Fly Fishing Stream Conditions Report: South Platte - Eleven Mile Canyon

This year: Outflows below Eleven Mile Canyon Dam are currently low at 68 CFS, with the USGS gage near Lake George averaging around 83 CFS for the month. Because of the low flows, fishing quality remains good but requires a tactical approach. You will want to start your day at daybreak and finish up early to beat the heat. Keep a very close eye on the water temperatures as the day warms up. It is critical to stop fishing once the water temperatures reach 67 degrees to protect the trout, especially with the lower water levels. Focus your efforts on presentation with small, technical patterns. Nymphing with a Juju Baetis, Top Secret Midge, Chocolate Thunder, or Manhattan Midge is the most effective way to fool these selective fish in the low, clear water.

Best time of day: Morning

Prior years: Summer fishing in Eleven Mile Canyon brings great opportunities with flows hovering between 116 CFS and 149 CFS near Lake George. Water clarity remains clear. To maximize your success, plan to get on the river as early as you can to beat the heat, and give the fish a break during the warm afternoon hours. A dry/dropper setup is highly effective in the lower light of morning and evening, whereas pivoting to deep nymphing becomes the primary tactic under the high sun. Focus your efforts on faster runs, pocket water around boulders, and structure rather than spending too many casts on large, flat pools. Focal insects for this summer season include Tricos, Yellow Sallies, Caddis, Blue Winged Olives, Midges, Hoppers, and Sow bugs. Strong Trico activity is a highlight, and the corresponding spinnerfalls offer optimal times to target rising fish on the surface. When dry fly action slows, sinking a small Trico, an RS2, a Pheasant Tail nymph, or a small PMD soft hackle will keep your rod bent. Terrestrial patterns like hoppers and ants are also excellent choices for the top of a dry/dropper rig.