Where to Go South Platte River – Elevenmile Canyon
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6am to 6pm Daily
Pikes Peak Trout Unlimited has installed water temperature sensors in 11 mile canyon. Check out the water temps HERE
Report Date: 6/11/2025
Current Conditions:
The flows in the canyon are also pretty low right now. Current flows are at 76 cfs. and we have no idea when the flows might increase. Water temps are also starting to creep into the 60's. The fishing has been great early in the mornings, but is slowing down substantially during the day. The dry fly fishing has been stellar all throughout the canyon earlier in the day. Hopefully we get some more water through here soon, you can tell that the fish are over the low flows. The crowds have been very thick (as expected this time of year)
While most people go clear up by the dam to fish, there are some great places lower in the canyon right now. Also, explore fishing up here in the evenings.
Hatches:
The bug life is popping in the canyon right now. We are still seeing great midge hatches, some BWO's, caddis, and even some Tricos! Its about to get real fun in here! Fish these bugs subsurface to start out but be ready to switch to dry flies as the surface activity increases. Pay attention to the bugs and their general sizes.
Tactics:
Nymphing will still be the most effective, but we are seeing some great dry fly fishing as well. 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. Dont be afraid to fish dries up here during poor weather.
Weather:
Short Term- It looks like the rain machine may take a little break this week. Rain chances will still be present, just not to the extent we have seen over the last few weeks. This week will be warm with temps in the 70's. Rain chances are around the 20-40% range through the week and will decrease as we head into next weekend. Temps will continue to warm and we will be in the upper 70's/low 80's by Sunday.
Long Term- Looking past the weekend, it looks like we will have more of the same. Temps will remain in the 70's and it will be beautiful. We will still have daily rain chances, but any rain should be short lived. Longer range forecasts are hinting at a drier and warmer stretch of weather as we head through June. Its summer and its definitely going to feel like it.
Tips:
The lower flows have the fish on high alert. Covering ground is a great plan right now. Fishing is still on the techy side of things, but the fish are feeding a lot more now.
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:
- Stalcups baetis, olive sizes 20-22
- RS2, black, Sizes 18-22
- Pheasant tail, natural, size 20-22
- Galloups UV caddis, size 18
- Buckskin, sizes 16-20
- Graphic caddis, tan, size 16
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole fly, natural, sizes 18-24
- Parachute Adams, natural, sizes 20-24
- Elk Hair Caddis, size 18
- Puterbaugh caddis, sizes 16-18
- Sparkle dun,PMD, sizes 16-18
Our Top Streamer Patterns for Today:
- Baby Gonga, black, size 6
- 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!
Elevenmile Canyon is our local gem. Any seasoned angler will agree that the South Platte River in Elevenmile Canyon is the place to go for unparalleled beauty. Elevenmile Canyon is also the place to go if you just want to catch a fish. Per mile this stretch of river seems to consistently hold more fish than any other river within an hour's drive from Colorado Springs. It is the place to go where you stand the best chance to get into one of the various beautiful species of trout that call the South Platte River home.
If you needing some extra help, Angler's Covey is the only full service fly shop with a permit to guide in Elevenmile Canyon and our Orvis-Endorsed guide would be happy to set up a trip for you.
Elevenmile Canyon is also a great winter fishing destination because it is a tailwater. A tailwater fishery is where a river comes out below a dam; consequently, during the winter months the water temps are just warm enough to stay relatively ice-free all year. If you can find a spot in the upper stretch of the canyon where the winter sun hits the water, you can find feeding fish. This time of year can be the most productive for solitude-seeking anglers who aren't afraid of using light tippets and very small flies.
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 show you how best to conquer South Platte River – Elevenmile Canyon.
Interested in Booking a Trip?
Directions - 37.1 miles - 46 Minutes
- Head west on US-24 W/Cimarron St/Midland Expy toward S 21st St go 36.3 miles.
- Turn left in Lake George on Co Rd 96, go 1.1 mile, follow river into canyon