Eleven Mile Canyon State Parkon Eleven Mile Canyon (South Platte River)
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.
What to tie on at Eleven Mile Canyon State Park
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Elk Hair Caddis
Actively taking rising fish, explicitly mentioned by guides during morning hatches.
Buy at AmazonCranefly Larva
A substantial subsurface food source, specifically recommended by guides for midday nymphing.
Trico Spinner
Explicitly recommended by guides, matching heavy morning Trico spinner falls. Fish are actively looking up for these.
Buy at AmazonBling Midge
A standout midge pattern for the South Platte, explicitly recommended by guides for consistent subsurface midge activity.
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Comparadun
BWO's are the main staple hatch right now in spring, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults on the surface.
Buy at AmazonSparkle Dun
Effective for targeting trout during consistent Blue-Winged Olive hatches, especially when fish are keying on emergers in the surface film as dry fly action picks up.
Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
Stoneflies are a consistent larger food source present year-round in the river, and this weighted nymph is excellent for getting down to the fish in higher flows.
Buy at AmazonHopper Juan
Large terrestrials like hoppers are drawing aggressive surface strikes, explicitly mentioned by guides during midday.
Buy at AmazonPerdigon
Highly effective subsurface, matching emerging insects and explicitly recommended by guides for nymphing.
Buy at AmazonColorado season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.