Where to Go South Platte River – Elevenmile Canyon

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: 5/22/2026

Current Conditions: 

The flows have come down a bit in the last couple of days, but they are still in that ideal range. Current flows are at 221 cfs. We will see these higher than average flows as long as it takes to drain Antero. The current lake levels at Antero are at 44%, so we expect flows in this range for at least another 10 days or so. They wont last forever, so get out there and enjoy it! These higher flows have really spread the fish out and they are occupying all parts of the river. The fish are happy and there are ample opportunities all throughout the canyon. These flows have also helped "scrub" the river a bit. Along with the standard hatching insects, its a good idea to add some larger food sources into the mix right now. Stones, scuds, worms, leaches, cranefly larva, etc.

Hatches: 

BWO's are the main staple right now, but we have seen increased subsurface action with caddis. Midges are also still working. The menu is expanding and the best action has been subsurface. As the fish are getting used to the higher water, the dry fly fishing has also really picked up. For that, focus on softer areas of the river, seams, and tailouts.

Tactics: 

 These flows open up the entire river and the whole stretch is going to fish well. The majority of people pack in right below the dam, but there is a lot of great water all throughout the canyon, especially at these flows.

Weather:

Short Term-  We have had some cooler and wet weather over the last week. This was a nice surprise and we are glad to get any moisture we can! We will get a little break from that today and tomorrow. Rain chances are still decent today, but any storms should be short lived. Saturday will be the nicest day coming up. Temps will be in the upper 60's and we will see partly sunny skies. Temps remain good through the weekend, but rain chances will increase on Sunday and Monday. Overall, this holiday weekend will be cooler than average with above average chances for rain. The high country could again get some snow through this time period as well.

Long Term-  After this weekend, it looks like we will have a carbon copy of this last week. Temps will be cool and pleasant in the low 60's, and rain chances will remain pretty high each day through the week and into the last weekend of May. More good news with the forecast is that the wind looks to be very mellow during this time.  Past that, its pretty hard to say what will happen. But we have a lot of moisture funneling through the area and the jet stream is in a favorable location to create storms. After a lackluster winter, this cool and wet pattern is about the best case scenario. It will undoubtedly get hot and dry, so lets enjoy it while we can!

Tips: 

Add some larger food sources into the mix with the increased flows.

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:

• San Juan worm, brown or red, sizes 14-16
• Sparkle pupa, tan, size 16
• Stalcups baetis, olive, sizes 20-22
• Kryptonite caddis, green, sizes 16-18
• Barrs emerger, BWO, size 20

Our Top Dry Flies for Today:

• Parachute Adams, natural, sizes 20-26
• Mole fly, olive or brown, sizes 20-22
• Neil's BWO, size 20
• Elk Hair Caddis, ten, size 16
• Iwane dun BWO- sizes 20-22

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!