In the northeastern section of the Forest known as the Cimarron area, a number of lakes and reservoirs stand stocked and ready for ambitious anglers. The largest of these is the Silver Jack Reservoir, whose 322 acres offer easily accessible fishing from both bank and boat, albeit non-motorized craft only. The Silver Jack lies between the Jackson Ranger Station and Beaver Lake Campground; a boat launch is available just north of the ranger station, although boat launching becomes difficult to impossible when water is being drained off the reservoir, typically from mid- to late August through September.

Two miles west of Big Cimarron Reservoir lies Hampton Lake, a small gem that requires a two-mile hike to gain access to its brook, native, and brown trout, as well as a swarm of suckers. The trailhead is across the Cimarron River from Big Cimarron Campground. Bank fishing here is 40 percent easy, 60 percent difficult.

Beaver Lake is a very well-stocked pond that's especially good for rainbows and browns, some up to five pounds. It's an easy cast for bank fisherman and a pleasant float for those with hand-propelled watercraft. There is a fisherman's parking lot at Beaver Lake Campground that provides access.x

For more remote fishing in the Cimarron area, Clear Lake (Beaver Ponds), Clear Lake II, and Rowdy Lake Reservoir are some of the larger ponds among many that lie east of Big Cimarron and Beaver Lake Campgrounds. Turn east off of Owl Creek-Cimarron Road across from the road to Silver Jack Overlook area to venture into this country. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended.

Even further to the east, at the edge of the wilderness lie the lakes of the Lake Fork Gunnison Area. Crystal Lake is the most picture-perfect Alpine example of the regions many fish-filled opportunities, but don't let that discourage you from also trying Hay lake, Cataract Lake, Sloan Lake, Larson lake, Thompson Lake, Cooper Lake, Snare Lake, Waterdog Lake, or Heart Lake.

Three separate forks of the Cimarron River feed into Silver Jack Reservoir. The Cimarron and its three forks are some of the largest fishable streams in the Uncompahgre National Forest. In the spring, all three forks are very high and silty, particularly the East and Middle Forks. Good for rainbow and brook trout, the Cimarron sees the greatest number of fishermen in the Silver Jack area, from the dam north to the Forest boundary and at the south end of the reservoir to the bridges over the East and Middle Forks. The Division of Wildlife keeps the river well stocked.

The Little Cimarron, which lies in the east central part of the Cimarron area, is a smaller, more secluded alternative to its big sister. To find it, take US 50 to Little Cimarron Road. Go south 13 miles past Johnson Park summer home area. From there, Forest Road 864 parallels the river for 3 miles with a few side roads to the waters.

There is also excellent fishing further to the east in the Big Blue Creek and its two feeder streams, Soldier Creek and Fall Creek.

Move on to Fishing Uncompahgre National Forest

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