Where to Go South Platte River – Elevenmile Canyon
Current Reports
SPRING HOURS 9am to 6pm Daily
Pikes Peak Trout Unlimited has installed water temperature sensors in 11 mile canyon. Check out the water temps HERE
Report Date: 4/18/2026
Current Conditions:
The flows have been slowly dropping again over the last few days. The current flows are at 76 cfs. and likely in response to the lower flows on the Dream. These are still pretty low flows for the canyon and it would be really nice to get some more water flowing through here. Given our current water situation, thats not likely to happen any time soon. The fish are spreading out nicely but are also on the spooky side. The fish are coming out of winter metabolism and really moving around in search of food. Its still a pretty technical game right now, so keep your terminal tackle on the small side. The fish are spreading out throughout the river and all sections have been fishing well. There are also a good number of spawning fish and Redds in the river. PLEASE AVOID THE REDDS AND THESE SPAWNING FISH!!! The most productive times have been from about 9am to 3pm. The middle part of the canyon has picked up recently and we have been spending some time in the bait water as well. The top of the canyon has been the busiest as usual. Production will come as long as youre willing to work for it. Cover ground and fish your areas throughly.
Hatches:
Midges in the morning are transitioning into some pretty decent BWO hatches later. This is a fun time up here as these fish really love these mayfly hatches. As this intensifies the fishing will too. The much larger profiled spring midge is also in play right now.
Tactics:
Nymphing will be the staple, but we have had some great windows of dry fly fishing. Focus on dry fly fishing during the pronounced hatches. As the bugs start to emerge the fish will be consuming them at a high rate. Watch the surface closely and switch over to dries as necessary.
Weather:
Short Term- Today will remain cooler behind a quick storm that came through the state yesterday. This storm brought some much needed snow and precipitation to the high country. Things rebound quickly and we will be back in the low 60's on Sunday. Nice and mild weather will continue well into next week with highs in the 60's and morning lows in the 20's. Wednesday (4/22) we will see some pretty intense wind up this way. This is ahead of another and potentially larger system that looks to be coming into Colorado late next week and into next weekend.
Long Term- Late next week we will see some large scale changes coming to the area. Exact details are still spotty, but we will see a significant increase in precipitation and cooler temperatures. Temps will cool into the 30's and 40's. This system will hang around for 3-4 days and give us a chance to get some key precipitation. Temps will be cold enough that any precipitation will be in the form of sleet and snow. This will be a great opportunity for the high country to get some more snow. In all, we are pretty excited about this weather late next week!
April is definitely feeling more like spring.
Tips:
With the spooky nature of the fish right now, keep your terminal tackle small and approach the river with stealth.
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:
- Pheasant tail, sizes 22-24
- WD 40, olive or brown, sizes 20-22
- Stalcups baetis, olive, sizes 20-22
- No Mercy midge, black, sizes 20-22
- Slim Shady, olive sizes 20-22
- Top Secret, brown, sizes 22-24
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Griffiths gnat, sizes 20-26
- Parachute Adams, natural, sizes 20-26
- Mole fly, olive or brown, sizes 22-24
- Neil's BWO, size 20
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