Where to Go South Platte River – Elevenmile Canyon

FALL HOURS 9am to 6pm Daily

Pikes Peak Trout Unlimited has installed water temperature sensors in 11 mile canyon. Check out the water temps HERE

Report Date: 11/17/2025

Current Conditions: 

The flows in the canyon are on the low side at 123 cfs. and matching the inflow to 11 mile reservoir. This time of year we are not expecting any big change to the flows. They should remain at this rate or even below 100 cfs through the winter and into spring. With lower flows, the river is fishing pretty technical. Its been a long season for these fish and they are being ultra careful on what they are putting in their mouths. The main fishing window has also shifted here. Its pretty pointless to arrive early and we are seeing the best action from about 10am to 2 or 3pm each day. There is still some good dry fly action, but the right flies, and a good drag free drift are absolutely key right now.  Fish are starting to congregate a bit more in areas with deep water options but you will still see fish move into and feed in the riffles during pronounced hatches. The top of the canyon has been abnormally busy, even in November. The entire canyon fishes well. Try checking out some of the sections lower in the canyon, we have been having great success down there!

Hatches: 

The hatches are still hanging on in the canyon. We are still seeing some tricos and a good amount of midges. We have also started to see the fall BWO's become active. Fishing these bugs both subsurface and on top have been effective.

Tactics: 

Just because you see a fish feed on the surface, does not mean they are eating adult insects. Fish emerger patterns high in the water column if you are getting a lot of refusals.  Nymphing, dry dropper, and dry fly fishing are all doing very well right now.  Focus on dry fly fishing during the pronounced hatches. As the bugs start to emerge the fish will be consuming them at a high rate. Watch the surface closely and switch over to dries as necessary.

Weather: 

Short Term-  After a long period of not having much to talk about regarding the weather, we are finally getting some interesting (and seasonal) weather around here!  A quick system made its way through the state last night and brought some colder temps and some snow (for some). The high country was able to get a few inches of snow but not much happened in this area. We saw a brief dusting of snow but it did not amount to much. Today will be chilly but not super cold overall. Temps will stay in the 40's today and we could see a good amount of wind. On Tuesday and Wednesday, temps will rebound nicely and it will be quite nice. Highs will be in the 50's and the wind looks to be calm. On Thursday night and into Friday, some more changes will again be coming to the area. While this storm doesnt look all that impactful, it could mean the first real snowfall for our area. Right now precipitation chances are in the 50% range, so not a guarantee at all but we could see an inch or two of snow. Temps will be cold and feel more like they should with highs in the 30's and lows quite cold in the teens.

Long Term-  Going into the weekend, we will warm up a bit again and conditions will be very pleasant. Temps will be right around averages with high temps in the mid 40's. As we head towards Thanksgiving, longer range forecasts are pointing at another system moving through the area. The jury is still out on exact details, but there will be a lot of moisture in this system. Depending on where this storm tracks will determine how much, or little snow we will see.  As nice as it is to have had really nice weather this time of year, we desperately need the moisture and snow. Statewide snowpack is dismal right now and it will be great to finally get some chances at getting some snow.

Tips: 

Pay attention to the rises when you see fish feeding on the surface, or what you may think are fish feeding on the surface. These fish love to eat high emergers or mayfly spinners. Think about sinking that dry fly to entice more eats*

This is an area we offer guided walk/wade trips, and we are one of the only outfitters permitted to do so in 11 mile canyon, please give us a call if you are interested! (We are currently only offering full day trips here)

RECOMMENDED PATTERNS 

For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here! 

Our Top 6 Nymphs for Today:

• Foamback emerger, brown, sizes 24-20
• Mercury RS2, grey, Sizes 20-22
• Stalcups baetis, olive, sizes 20-22
• No Mercy midge, black, size 22
• Zebra midge, black, size 22
• Daysaver Baetis, olive, size 22

Our Top Dry Flies for Today:

• Griffiths gnat, sizes 18-24
• Parachute Adams, natural, sizes 20-24
• Mole fly, olive or brown, size 22
• Neils BWO, size 22
• Smokejumper, baetis, size 24

Our Top Streamer Patterns for Today:

• Mini Boogeyman, black, size 6
• Baby Gonga, black, size 8
• Slumpbuster, Natural, size 4-6
• Wooly buggers, brown, sizes 6-8

Standard nymph rig set up for the South Platte:

Screenshot the diagram above to reference while you're out on the water!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!