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: 8/1/2025
Current Conditions:
The flows have been ever so slightly increasing in the canyon over the last few days. Current flows are at 122 cfs and will pretty much match the flows coming into 11 mile reservoir. Right now we will take all we can get. Denver Water likes to keep this lake full, so we wont see any flow increases here unless they need to move water. These flows are lower than seasonal averages but the fishing has remained pretty good. As usual, the canyon has been extremely busy, even on weekdays. The dry fly fishing has been good for Tricos early in the morning. This is starting pretty early around 7am and lasting until 10-10:30. The fishing drastically slows down after that hatch, but there is still opportunity with PMD's, Caddis, and even some smaller hoppers.
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, Trico's, caddis, and some PMD's. 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:
Specifically for the Tricos- They have been in the rotation for quite some time now and the fish are getting very picky. Size down on your flies and make sure you have a good drag free drift. The fish have been more focused on spinners recently. In general, 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. Hoppers around noon have been fun too.
Weather:
Short Term- We have been in a monsoon pattern over the last week or so. Some decent rain has fallen in this area over the last couple of days. Temps have been cool as well. Todays morning low was 38 degrees. We will see increased rain chances both today and tomorrow, then look to dry out and warm up on the back half of the weekend and into next week. Highs will be in the upper 70's/low 80's to start next week.
Long Term- The monsoonal flow we have enjoyed will be disappearing next week. We will get hot and things will dry out significantly. We will still have some afternoon rain chances but they will be way less than we have seen recently. In August we typically get pretty dry and hot. Expect highs in the 80's. Longer range forecasts are pointing to this coming to fruition again this year. Expect elevated fire danger if we run into a prolonged dry spell.
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. 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, black, sizes 24-20
- RS2, black, Sizes 18-22
- Pheasant tail, natural, size 20-22
- Barrs PMD emerger, sizes 16-18
- Short shank caddis, size 16
- Zebra midge, black, size 20-22
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Griffiths gnat, sizes 18-24
- Parachute Adams, natural, sizes 20-24
- Elk Hair Caddis, size 18
- Vis a dun, black, sizes 22-24
- Trico spinner, black, sizes 22-24
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