New Mexico
Cimarron River below Eagle Nest Dam
Location Snapshot
Cimarron River below Eagle Nest Dam is a northern New Mexico tailwater flowing from Eagle Nest Lake through Cimarron Canyon. Brown and rainbow trout define the coldwater fishery.
Current River Rating
Fair · 53
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Low confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Strong wind may make casting and boat control more difficult.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Cloud cover is favorable for daytime trout fishing.
Timing Evidence
Dusk low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 1.84 CFS
- Gage Height
- 0.32 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 6:15 PM
Updated recently · USGS station 07206000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Mostly clear
Temperature
59°F
Feels like
50°F
Wind
17 mph SW
Wind gust
20 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 12:45 PM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 1 PM
Mostly clear
Temp 59°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 17 mph
Tue 5 PM
Mostly clear
Temp 59°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 15 mph
Tue 9 PM
Clear
Temp 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 1 AM
Overcast
Temp 45°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 5 AM
Overcast
Temp 42°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Wed 9 AM
Overcast
Temp 47°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Fog
High 60°F / Low 38°F
Chance 14%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 22 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Rain
High 66°F / Low 41°F
Chance 14%
Precip 0.09 in
Max gust 21 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Drizzle
High 68°F / Low 48°F
Chance 47%
Precip 0.09 in
Max gust 17 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Drizzle
High 62°F / Low 44°F
Chance 68%
Precip 0.15 in
Max gust 31 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The Cimarron River below Eagle Nest Dam is one of the New Mexico waters with wild brown trout.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Cimarron River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Tailwater
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Colfax, New Mexico
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Colfax
Management Category
Tailwater trout river
Regulation Scope
Cimarron River below Eagle Nest Dam / Tolby STW.
Regulation Summary
Cimarron River below Eagle Nest Dam: NMDOW Special Trout Water / Cimarron Canyon. Confirm current NMDOW Fishing Rules and Information.
Target Species
rainbow-trout, brown-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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