South Platte River
Elevenmile Canyon

Technicality: 3/5

The increased runoff from the Middle and South Fork are having a literal downstream effect on Eleven Mile Canyon flows. Over the past few days, flows through the canyon have risen over 150 cfs and currently sit at 297 cfs. This increase is a breath of fresh air as anglers are able to cover more water and the sections that werent productive earlier last week, are now holding trout. We fished the canyon a couple times last week and while it was slow due to the low pressure, we were able to land some trout in the outer seams, tailouts and deeper runs. These trout arent shy and have no problem holding in the shallow water along the banks, so make sure to move slowly and observe the banks before jumping in. The dry dropper setup was particulary productive in the shallow runs, riffles and banks. In the deeper sections, tie up a double or triple nymph rig with plenty of weight. Chocolate Foam Wing Emergers, Foam Wing RS2s, Prince Nymphs, and Black Beauties are receiving plenty of attention right now when trailed behind stonefly, caddis or midge larva patterns.

Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Tuesday & Sunday

Suggested Flies:

Sub-surface: RS2 (#20 - 22), Pheasant Tail (#20 - 22), JuJu Baetis (#20 - 22), Stalcups Baetis (#20 - 22), Black Beauty (#22 - 24), Mercury Midge (#22 - 24), Disco Midge (#22 - 24), Zebra Midges (#20 - 22) Chocolate Thunder (#22 - 24), Electric Caddis (#16 - 18), Super Pupa (#16 - 18), Pats Rubber Legs (#8 - 12), Rainbow Warrior (#20 - 22), leech patterns, eggs and San Juan Worms.

Surface: Parachute Adams (#22 - 24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 - 18), and Griffiths Gnat (#22 - 24).

General Overview

Flows are lower than average in the Canyon but are beginning to increase with increase in release on the Dream Stream. Things have not really changed in the canyon bug wise, as things have still been relatively cool. There are a few BWOs and Midges are king, but we're waiting to see some Spring Caddis.

Stream Conditions

Flowrate near Lake George: 120 CFS

Clarity: Clear

Flows are at average in the canyon, clarity is perfect.

Suggested Methods

We're seeing some BWO activity now, with a continuation of heavy midge activity. You will be best suited to run a variety of attractor nymphs along with BWO nymphs or Midge Larva early and midge pupa or BWO emergers later on if you witness fish in the film or mid-water-column. At times you'll find fish posted up feeding on adult Midges and small BWOs.

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Technicality: 3/5

With flows sitting at 82 cfs, the deep pools, runs and riffles have been the top producing sections. Focus on the deeper water during the morning and once the water warms up, focus on the riffles. A couple of our Ambassadors fished Eleven Mile this weekend and reported that hatch activity was limited and most of the action was sub-surface. Midge, baetis and caddis nymphs were the key. Pheasant Tails, RS2s, WD40s, Black Beauties, red Zebra Midges and Graphic Caddis are all getting plenty attention from the trout. If trout are selectively rising during a hatch, rig up a dry dropper setup using an Elk Hair Caddis followed by a Graphic Caddis, Pheasant Tail or Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger.

Ideal Days to Fish: Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday

Suggested Flies:

Sub-surface: RS2 (#20 - 22), Pheasant Tail (#20 - 22), JuJu Baetis (#20 - 22), Stalcups Baetis (#20 - 22), Black Beauty (#22 - 24), Mercury Midge (#22 - 24), Disco Midge (#22 - 24), Zebra Midges (#20 - 22) Chocolate Thunder (#22 - 24), Electric Caddis (#16 - 18), Super Pupa (#16 - 18), Pats Rubber Legs (#8 - 12), Rainbow Warrior (#20 - 22), leech patterns, eggs and San Juan Worms.

Surface: Parachute Adams (#22 - 24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 - 18), and Griffiths Gnat (#22 - 24).

Technicality: 3/5

Flows through Eleven Mile Canyon currently sit at 90 cfs. At this level, the water clarity is high and the trout are skittish, so move slowly along the banks and ensure clean presentations. Hatch activity has been consistent and the trout are looking up. Weve found that double dry fly setups can sometimes deter trout, so if youre not having any luck, drop down to a single dry fly setup. Dry droppers have also worked well when the trout are feeding on emergers or when youre fishing a slow and shallow section. If youre not seeing any surface action, double and triple nymph rigs will produce results when drifted through the deep pools, runs and riffles. Midge and baetis combos are working well, but if youre looking to mix it up, weve seen trout respond well to caddis larva and stonefly patterns. The Electric Caddis and Pats Rubber Legs are two great options.

Ideal Days to Fish: Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday

Suggested Flies:

Sub-surface: RS2 (#20 - 22), Pheasant Tail (#20 - 22), JuJu Baetis (#20 - 22), Stalcups Baetis (#20 - 22), Black Beauty (#22 - 24), Mercury Midge (#22 - 24), Disco Midge (#22 - 24), Zebra Midges (#20 - 22) Chocolate Thunder (#22 - 24), Electric Caddis (#16 - 18), Super Pupa (#16 - 18), Pats Rubber Legs (#8 - 12), Rainbow Warrior (#20 - 22), leech patterns, eggs and San Juan Worms.

Surface: Parachute Adams (#22 - 24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 - 18), and Griffiths Gnat (#22 - 24).

Clarity: Excellent

14 Day Forecast: Look for hatches of midges and blue-winged olives. Flows will remain low until Spinney Reservoir fills or there is a call for water to meet downstream irrigation or city-needs demand.

Tips and Other Information:

Eleven Mile Canyon is fishing good right despite the low flows. Anglers should prepare themselves for an a.m. midge bite, followed by a mid day olive hatch, followed by more midges in the evening. Flows should remain steady until Spinney Reservoir fills, unless there is a need for downstream demand. Top producers have been Mercury Midges, Bling Midges, Juju Baetis and Choc Foam Wing Emergers, all in sizes 20-22.

Effective Patterns: #22 Stalcups Baetis, #20 Juju Baetis, #20-22 Choc Foam Wing Emerger, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #20 Red Larva, #18 Micro Egg, #22-22 Mayers Tube Midge, #20-22 Manhattan Midge, #20 Pale Olive Midge Larva, #22-24 Black Beauty, #22-24 Bling Midge, #22-24 Top Secret Midge, #22-24 Minute Midge, #22-24 Jujubee Midge, #22-24 Matts Midge, #22-24 Griffith Gnat, and #24-26 Parachute Adams.

Technicality: 3/5

Runoff is yet to hit Eleven Mile Canyon and the water clarity is high. At 85 cfs, stealthy approaches and clean casts will be rewarded. Double and triple nymph rigs are working well when fishing the deep pools and runs, but if youre targeting trout in slow or shallow water, consider fishing a dry dropper. This will decrease surface disturbance and give you a better shot at fooling the trout. Elk Hair Caddis and Foam Caddis are great dry fly patterns if youre wanting to trail a midge or baetis emerger behind it. Sub-surface, eggs, worms and caddis larva patterns will work well as a lead fly. Below that, trail a Mercury Midge, Top Secret, Disco Midge, RS2, Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger or WD40.

Ideal Days to Fish: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

Suggested Flies:

Sub-surface: RS2 (#20 - 22), Pheasant Tail (#20 - 22), JuJu Baetis (#20 - 22), Stalcups Baetis (#20 - 22), Black Beauty (#22 - 24), Mercury Midge (#22 - 24), Disco Midge (#22 - 24), Zebra Midges (#20 - 22) Chocolate Thunder (#22 - 24), Electric Caddis (#16 - 18), Super Pupa (#16 - 18), Pats Rubber Legs (#8 - 12), Rainbow Warrior (#20 - 22), leech patterns, eggs and San Juan Worms.

Surface: Parachute Adams (#22 - 24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 - 18), and Griffiths Gnat (#22 - 24).