Where to Go South Platte River – Elevenmile Canyon
Current Reports
Angler's Covey Bug of the Month :
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 7/15/2026
Current Conditions:
Our favorite tailwater canyon has been a go-to location for us this summer. Flows as of late have been steady. Holding at or close to 100cfs for the last 10 days or more. This keeps those fish happy. They are in their typical summer lays and ready to take dry flies!
Guide Reports -
Josh Heney 7/10/2026
Flows are still decent and, as always, fished really good. Great hatch. RS2s and PMDs were the ticket!
Brandon Orr 7/10/2026
Flows have been sitting right around 100 for a consistent period. Fish are settled and feeding happily. Later afternoon to evening trip proved productive. Active water was…everywhere seems, runs, deep holes, etc. Fish are spread out but still holding in packs. Effective patterns were mercury pheasant tails, B’s Caddy, sniper beatis, buckskins, and LED midges.
Hatches:
All types of bugs right now in the canyon. Look for the clouds of Tricos. If the fish are on 'em, you gotta fish 'em. That or a caddis... Caddis are there! As are the PMD's and our old standby Midges and sometimes the BWO's as well.
Tactics:
Dry dropper rigs are a go-to right now. Fish a larger dry on top with a bead head or heavy nymph to get down. You can also go light on your dry dropper. Try an Elk Hair Caddis with a Mole Midge trailing to cover your hatches.
Tips:
Look for feeding fish! The fish in Elevenmile Canyon are not spooky persay but are very aware. The deeper, slower water areas tend to be a little trickier when it comes to fooling fish and staying stealthy.
Weather:
Short Term- Some cloud cover out there today! With that, we are seeing somewhat mild temps for the canyon in July. 77 today makes for a pleasant day to be out on the water!
Long Term- This week looks to be slightly more mild than the week prior. Partly cloudy weather forecasted through the week. As the week progresses, it will warm slightly. Temps in the upper 70s. Rain forecasted for next week!!
Pikes Peak Trout Unlimited has installed water temperature sensors in 11 Mile Canyon. Check out the water temps HERE
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:
- RS2, grey and black, sizes 20-22
- Sparkle pupa, tan, size 16
- Splitback PMD, sizes 18-20
- Graphic Caddis, ten, 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
- Organza Trico Spinner, 18-22
- Elk Hair Caddis, Tan, size 16
- Stubby Chubby, Cinnamon, 12-14
- Bionic Ant, Black or Brown, 16
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