Where to Go Elevenmile Reservoir
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 8/19/2026
North Shore boat ramp is now open for the season from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset daily.
Witchers Cove boat ramp is open on WEEKENDS ONLY from 6 am to 4 pm until September 6th
Current Conditions
Elevenmile Reservoir still has water! It is holding the majority of Denver water reserves in South Park Right now. The water is warming up as we head into the dog days of summer. Fishing has been pretty tough as of late. Fish are looking for refuge from the heat and pushing into deeper water. With the warmer water, the algae is starting to bloom, adding to the technical nature of the fishing right now. Look for stocked fish sometime soon!
Weather:
Short Term -
We are lucky today. The rain started us off here in Colorado Springs and is expected to hit the canyon as well. Temperatures are only going to reach 76 degrees today with cloud cover and some rain moving through.
Long Term -
This week continues with warm temps (74 - 80) and possible rain storms. Friday is looking to be the only day without potential for rain right now. Sunday is forecasted for the heaviest rain, but isn't calling for thunderstorms right now. Make sure you have your rain jacket!
Tactics:
As the summer rolls on and the heat sets in. The fish are pushing onto the shelves and into deeper water. Vary your retrieves to get a feel for what the fish are looking for. Slip indicator rigs are a great tool when fishing deeper. A sinking line can also help you get into the zone with efficiency. Vary your retrieves and put a pattern together for the best success.
Hatches:
In July, the Damsels are all the talk. These larger bugs are a great option if you are seeing activity up top on warm days. Their nymph is also an excellent bug to throw under an indicator. Sub-surface, keep fishing those Chironomids, Calibaetis, and Leeches!
Tips:
Changing retrieves can make a big difference. Especially if the lake is glassy (not that it usually is). Adding some movement to your indicator rigs will help make your subsurface flies appear more imitative and natural.
NOW BOOKING STILLWATER TRIPS FOR 2026! MOTOR BOAT, KAYAK, FLOAT TUBE, OR WALK/WADE. EXPERIENCE OUR WORLD-CLASS STILLWATER WITH ONE OF OUR EXPERTS!
Recommended Fly Patterns
Dry Fly Patterns
- Parachute Adams, sizes #14-16
- Renegade, sizes #14-16
- Amy's Ant, red, sizes #14-16
Nymph Patterns
- Bubba's Callibaetis, size #16
- Galloups Callibaetis, size #16
- Rowley's grey bot, size #14
- Balanced leather leach, black/olive, size #10
- Damsel Nymph, size #14
Streamer Patterns
- Mini Dungeon, olive, size #8
- Silk Kitty, yellow, size #4
- Game changer, white, size #6
- Meat whistle, light colors. size #8
Anglers Covey Bug Of The MOnth:
Elevenmile Reservoir is the heart of South Park fishing. This amazing fishery can challenge anglers mostly because it is so big that it's difficult to locate fish. The reservoir has rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon, carp, and northern pike. The average fish caught is around 16 inches. However, because of the size and depth of the reservoir and the abundance of nutrients, Elevenmile can grow very large trout and pike. There are great facilities including a shower at the main office for campers. A daily state parks pass for Elevenmile is 7 dollars.
This is an area we specialize in and are permitted to guide, so give us a shout if you have any questions or if you are interested in allowing one of our Orvis-Endorsed guides showing you how to conquer Elevenmile Reservoir.