden Trout – These are a rare catch in the area. They are targeted by some fishermen due to their beautiful golden coloration and reputation for being hard to catch.
  • Pike – Various types of pike are common in the river and add a challenging variety to the usual fly fishing targets.
  • Salmon – On season, some species of salmon might make their way into the Cimarron River, giving some lucky fishermen the thrill of catching these large, strong fish.

About The River

The Cimarron River below Eagle Nest Dam has a unique and rich history. This beautiful river, found in New Mexico, is most famous for its trout-full waters which provide a paradise for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Its history traces back to the early 1900s, when the Eagle Nest Dam was constructed to provide vital irrigation for local farms. Over the years, this dam became a significant part of the local economy, supplying constant water flow that created the ideal habitat for a thriving trout population.

  • The dam was completed in 1918, and has since been a major contributor to the local community.
  • The river is also the source of an aquatic life, making it a hotspot for fishing enthusiasts.
  • The area is rich in biodiversity and harbours various species of wildlife.

Steeped in history, blessed with natural beauty, and humming with vibrant wildlife, the Cimarron River below Eagle Nest Dam is truly a gem worth exploring!

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