South Platte - Eleven Mile Canyon - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
South Platte – Eleven Mile Canyon - Water Flow Chart
South Platte – Eleven Mile Canyon - Weather report & radar
South Platte – Eleven Mile Canyon - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | 16-20 | Tunghead Stonefly, Rubberlegs Stonefly | |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | Chocolate Thunder, Miracle Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | 16-20 | Hot Wire Prince, Copper John | |
| March | Blue Winged Olives (BWO) | Afternoon | 18-22 | RS2, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| April | Blue Winged Olives (BWO) | Afternoon | 18-22 | Juju Baetis, Mercury Baetis |
| Caddis | Afternoon | 14-18 | Holy Grail Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| May | Blue Winged Olives (BWO) | Afternoon | 18-22 | Barr’s BWO Emerger, Foam Wing RS2 |
| Caddis | Afternoon | 14-18 | E/C Caddis, Graphic Caddis | |
| June | Pale Morning Dun (PMD) | Morning/Evening | 16-18 | PMD Sparkle Dun, PMD Thorax |
| Caddis | Afternoon | 14-16 | X-Caddis, Buckskin Caddis | |
| July | Pale Morning Dun (PMD) | Morning/Evening | 16-18 | Biot PMD, PMD Halfback |
| Caddis | Afternoon | 14-16 | Tan CDC Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| August | Trico | Morning | 20-24 | PMD Loop Wing Emerger, Trico Spinner |
| Caddis | Afternoon | 14-16 | Henryville Special, Caddis Emerger | |
| September | Blue Winged Olives (BWO) | Afternoon | 18-22 | Sparkle Dun BWO, Soft Hackle BWO |
| Trico | Morning | 20-24 | Hi-Vis Trico Spinner, Trico Dun | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives (BWO) | Afternoon | 18-22 | Quill Body BWO, Baetis Nymph |
| Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | Mercury Midge, UV Midge | |
| November | Blue Winged Olives (BWO) | Afternoon | 18-22 | Micro Mayfly, Blue Wing Olive |
| Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Midge Pupa | |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | Disco Midge, Miracle Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | 16-20 | Two Bit Stone, Prince Nymph |
South Platte – Eleven Mile Canyon Access Points
The South Platte River in Eleven Mile Canyon is a popular fly fishing destination renowned for its healthy trout populations. Here are the top access points:
- Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area: An excellent spot for year-round fishing with easy access from the trailhead.
- Eleven Mile State Park: Providing fantastic shoreline access, it’s a wonderful position for sight anglers.
- Bridge crossing at Mile 6: A less crowded point with potential for secluded fishing.
- Witchers Cove: A deep pool area, excellent for wet fly techniques.
- Cross Creek: Below the Cross Creek Reservoir, this spot often yields larger fish.
Please respect private property rights while accessing these areas and always maintain responsible fishing principles such as ‘Catch and Release’.
South Platte – Eleven Mile Canyon Fishing Spots
The South Platte at Eleven Mile Canyon in Colorado offers a wide range of options for fly fishing enthusiasts. Some of the best spots to consider are:
- Eleven Mile Canyon Dam: This is a great starting point. Large trout often congregate in the deep pools just below the dam.
- Lazy EWE Campground: Known for its nature setting, the fish-filled water adjacent to this campground makes it a prime spot for fishing.
- Riverside Site 11: Offering calm and slow-moving water, these ideal conditions make it easy for spotting and fishing for trout.
- North Fork Reservoir: Famed for its clear waters that host rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout, this reservoir offers exciting fly fishing opportunities.
- The Dream Stream: Located between Eleven Mile Reservoir and Spinney Mountain Reservoir, this stretch is rich in large trout and is quite popular among anglers.
South Platte – Eleven Mile Canyon Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: Brown Trout are a prominent species in Eleven Mile Canyon and are attractive targets due to their impressive size and fighting spirit. They are often found in deeper pools and moving water.
- Rainbow Trout: These are another common species in the South Platte river system with vibrant coloration. Rainbow Trout are more likely to be in faster, shallower waters.
- Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat Trout are a favorite for fly fishermen due to their striking red gills slits. They are most common in quieter, deeper waters.
- Brook Trout: Named for the small streams they inhabit, Brook Trout are prevalent in Eleven Mile Canyon. They are typically found in cooler, high-altitude sections of the river.
- Mountain Whitefish: A species native to Colorado, Mountain Whitefish are prevalent in Eleven Mile Canyon. Despite their smaller size, they are a challenging catch due to their wary nature.
- Arctic Grayling: Though less common, Arctic Grayling can be found in parts of South Platte. Their large dorsal fins and attractive coloring make them a prized catch.
- Tiger Trout: Tiger Trout are a hybrid of Brown Trout and Brook Trout. They are prized for their distinctive markings, aggressive nature, and the challenge they present to anglers.
- Greenback Cutthroat Trout: These are Colorado’s state fish and a threatened species. They are a rare and incredibly satisfying catch for any angler.
About the South Platte – Eleven Mile Canyon
Venture into the spectacularly scenic South Platte – Eleven Mile Canyon, a hidden gem in the heart of Colorado. Historically, this was a cherished hunting ground for the Ute Indians, sustained by the abundant wildlife provided by the flowing South Platte river.
In the 1800s, the area took on a very different purpose with the construction of a railroad, facilitating gold and silver mining expeditions. Now, it proudly serves as a sanctuary for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
The South Platte – Eleven Mile Canyon offers:
Immerse yourself, and uncover the diverse history and natural wonders offered by this Colorado state treasure.
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