Where to Go Elevenmile Reservoir
Current Reports
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SUMMER HOURS 6am to 6pm Daily
Photo- Covey Guide Josh Heney
Report Date: 6/9/2026
North Shore boat ramp is now open for the season.
Witchers cove boat ramp is open on WEEKENDS ONLY from 6am to 4pm until September 6th
Current Conditions
Conditions at 11 Mile have continued to be very good for the fly fisher. The big chironomids are still hatching in droves and the fish are gorging on the pupae. We are also seeing good numbers of callibaetis and thats also keeping things hot on the lake. The lake is best accessed by boat, or kayak right now. Shore fly fishing has been a bit slower. The fish are moving more now and some sort of watercraft is a great way to reach them. With the closing of Antero, most of that boat traffic is now on 11 mile. Its a big lake though, and there is plenty of open water. Water temps are warming and thats really kicked things into gear. We have had some great windows of mellower wind as well. Be sure to check those wind forecasts here. This lake can get scary. As we progress into summer, the fish are starting to venture and feed out farther into the lake. Depths have varied, but we are seeing the most success in about 6-12 feet of water. The best fishing times have been earlier in the mornings to about noon. Its a good time to work the lake with indicator rigs or slow crawling flies. Be sure to start playing with your depth on your rigs now, some fish are feeding a little deeper.
Tactics:
Static indicator or slow crawling flies has been effective. This is also a good time to throw streamers. Location is the most important thing on this lake. Target areas that arent too deep, but do have some gradient.
Hatches:
As mentioned above, the big chironomid hatch is happening now and presents a great opportunity for fishing these subsurface. Static indicator fishing in some chop will be the most effective technique right now. These bugs are large, so be sure to use some of the larger profile, skinny and long midge larva and pupae. The Callibaetis are also increasing in numbers and definitely part of the menu. Fishing has slowed significantly after these hatches so make sure you hit it right!
Tips:
From a boat, try to find areas with good gradient. Areas that have some deeper water nearby seem to be the best spots right now. The south shoreline has been great at about 40-60 yards out.
Weather:
Short Term- Today and tomorrow will be extremely windy. Temps will be nice in the 70's, but the winds will likely keep you off the lake for the next 48 hours. If you do go out, please use extreme caution! The rest of the week will remain very warm and we could even see temps hit 80 degrees up here. Going into the weekend, we have some changes on tap. Precipitation chances will increase Saturday through Monday, and we could see some pretty intense afternoon rainstorms. There will be a lot of moisture in this incoming system and we could get some meaningful rainfall. This is about as typical as weather as we see in June. Keep your head on a swivel because these storms can happen fast!
Long Term- After this coming weekend, we will see the return of warmer temps and lesser chances of rain. At least through the first part of next week. Temps will be in the mid to upper 70's and winds look relatively calm. Longer range forecast are hinting at a more active summer monsoon season. This is the absolute best case scenario for our low snow year. These rains keep the rivers cool, flowing, and help ease the overall drought many of us are in. Lets hope that comes to fruition!
NOW BOOKING STILLWATER TRIPS FOR 2026! MOTOR BOAT, KAYAK, FLOAT TUBE, OR WALK/WADE. EXPERIENCE OUR WORLD CLASS STILLWATER WITH ONE OF OUR EXPERTS!
- - Bubbas callibaetis, size 16
- - Taks Crystal Chironomid, sizes 14-16
- - Clearwater Pupa, Black, size 16
- - Balanced leather leach, black/olive, size 10
- - Poxyback callibaetis, size 16
- Parachute Adams, sizes 14-16
- Renegade, sizes 14-16
- Amys Ant, red, sizes 14-16
- - Mini Dungeon, olive, size 8
- - Silk Kitty, yellow, size 4
- - Game changer, white, size 6
- - Meat whistle, light colors. size 8
Elevenmile Reservoir is the heart of South Park fishing. This amazing fishery can challenge anglers mostly because it is so big that it's difficult to locate fish. The reservoir has rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon, carp, and northern pike. The average fish caught is around 16 inches. However, because of the size and depth of the reservoir and the abundance of nutrients, Elevenmile can grow very large trout and pike. There are great facilities including a shower at the main office for campers. A daily state parks pass for Elevenmile is 7 dollars.
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 showing you how to conquer Elevenmile Reservoir.