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LOCAL WATER. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.

Eleven Mile Canyon Fishing Report

South Platte River · Below Eleven Mile Dam, Colorado

Plan your visit to Eleven Mile Canyon with fishing conditions, South Platte river flows, suggested flies, and practical advice from Blue Quill Angler.

ON THE WATER

Current fishing report

Report updated

Eleven Mile Canyon remains a comparatively consistent fall tailwater. An October 18 reading near 69 cfs was close to the seasonal norm, though dam operations can alter the release. Cold, clear water favors small midges and Baetis in the riffle-to-pool transitions. Nymphing with a compact, carefully weighted rig should cover most of the day, while cloud cover can create a productive midday BWO dry-fly window. Watch softer edges and tailouts for delicate rises before changing to a dry or emerger. Avoid excessive wading in clear water and let each run rest between passes. Brown trout spawning activity is increasing, so stay off clean gravel and leave paired fish undisturbed.

Fishing tips

Try a Zebra Midge or Mercury Black Beauty with an RS2 or Juju Baetis in deeper lanes. Carry a Blue Wing Olive dry for fish feeding at the surface. Check the release before fishing and avoid redds along shallow riffles.
Pat Dorsey

FROM OUR HEAD GUIDE

Pat Dorsey's Guide Report

Pat's report revised

Tips & Other Information

Outflows are currently at 48 cfs below Eleven Mile Canyon Dam. Eleven Mile Canyon is still fishable but it is far from ideal.  The drought has taken its toll on the upper reaches of the South Platte River Basin. For the first time in recent memory, Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir is not full. Anglers should prepare themselves for hatches of midges, blue-winged olives, and Tricos.  With the low flows, be mindful of our finned friends and keep them wet and release them quickly!

14-Day Hatch Outlook

Outlook from Pat's report dated October 19, 2026; not a live weather forecast.

Look for hatches of midges, Tricos, and blue-winged olives.

Effective Patterns

#20-22 Top Secret Midge, #20-22 Manhattan Midge, #20-22 Jujubaetis, #20-22 Top Secret Baetis, #20-22 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18 Micro San Juan Worm, #20-22 Red Larva, #20 Mercurry Blood Midge, #20-22 Flashback Mercury Black Beauty, #18-20 Buckskin, #18-20 Sparkle Dun, #22-24 CDC Biot Trico Comparadun, #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis, #20-24 Griffith Gnat, #18-22 Mole Fly, and #20-22 Parachute Adams.

Looking for flies for this river? Shop BQA's recommended flies ↓

Source: Pat Dorsey Fly Fishing · Read Pat's original report

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

River conditions

Flow readings update separately from the fishing report. Check the reading time shown below.

BUILD YOUR FLY BOX

Recommended flies for Eleven Mile Canyon

Selected by the Blue Quill Angler team for fishing Eleven Mile Canyon. See the fishing reports above for specific patterns, sizes, and techniques.

PLAN YOUR DAY

Fishing Eleven Mile Canyon

The fishery

Eleven Mile Canyon follows the South Platte below Eleven Mile Reservoir, where granite walls, boulder pockets, riffles, and deeper pools create varied trout water. Brown and rainbow trout reward careful presentations and attention to feeding depth. Nymphing provides a practical starting point between hatches, while rising fish can offer worthwhile dry-fly opportunities. Reservoir releases influence conditions, so check current flows before choosing a fishing location or attempting a crossing.

Access & parking

Access the canyon from the Lake George side via County Road 96, which follows the river toward Eleven Mile Dam. Use designated parking and established paths, and follow posted access restrictions. Check current road conditions, closures, and applicable recreation fees before traveling. Plan your route to the canyon rather than the reservoir’s state-park entrance. Allow room for other road users and avoid parking where you obstruct traffic or emergency access.

Seasons & techniques

Midges are important throughout the year, with Baetis providing seasonal opportunities for nymphs, emergers, and dries. Warmer months can bring additional mayflies, caddis, and terrestrial insects. Watch the water before selecting flies and adjust your presentation as feeding activity changes. In clear, shallow runs, careful approaches and controlled drifts are especially important. Let observed insects, current releases, and the weekly report guide your selection rather than relying solely on the calendar.

Regulations & river care

Check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations for the exact stretch you plan to fish; special regulations apply within Eleven Mile Canyon. Follow posted restrictions and respect spawning fish and redds. Keep trout in the water while unhooking them, minimize handling, and give other anglers space. Use established paths to protect streambanks. Check releases before wading, and avoid crossings where depth, current, or slippery footing exceed your ability.