Small mountain creek flowing through Frisco into Dillon Reservoir. Easily accessed from the rec path, with surprisingly good fishing for brook and brown trout right in town.
Tenmile Creek is a small freestone stream that originates high in the Tenmile Range near the Continental Divide, flowing northeast through Tenmile Canyon and the town of Frisco before emptying into Dillon Reservoir. Sitting at roughly 9,100 feet in elevation, the creek passes through a mix of alpine forest, narrow canyon stretches, and the residential neighborhoods of Frisco, making it one of the most conveniently accessible fishing waters in Summit County. Despite its modest size, Tenmile Creek supports healthy populations of brook trout, brown trout, and some rainbow trout throughout its length.
What makes Tenmile Creek appealing to anglers is its proximity to everyday life in Summit County. The Frisco recreation path runs alongside much of the lower creek, so you can walk from a coffee shop on Main Street to a productive stretch of water in minutes. The creek is narrow enough to cast across in most places, and the trout are typically in the 6- to 12-inch range, with occasional browns pushing 14 inches near the Dillon Reservoir inlet. This is not a trophy fishery, but it rewards anglers who appreciate intimate, technical fishing on a small mountain stream with reliable hatches and willing fish.
Above Frisco, Tenmile Creek flows through Tenmile Canyon between Copper Mountain and town, where the water tumbles through pocket water, plunge pools, and short riffles bordered by spruce and pine. This upper section holds mostly brook trout that readily take attractor dries. Below town, the creek slows and deepens as it approaches the reservoir inlet, and this lower reach tends to produce the largest fish in the system, including browns and rainbows that move up from Dillon Reservoir during spawning runs in fall and spring. The entire creek offers a refreshing change of pace from the more popular Blue River and Eagle River fisheries nearby.
Tenmile Creek is one of the easiest streams to access in Summit County, thanks to the Frisco recreation path (bike path) that parallels the creek through town and into Tenmile Canyon. Most anglers simply park in Frisco and walk to the water.
Tenmile Creek falls under standard Summit County fishing regulations set by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Always verify current regulations before fishing, as rules can change between seasons.
Most fly anglers on Tenmile Creek practice catch and release voluntarily, especially given the modest size of the trout. Barbless hooks make releasing small brook trout much easier and reduce handling time. Be mindful of private property boundaries along the creek, particularly in residential areas of Frisco.
Tenmile Creek fishes surprisingly well in winter for anglers willing to brave Summit County cold. Midges are the primary food source, hatching on sunny afternoons between 11 AM and 2 PM. Fish Zebra Midges (#22-26) and RS2s deep in the slower pools below Frisco. The creek runs low and clear, so stealth is critical. The rec path provides easy walking access even when snow covers the surrounding terrain. Focus on the deeper runs near the Dillon Reservoir inlet where fish congregate in winter.
Early spring continues the midge fishing, with BWOs (#18-22) joining the menu on overcast afternoons starting in April. Pre-runoff conditions in April and early May can produce excellent nymphing as trout feed aggressively before high water arrives. Rainbow trout from Dillon Reservoir may push into the lower creek to spawn. By late May, snowmelt begins in earnest and the creek rises and colors up, making fishing more challenging. Target the lower, slower sections during runoff.
Runoff typically peaks in mid-June and the creek can blow out completely for two to three weeks. Once flows drop and clear in early to mid-July, summer fishing kicks into gear with caddis hatches, PMDs, and attractor dry fly fishing in the upper canyon. Elk Hair Caddis and Parachute Adams (#14-18) work well as searching patterns. Morning and evening are most productive as midday sun pushes fish under cover. Brook trout in the canyon sections are aggressive and willing to eat larger dries.
Fall is the best season on the lower creek. Brown trout move upstream from Dillon Reservoir to spawn, bringing the largest fish of the year into the system. BWOs hatch consistently on cloudy afternoons. Small streamers and egg patterns can be effective below spawning redds. The upper canyon remains productive for brook trout on attractor dries through September. October brings peak fall colors along the rec path and reliable fishing before winter sets in. Flows are typically low and stable.
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