Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River)
river in Colorado
Eleven Mile Canyon offers excellent year-round fly fishing in a stunning natural setting, with good numbers of healthy trout and various access points.
River flow last 30 days
Blue-winged Olives (BWOs) are actively hatching
- 01Blue-winged Olives (BWOs) are actively hatching, particularly on overcast days, with sizes #16-24.
- 02Midges remain a year-round staple, with significant activity in the #20-26 range.
- 03October Caddis are still present, offering opportunities for larger dry flies in sizes #14-20.
- 04Terrestrial activity is tapering off but some larger insects might still be found along the banks on warmer days.
- 05Concentrate efforts in slower, deeper pools and runs, and transition zones where riffles meet calmer water.
- 06Employ a dry-dropper or double-nymph rig with long, light leaders (5x-7x) to cover multiple feeding lanes.
- 07Pay close attention to subtle takes due to notoriously selective fish; stealth and careful observation for rises are key.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source in tailwaters year-round, especially in fall.
Buy at AmazonTravis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
BWO emergers are crucial during fall hatches, and this high-visibility pattern helps spot subtle takes.
Black Beauty
Midges are a primary and consistent food source in tailwaters year-round, an essential pattern for picky fish.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Matches fall BWO hatches for selective trout feeding on adults.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
An excellent general searching nymph, mimicking various mayfly nymphs active year-round.
Blood Dot Egg
Fall is prime egg season below spawning trout.
Buy at AmazonOctober Caddis (Dry)
The largest caddis hatch of the year occurs in fall, providing a substantial meal.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer pattern imitating leeches and baitfish, effective year-round in colder water.
Juan's Slim Shady
A low-profile BWO dry fly effective for selective trout keying on adults during fall hatches.
Where to fish and who to ask
Eleven Mile Canyon State Park
Numerous public access points within the State Park, providing miles of wade fishing along the river.
Lake George Access
Entry points closer to the town of Lake George, offering convenient access to the canyon.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Flies & Lies
Angler's Covey
North Fork Ranch Guide Service
Royal Gorge Anglers
Get Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River) reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Colorado season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Felt vs. Rubber Sole Wading Boots: What's Legal Where
Essential guide to felt vs. rubber sole wading boots, plus state-by-state regulations to keep you legal on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Fly Fishing Rocky Mountain National Park – Alpine Lakes & Streams
Master fly fishing Rocky Mountain National Park's pristine alpine lakes and streams with expert techniques, gear selection, and regulations.
Top 10 Tailwater Fisheries in the USA – Consistent Year-Round Action
Discover America's premier tailwater fisheries offering consistent year-round fishing, from Montana's Bighorn to Colorado's South Platte.
Quick answers
Common questions about Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River).
What flies work best on Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River)?
Our top scored fly patterns for Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River) right now are Elk Hair Caddis (95% confidence), Cranefly Larva (95% confidence), Trico Spinner (95% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River)?
Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River) holds Cuttbows. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River)?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River) are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River) fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River) each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.