Eleven Mile Canyon

Overview

Eleven Mile Canyon is one of the most accessible and consistent tailwater fisheries on the South Platte River system. Located below Eleven Mile Reservoir dam in Park County, the canyon stretches approximately 8 miles downstream through a scenic granite gorge before the river enters the town of Lake George and continues toward Deckers. The upper canyon near the dam offers the most stable conditions, with cold, clear water that supports excellent populations of brown and rainbow trout year-round.

The canyon provides a different character than its upstream neighbor, the Dream Stream. Where the Dream Stream is open meadow water, Eleven Mile Canyon is a rock-walled gorge with pocket water, plunge pools, and boulder-studded runs. The river is narrower and more varied in structure, which creates abundant holding water and diverse fishing opportunities. Trout here average 12 to 16 inches, with plenty of fish in the 16 to 20 inch range, and occasional larger specimens that have moved down from the reservoir.

County Road 96 runs alongside the river through the canyon, providing numerous pulloffs and easy access. This makes Eleven Mile Canyon particularly beginner-friendly compared to the more remote Dream Stream or the physically demanding Cheesman Canyon. Several developed campgrounds along the road make it an ideal destination for multi-day fishing trips.

Access & Parking

Eleven Mile Canyon is accessed via County Road 96, which runs between Eleven Mile State Park and US-24 at Lake George. From Denver, the drive takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via US-24 through Woodland Park, or via US-285 through Fairplay to the north entrance.

• Dam Access (Upper Canyon): The best fishing is in the first 2 miles below the dam. Park at pulloffs along County Road 96 near the dam outlet. An Eleven Mile State Park day-use fee or Colorado State Parks pass may be required for parking in the state park area.
• Mid-Canyon Pulloffs: Numerous pulloffs along CR 96 provide easy walk-in access. Look for wide spots where trails lead down to the river. The canyon narrows through this section with excellent pocket water and plunge pools.
• Lower Canyon (Lake George): The lower canyon opens up near Lake George. This section has easier wading but warmer water and fewer trout in summer. Several developed campgrounds provide camping access.

Regulations

• Tackle: Flies and lures only. No bait fishing is permitted in the canyon.
• Bag limit: 2 trout per day.
• Season: Open year-round.
• License: A valid Colorado fishing license is required.

Seasonal Guide

Recommended Flies

Tips from Locals

• Fish near the dam. The first two miles below Eleven Mile Dam consistently produce the best fishing. Water is coldest and most stable here. As you move downstream, water warms and trout density decreases.
• Short casts in pocket water. The canyon's boulder-filled character rewards short, accurate casts into pockets and behind rocks. You do not need long casts here — 15 to 25 feet is often all you need. High-stick nymphing is very effective.
• Camp and fish. Eleven Mile Canyon has several developed campgrounds along CR 96. Camping here lets you fish the prime early morning and late evening windows without a long drive. Springer Gulch and Blue Mountain are popular campgrounds.
• Watch your step. The canyon's granite boulders are slippery when wet. Felt-soled wading boots grip better than rubber on this rock. Use a wading staff in higher flows.
• Try streamers at dusk. Large brown trout in the canyon are often caught on streamers during the last hour of light. Olive or black Woolly Buggers (#8-10) stripped through the deeper pools can produce the biggest fish of the day.
• Don't skip the riffles. While pools attract most anglers, the shallow riffles between pools often hold feeding fish that are less pressured. Dry-dropper rigs through riffles can produce steady action.