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: 1/19/2026

Current Conditions: 

There are some places in the canyon that are seeing some ice buildup so its best to avoid those. The fish have pretty much transitioned into winter mode and are mostly occupying deeper and slower water. The flows are at seasonal averages at 73 cfs. We expect these flows to remain at or near this through the winter and into spring. The fishing has been fairly typical of winter fishing with the prime windows being between 10:30-2:30. This time of year the angler will want to focus on areas of the river that do see some sun. The low sun angle will "cut off large sections of the river. This is where you will see the most ice and snow build up. The areas that do see some sun will afford much more productive fishing. Cover ground and fish your areas throughly.

Hatches: 

The hatches are winding down a bit and its pretty much turning into a midge game. On certain days we are still seeing a good number of BWO's, so be prepared for that!

Tactics: 

Nymphing will be the staple, but we have had some great windows of dry fly fishing.  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-  Things have been very quiet in terms of weather up here this season. This week will start out chilly but will progressively warm up as we go through the week. Low temps will still get pretty cold and be in the single digits and teens. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we will have some warmer high temps and a lot of wind. Highs will be in the mid 40's until the end of the week. On Friday, a small system looks to clip this area. As of now, there is a slight chance for snow but it doesnt look to be all that impressive. Temps will cool after that and be closer to seasonal averages. Next weekend will be cool.

Long Term-  After next weekend, all signs are pointing at another dry and warmer than average period. It doesnt look good for really any snow chances through the end of the month and into February. High temps next week will be in the 40's and maybe even the 50's. We could see some pretty windy days as well. Overall, this persistent pattern we have seen this year is getting concerning. This is the time of year where we have a chance to build up our snowpack and insure good water through the summer. We are currently sitting at record lows for our snowpack with no relief in sight.  Its definitely time to do those snow dances people!!

Tips: 

The fish are pretty lethargic in the canyon. Pay attention to the air temperature when you are fishing and try not to take fish out of the water when temps are below 20 degrees. Their gills and eyeballs can freeze.

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 20-24
• Bling midge, sizes 20-24
• Pale Ale midge, tan, sizes 20-22
• No Mercy midge, black, size 22
• Mercury black beauty, sizes 20-22
• Blindside midge, black and grey, size 22

Our Top Dry Flies for Today:

• Griffiths gnat, sizes 20-26
• Parachute Adams, natural, sizes 20-26
• Mole fly, olive or brown, sizes 22-24

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!