Elevenmile Canyon
14 Day Forecast: Look for hatches of midges, blue-winged olives and caddis. PMD's, yellow sallies, and Tricos are not far behind with the warmer water.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Jujubaetis, #20-22 Top Secret Baetis, #20-22 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18 Micro San Juan Worm, #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #18-20 Buckskin, #16 Graphic Caddis, #16 Elk Hair Caddis, #14 Stimulator, #22-24 CDC Biot Trico Comparadun.
Measurements
Elevenmile Canyon Stream & Fly Fishing Conditions on the South Platte River in Colorado
The South Platte River below Elevenmile Reservoir is absolutely beautiful. The South Platte River tumbles and twists through a majestic canyon as it carves its way downstream to the small community of Lake George. Parts of the scenic canyon remind you of the fabled Cheesman stretch while others look much like the renowned Deckers area. Elevenmile Canyon is a great winter and early spring fishery with tremendous opportunity to consistently hook nice fish. The river is loaded with Rainbows and Cut-bows with the occasional brown trout.
The average fish ranges between 12 and 17 inches and are strong as an ox. Occasionally you will hook fish between 17 and 24 inches in the upper reaches below the dam. The river is comprised of riffles, runs, shelves, gravel bars, and nice pocket water. The scenery is fabulous with logjams, huge granite boulders, fallen trees, waterfalls, and bald eagles soaring above the canyon’s lip. The ideal flow for Elevenmile Canyon is between 150 and 250 cfs. The best fishing is in the upper two miles. The aforementioned two-mile stretch is flies and lures only. This section is catch and release and all fish must be returned to the water immediately. Pinch down your barbs and protect this incredible resource.
Eleven Mile Canyon is known for its superb dry fly fishing. The Trico hatch is one of many that anglers should concentrate their efforts on. Mark Adams photo
Tips & Other Information:
Flows are low for this time of year. Eleven Mile Reservoir is full (102%), so look for the outflows to be similiar to those found below Spinney Mountain Reservoir. Current hatches include midges, BWO’s, and caddis. Flows are going to low until Spinney Mountian Reservoir fills, which could take quite some time, as the lake is only 60% full. Fishing has been productive in the morning, but water temperatures are rising quickly so be mindful of what part of the day you are fishing. When the water temp hits 67 degrees, please quit fishing to protect the fishery. The water temps are already in the low 60’s which is concerning. Revised 6/12/25