1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report included in this Form 10-K, into Inland Resource Inc.'s previously filed
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-41662), Form S-8 (File No.
333-27449), Form S-8 (File No. 33-84640) and Form S-3 (File No. 33-84766).




                                               /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP 
                                            ---------------------------------
                                            ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Denver, Colorado
March 30, 1999