South Platte River
Elevenmile Canyon
Recent Guide Reports
Forecast
Trending Flies in Recent Reports
- RS-2
- Rainbow Warrior
- Trico Emerger
- Black Beauty
- Mercury Midge
- Parachute PMD
- Zebra Midge
- Barr's Emerger BWO
- Leech
- PMD
Current Conditions
Gauge Flow
High Water Warning
Gauge Height
Water Temperature
Water Temperature Over 68°F
Condition Graphs
Fly Shop Directory
Recent Guide Reports
Oct 13
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 3/5
With the trico hatch winding down, the best time to fish Eleven Mile Canyon is during the afternoon. The canyon takes a long time to warm up, so dont expect a ton of action until 10 am. Sitting at 58 cfs, the river is feeling skinny and that has trout stacking up in the pronounced pools and runs. You may find some trout hanging out along the banks or in the shallow runs during low light hours but your best bet is to focus on the deeper sections. Double midge nymphs rigs have been hot in the morning and midge/baetis or double baetis rigs will get the job done in the afternoon. If you see trout feeding on or near the surface during the afternoon BWO hatch, fish a dry dropper with a Parachute Adams followed by an olive/grey RS2. Egg patterns are another great option if youre not seeing a ton of action. Either lead with a yarn egg or trail a peg egg one inch above your trailer fly.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20 - 22), Pheasant Tail (#20 - 22), JuJu Baetis (#20 - 22), JuJu PMD (#20 - 22), Barr's Emerger (#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), Pats Rubber Legs (#8 - 12), Rainbow Warrior (#20 - 22), leech patterns, eggs and San Juan Worms.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22 - 24), Parachute PMD (#20 - 22), Parachute Trico (#22 - 24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 - 18), Chubby Chernobyl (#10-12), and Griffiths Gnat (#22 - 24).
With the trico hatch winding down, the best time to fish Eleven Mile Canyon is during the afternoon. The canyon takes a long time to warm up, so dont expect a ton of action until 10 am. Sitting at 58 cfs, the river is feeling skinny and that has trout stacking up in the pronounced pools and runs. You may find some trout hanging out along the banks or in the shallow runs during low light hours but your best bet is to focus on the deeper sections. Double midge nymphs rigs have been hot in the morning and midge/baetis or double baetis rigs will get the job done in the afternoon. If you see trout feeding on or near the surface during the afternoon BWO hatch, fish a dry dropper with a Parachute Adams followed by an olive/grey RS2. Egg patterns are another great option if youre not seeing a ton of action. Either lead with a yarn egg or trail a peg egg one inch above your trailer fly.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20 - 22), Pheasant Tail (#20 - 22), JuJu Baetis (#20 - 22), JuJu PMD (#20 - 22), Barr's Emerger (#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), Pats Rubber Legs (#8 - 12), Rainbow Warrior (#20 - 22), leech patterns, eggs and San Juan Worms.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22 - 24), Parachute PMD (#20 - 22), Parachute Trico (#22 - 24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 - 18), Chubby Chernobyl (#10-12), and Griffiths Gnat (#22 - 24).
Oct 07
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 3/5
With overnight temps dropping below freezing, morning hatch and surface activity is winding down. So, unless you see obvious surface activity, plan to nymph or fish dry droppers throughout the morning. Dry droppers will perform better in the shallow runs and along the banks while nymph rigs will be more productive in the deep pools and runs. Black Beauties, Black RS2s and Chocolate Foam Wings have been deadly below the surface during the morning. In the afternoon, Sparkle Wing RS2s, JuJu Baetis and Barrs Emergers will do the trick. With a week of high pressure ahead, lead your midge or baetis emergers with a Rainbow Warrior, red Copper John or Flashback Pheasant Tail. Keep an eye out for BWO hatch activity in the early afternoon.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Saturday & Sunday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20 - 22), Pheasant Tail (#20 - 22), JuJu Baetis (#20 - 22), JuJu PMD (#20 - 22), Barr's Emerger (#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), Pats Rubber Legs (#8 - 12), Rainbow Warrior (#20 - 22), leech patterns, eggs and San Juan Worms.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22 - 24), Parachute PMD (#20 - 22), Parachute Trico (#22 - 24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 - 18), Chubby Chernobyl (#10-12), and Griffiths Gnat (#22 - 24).
With overnight temps dropping below freezing, morning hatch and surface activity is winding down. So, unless you see obvious surface activity, plan to nymph or fish dry droppers throughout the morning. Dry droppers will perform better in the shallow runs and along the banks while nymph rigs will be more productive in the deep pools and runs. Black Beauties, Black RS2s and Chocolate Foam Wings have been deadly below the surface during the morning. In the afternoon, Sparkle Wing RS2s, JuJu Baetis and Barrs Emergers will do the trick. With a week of high pressure ahead, lead your midge or baetis emergers with a Rainbow Warrior, red Copper John or Flashback Pheasant Tail. Keep an eye out for BWO hatch activity in the early afternoon.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Saturday & Sunday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20 - 22), Pheasant Tail (#20 - 22), JuJu Baetis (#20 - 22), JuJu PMD (#20 - 22), Barr's Emerger (#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), Pats Rubber Legs (#8 - 12), Rainbow Warrior (#20 - 22), leech patterns, eggs and San Juan Worms.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22 - 24), Parachute PMD (#20 - 22), Parachute Trico (#22 - 24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 - 18), Chubby Chernobyl (#10-12), and Griffiths Gnat (#22 - 24).
Sep 29
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 3/5
Flows through Eleven Mile Canyon currently sit at 78 cfs and at this point, we dont expect to see any sudden increases. This stretch is productive at this level if you focus on the pronounced sections of the river. The only exception to this is during the trico hatch. While it is winding down, were still seeing decent trico hatches and spinner falls between 8 am and 12 pm. If youre on the river early, nymph with small black baetis and midge emergers. Once the hatch picks up, switch to a dry fly setup. Small trico duns and spinners will do the trick. Unless you see BWO activity during the afternoon, plan to nymph the remainder of the day. Leading with a Guides Choice Hares Ear, caddis larva and Mercury Pheasant Tails have been productive when trailed by baetis emergers (Sparkle Wing RS2s, Micro Mayfly, JuJu Baetis, Chocolate Foam Wing Emergers). Water clarity is high and these trout are becoming more selective by the day, so if youre not seeing any action, consider switching to 6x tippet and a yarn indicator. Fishing a deep, hopper dropper setup is another effective option during warm afternoons.
Ideal Days to Fish: Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20 - 22), Pheasant Tail (#20 - 22), JuJu Baetis (#20 - 22), JuJu PMD (#20 - 22), Barr's Emerger (#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), Pats Rubber Legs (#8 - 12), Rainbow Warrior (#20 - 22), leech patterns, eggs and San Juan Worms.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22 - 24), Parachute PMD (#20 - 22), Parachute Trico (#22 - 24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 - 18), Chubby Chernobyl (#10-12), and Griffiths Gnat (#22 - 24).
Flows through Eleven Mile Canyon currently sit at 78 cfs and at this point, we dont expect to see any sudden increases. This stretch is productive at this level if you focus on the pronounced sections of the river. The only exception to this is during the trico hatch. While it is winding down, were still seeing decent trico hatches and spinner falls between 8 am and 12 pm. If youre on the river early, nymph with small black baetis and midge emergers. Once the hatch picks up, switch to a dry fly setup. Small trico duns and spinners will do the trick. Unless you see BWO activity during the afternoon, plan to nymph the remainder of the day. Leading with a Guides Choice Hares Ear, caddis larva and Mercury Pheasant Tails have been productive when trailed by baetis emergers (Sparkle Wing RS2s, Micro Mayfly, JuJu Baetis, Chocolate Foam Wing Emergers). Water clarity is high and these trout are becoming more selective by the day, so if youre not seeing any action, consider switching to 6x tippet and a yarn indicator. Fishing a deep, hopper dropper setup is another effective option during warm afternoons.
Ideal Days to Fish: Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20 - 22), Pheasant Tail (#20 - 22), JuJu Baetis (#20 - 22), JuJu PMD (#20 - 22), Barr's Emerger (#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), Pats Rubber Legs (#8 - 12), Rainbow Warrior (#20 - 22), leech patterns, eggs and San Juan Worms.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22 - 24), Parachute PMD (#20 - 22), Parachute Trico (#22 - 24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 - 18), Chubby Chernobyl (#10-12), and Griffiths Gnat (#22 - 24).
Sep 26
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 3/5
Over the past ten days, flows through Cheesman Canyon have dropped by 60 cfs. Currently sitting at 81 cfs, trout are stacking up in the deep pools, runs and pockets. Ambassadors, Josh and Ellen, fished this stretch last Friday Sunday and had success on dry flies, hopper droppers and nymph rigs. Tricos are still hatching between 9 am and 11 am, so be prepared to fish adult tricos and spinners. With gin clear water and low flows, 6x tippet is a good option, especially when fishing dries. The evening hours also served up solid dry fly action. So, if youre looking to fish dries, fish early or late. The afternoons have been hit or miss with warm temps and lower flows. Nymphing the deep pools and runs with plenty of weight is the way to go. MVP nymphs last weekend were Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, grey Sparkle Wing RS2s and Rainbow Warriors. If youre not seeing any action in the pools during the afternoon, pick apart the pockets and riffles.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20 - 22), Pheasant Tail (#20 - 22), JuJu Baetis (#20 - 22), JuJu PMD (#20 - 22), Barr's Emerger (#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), Little Yellow Sloan (#14-16), Rainbow Warrior (#20 - 22), leech patterns, eggs and San Juan Worms.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22 - 24), Parachute PMD (#20 - 22), Parachute Trico (#22 - 24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 - 18), Chubby Chernobyl (#10-12), and Griffiths Gnat (#22 - 24).
Over the past ten days, flows through Cheesman Canyon have dropped by 60 cfs. Currently sitting at 81 cfs, trout are stacking up in the deep pools, runs and pockets. Ambassadors, Josh and Ellen, fished this stretch last Friday Sunday and had success on dry flies, hopper droppers and nymph rigs. Tricos are still hatching between 9 am and 11 am, so be prepared to fish adult tricos and spinners. With gin clear water and low flows, 6x tippet is a good option, especially when fishing dries. The evening hours also served up solid dry fly action. So, if youre looking to fish dries, fish early or late. The afternoons have been hit or miss with warm temps and lower flows. Nymphing the deep pools and runs with plenty of weight is the way to go. MVP nymphs last weekend were Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, grey Sparkle Wing RS2s and Rainbow Warriors. If youre not seeing any action in the pools during the afternoon, pick apart the pockets and riffles.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Suggested Flies:
Sub-surface: RS2 (#20 - 22), Pheasant Tail (#20 - 22), JuJu Baetis (#20 - 22), JuJu PMD (#20 - 22), Barr's Emerger (#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), Little Yellow Sloan (#14-16), Rainbow Warrior (#20 - 22), leech patterns, eggs and San Juan Worms.
Surface: Parachute Adams (#22 - 24), Parachute PMD (#20 - 22), Parachute Trico (#22 - 24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16 - 18), Chubby Chernobyl (#10-12), and Griffiths Gnat (#22 - 24).
Sep 26
Royal Gorge Anglers
General Overview
With lowering flows and a ton of pressure, definitely getting more technical in the Canyon. Fish will be found in deeper seams and tailouts with these conditions, and its definitely turning into a primarily Trico and Midge scene.
Stream Conditions
Flowrate near Lake George: 81.6 CFS
Clarity: Clear
Suggested Methods
Its turning into a Trico and Midge game on all sections of the South Platte. The Fall and Winter fishing on these sections is a small bug game for the most part...with some streamer fishing mixed in. Productivity will be best subsurface, but do be prepared with hatch matchers. Technical indicator nymph rigs and tight-line euro rigs will be your best bet with long leaders and light tippet. Definitely fun to have a streamer rod on had for any migratory fish as well, so keep that in your wheelhouse.
Royal Gorge Anglers operates the oldest fly fishing guide service and full service flyshop on the Arkansas River Freestone and Arkansas River Tailwater. Our guide service also offers various guided fly fishing experiences on the South Platte River, Gunnison River, Stillwater, Private Ranches, Backcountry and more. CLICK HERE to Learn more about our Guided Trip Options or Call us (888) 994-6743 ext 2 to talk to us directly...
With lowering flows and a ton of pressure, definitely getting more technical in the Canyon. Fish will be found in deeper seams and tailouts with these conditions, and its definitely turning into a primarily Trico and Midge scene.
Stream Conditions
Flowrate near Lake George: 81.6 CFS
Clarity: Clear
Suggested Methods
Its turning into a Trico and Midge game on all sections of the South Platte. The Fall and Winter fishing on these sections is a small bug game for the most part...with some streamer fishing mixed in. Productivity will be best subsurface, but do be prepared with hatch matchers. Technical indicator nymph rigs and tight-line euro rigs will be your best bet with long leaders and light tippet. Definitely fun to have a streamer rod on had for any migratory fish as well, so keep that in your wheelhouse.
Royal Gorge Anglers operates the oldest fly fishing guide service and full service flyshop on the Arkansas River Freestone and Arkansas River Tailwater. Our guide service also offers various guided fly fishing experiences on the South Platte River, Gunnison River, Stillwater, Private Ranches, Backcountry and more. CLICK HERE to Learn more about our Guided Trip Options or Call us (888) 994-6743 ext 2 to talk to us directly...