Where to Go Elevenmile Reservoir
Current Reports
Angler's Covey Bug of the Month
Bug of the month videos here
Visit the blog here
SUMMER HOURS 6am to 6pm Daily
Photo- Covey Guide Josh Heney
Report Date: 6/3/2026
North Shore boat ramp is now open for the season.
Witchers cove boat ramp is open on WEEKENDS ONLY from 6am to 4pm until September 6th
Current Conditions
11 Mile has turned into a bug factory over the last week or so. The annual chironomid hatch is happening and the fish are gorging on the pupae and even adults. Our favorite lake mayfly is also here... With the closing of Antero, most of that boat traffic is now on 11 mile. Its a big lake though, and there is plenty of open water. Water temps are slightly warming and thats really kicked things into gear. Anglers utilizing boats, kayaks, or float tubes have had a distinct advantage. This will allow you to cover more water. Shore fishing has been decent, but location will be key. We have had good success from shore in the various coves around the lake. We have had some great windows of mellower wind as well. Be sure to check those wind forecasts here. This lake can get scary. The boat traffic has been pretty intense on some days, especially weekends. 11 Mile is basically the only lake in the area where boats are allowed (and will be all season) As we progress into summer, the fish are starting to venture and feed out farther into the lake. Depths have varied, but we are seeing the most success in about 6-12 feet of water. The best fishing times have been earlier in the mornings, mid morning, and late afternoon. Its a good time to work the lake with indicator rigs or slow crawling flies. Be sure to start playing with your depth on your rigs now, some fish are feeding a little deeper.
Tactics:
Static indicator or slow crawling flies has been effective. This is also a good time to throw streamers. Location is the most important thing on this lake. Target areas that arent too deep, but do have some gradient.
Hatches:
As mentioned above, the big chironomid hatch is happening now and presents a great opportunity for fishing these subsurface. Static indicator fishing in some chop will be the most effective technique right now. These bugs are large, so be sure to use some of the larger profile, skinny and long midge larva and pupae. The Callibaetis are also increasing in numbers and definitely part of the menu. Fishing has slowed after these hatches so make sure you hit it right!
Tips:
While some spots have been a lot slower, your placement on the lake is really important right now. If you are not sgetting into fish, move!
Weather:
Short Term- We have had some cooler and wetter weather here recently. We will be getting a break from that in the next few days and it will fell a lot like summer! Temps this week and into the weekend will be in the mid to upper 70's and we should see a lot of sunshine. Rain chances are pretty low until we hit Saturday. Then we may see a brief afternoon rainstorm. Its always a good idea to watch the skies to the west here. If you start seeing storms build, its a good time to get off the water. These storms are usually very fast, so you can wait them out and get back out there. In all, its going to be a relatively quiets stretch of weather this week.
Long Term- After this weekend, things will warm up quite a bit. Temps will get into the upper 70's and even 80's and be hot. Rain chances will increase each day next week and may offer a little bit of solace to that afternoon heat. We could see some pretty windy days up here as well. 6/9 and 6/12 are days to keep an eye on. Longer range forecast are hinting at a more active summer monsoon season. This is the absolute best case scenario for our low snow year. These rains keep the rivers cool, flowing, and help ease the overall drought many of us are in. Lets hope that comes to fruition!
NOW BOOKING STILLWATER TRIPS FOR 2026! MOTOR BOAT, KAYAK, FLOAT TUBE, OR WALK/WADE. EXPERIENCE OUR WORLD CLASS STILLWATER WITH ONE OF OUR EXPERTS!
- - Bubbas callibaetis, size 16
- - Taks Crystal Chironomid, sizes 14-16
- - Clearwater Pupa, Black, size 16
- - Balanced leather leach, black/olive, size 10
- - Poxyback callibaetis, size 16
- Parachute Adams, sizes 14-16
- Renegade, sizes 14-16
- Amys Ant, red, sizes 14-16
- - Mini Dungeon, olive, size 8
- - Silk Kitty, yellow, size 4
- - Game changer, white, size 6
- - Meat whistle, light colors. size 8
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.