Where to Go South Platte River – Elevenmile Canyon

SUMMER HOURS 6am to 6pm Daily

Pikes Peak Trout Unlimited has installed water temperature sensors in 11 mile canyon. Check out the water temps HERE

Report Date: 6/3/2026

Current Conditions: 

The flows are still running strong in the canyon. Current flows are at 245 cfs. We will see these higher than average flows as long as it takes to drain Antero. The current lake levels at Antero are at 20%, so we expect flows in this range for about another week. They wont last forever, so get out there and enjoy it! These higher flows have really spread the fish out and they are occupying all parts of the river. The fish are happy and there are ample opportunities all throughout the canyon. These flows have also helped "scrub" the river a bit. Along with the standard hatching insects, its a good idea to add some larger food sources into the mix right now. Stones, caddis, scuds, worms, leaches, cranefly larva, etc.

Hatches: 

BWO's are the main staple right now, but we have seen increased subsurface action with caddis. Midges are also still working. The menu is expanding and the best action has been subsurface. As the fish are getting used to the higher water, the dry fly fishing has also really picked up. For that, focus on softer areas of the river, seams, and tailouts.

Tactics: 

 These flows open up the entire river and the whole stretch is going to fish well. The majority of people pack in right below the dam, but there is a lot of great water all throughout the canyon, especially at these flows.

Weather:

Short Term-  We have had some cooler and wetter weather here recently. We will be getting a break from that in the next few days and it will fell a lot like summer! Temps this week and into the weekend will be in the mid to upper 70's and we should see a lot of sunshine. Rain chances are pretty low until we hit Saturday. Then we may see a brief afternoon rainstorm. Its always a good idea to watch the skies to the west here. If you start seeing storms build, its a good time to get off the water. These storms are usually very fast, so you can wait them out and get back out there. In all, its going to be a relatively quiets stretch of weather this week.

Long Term-  After this weekend, things will warm up quite a bit. Temps will get into the upper 70's and even 80's and be hot. Rain chances will increase each day next week and may offer a little bit of solace to that afternoon heat. We could see some pretty windy days up here as well. 6/9 and 6/12 are days to keep an eye on. 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!

Tips: 

Add some larger food sources into the mix with the increased flows. But still pay close attention to the hatching insects. There is a TON of tubing traffic up here right now, especially on the weekends.

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:

• San Juan worm, brown or red, sizes 14-16
• Sparkle pupa, tan, size 16
• Stalcups baetis, olive, sizes 20-22
• Kryptonite caddis, green, sizes 16-18
• Barrs emerger, BWO, size 20

Our Top Dry Flies for Today:

• Parachute Adams, natural, sizes 20-26
• Mole fly, olive or brown, sizes 20-22
• Neil's BWO, size 20
• Elk Hair Caddis, ten, size 16
• Iwane dun BWO- sizes 20-22

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!