West Fork Cimarron River Fishing in Ouray County, Colorado

• Overview

  West Fork Cimarron River sits within Ouray County in Colorado. It sits in pine and birch. Ouray sits 16 miles from the bank. After that come Telluride at 25 miles and Montrose at 25 miles. Others within reach: Cowboy Lake a touch under 0.7 miles, Beaver Lake within 1.7 miles, Hampton Lake a touch under 3 miles, Fish Creek Reservoir Number 2 within 3.3 miles and Fish Creek Reservoir Number 1 a touch under 3.3 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on West Fork Cimarron River

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Gravel runs and silted pools fish quite differently, so treat them apart. After rain the colour clears from the surface first, so fish the edges. Species logged across Ouray County include rainbow trout, brown trout, black-spotted cutthroat trout and white sucker. The county list is broader than any single water. Anyone new to West Fork Cimarron River should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 17°F in January and 55°F in July. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Ice takes the slower stretches in winter; by mid May the whole run is open again. Averages place the thaw at mid May and the freeze at mid November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Plan around that when you fish West Fork Cimarron River.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. A camping area sits within half a mile of here. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Cowboy Lake, 0.7 miles away. For West Fork Cimarron River in particular, ask before you travel.