Where to Go South Platte River – Elevenmile Canyon
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 7/31/2026
Conditions:
The spot to be! When you drive into the entrance of Elevenmile Canyon, it won't take long to see this. Because the bottom release and consistent flows have kept this fishery cold and fishing well, it is busy! All types of recreationalists enjoy this beautiful area, and due to fishing closures across the state, anglers are making the pilgrimage to this solid option. Fishing has remained very good, and the bug life is abundant.
Guide Reports:
TJ Spader - 7-23-2026
The tricos are thick! The fish are looking up, and they are not picky during the thick of it all. They were rising for hoppers, elk hairs, and pretty much anything black and white. Flies that worked well: #14 morningwood hopper, #16-20 Elk hair, #20-22 tails up trico. Subsurface: #14 olive or tan Caveman Cranefly, #20 chocolate perdigon, #20 buckskins
The canyon just continues to be incredible in the mornings. The most ridiculous trico hatches you've ever seen happening anywhere from 7 am to 9 am. In the blink of an eye you'll look up, and there will be 10s of thousands of tricos in the air. Dries work good toward the end of it when spinners start to fall, ive done super well on Mayers tails up olive and black in a 22. Nymphing works really well during the hatch and before it too: little black trico nymphs, size 18 beadless pheasant tails, 22 choccy thunders. Midday I usually put on something big up top like a cranefly or pegged worm (brown usually) with tiny baetis trailing behind.
Weather:
Short Term -
There is rain in our forecast today for this section of the South Platte River. Because it is in a canyon, these storms can sneak up on you quickly, so keep an eye on the sky. With temps hitting 77 degrees and light wind in the forecast, today (if you are able) is a great day for fly fishing Elevenmile Canyon!
Long Term -
This week looks to offer storms! We are looking forward to this afternoon's thunderstorms and monsoons. Starting today and continuing through Thursday, keep that rain jacket handy and take advantage of the cooler and more humid weather. When the clouds are out, the bugs take longer to leave the water, and the fish know they are easy meals.
Hatches:
Summertime is great but can also create challenges. In July, we have widespread hatches. If you review our hatch chart below, you will see that the only bugs that aren't currently shown as relevant are the BWOs. And if we see some nasty weather, they can even make an appearance still.
Tactics:
Fish dry flies. Why not! Run and gun with a single or double dry and look for fish that are looking up. Dry dropper rigs are also a go-to right now. Fish a larger dry on top with a bead head or heavy nymph to get down.
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.
This is an area where 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 Fly Patterns
Dry Fly Patterns
- 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
Nymph Patterns
- 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
Streamer Patterns
- Mini Dungeon, Olive, Black, Size #6/8
- Mayers Mini Leech, Black, Olive, Brown, Size #14,16
Anglers Covey Bug Of The MOnth:
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!
River Details:
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 to 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