South Platte River
State Park in Park, Colorado
Water Type:
Conditions:
River segment from Elevenmile Dam downstream to Wagon Tongue Gulch Rd bridge at Springer Gulch
Stocking Report:
Activities:
Common Species:
South Platte River
State Park in Park, Colorado
Water Type:
Conditions:
River segment from Elevenmile Dam downstream to Wagon Tongue Gulch Rd bridge at Springer Gulch
Stocking Report:
Activities:
Common Species:
About the South Platte River in Eleven Mile Canyon
This section of the South Platte River offers year-round catch-and-release fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout and the famous cutbow, a rainbow-cutthroat trout hybrid.
The fishable area spans from Eleven Mile Canyon Dam downstream to the Wagon Tongue Gulch Road bridge at Springer Gulch. Access to this area requires the purchase of a pass through the U.S. Forest Service.
About Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area
Located in central Colorado’s Pike National Forest, this recreation area is a destination for anglers, hikers and mountain climbers, offering astonishing granite cliffs and historic railroad sites to see and explore.
About Quality Waters
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is excited to announce Quality Waters, a new category of fishable waters that our talented team of fish management biologists has identified and nominated based on their fish sampling records, creel surveys, and professional biological assessments.
An angler in the South Platte River.
A rock formation along the South Platte River.
Activities at this Location
Fishing
Camping
Hiking
Rock Climbing
Visit South Platte River in Eleven Mile Canyon
Eleven Mile Canyon is part of the Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area.
Recreation Area Location: From U.S. Highway 24 in Lake George, Colorado, take County Road 96. After two miles, bear right at the fork to enter the recreation area.
Access to this section of the South Platte is from the east via County Road 96, which follows the river to Eleven Mile Canyon Dam. Fishing access points include Wagon Tongue Gulch, Springer Gulch, Cove Campground, Spillway Campground and the Eleven Mile Overlook Trailhead.
Save Money
Use the Keep Colorado Wild Pass
The Keep Colorado Wild Pass is $29.
Other pass options:
- Affixed Vehicle Parks Pass $80
- Family Multi Vehicle Pass $120
- Individual Pass (foot and bike traffic only) $29
Fishing at South Platte River in Eleven Mile Canyon
River Miles: 3.8
The trout in this stretch of river are discerning. Because of the accessibility and popularity of the site, fish here are well-experienced with anglers and can accurately distinguish fly patterns from real prey. The “wisdom” of these fish makes the South Platte in Eleven Mile Canyon one of the most technically challenging fly-fishing spots in Colorado. Anglers should be prepared to use light tippets, tiny flies and precise casting technique.
River Features:
- Year-round fishing. Consistent temperatures downstream of Eleven Mile Canyon Dam make the fishing at this location consistent across seasons.
Don't Forget Your Fishing License
All anglers need a fishing license, but youth aged 15 and under fish for free. Reduced cost licenses are available for Colorado residents including: adults, youth aged 16 to 17, seniors, active duty members, first responders with disabilities, and veterans with disabilities.
Rules and Restrictions
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Fishing is by artificial flies and lures only.
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Catch and release only.
All fish must be returned to the water immediately upon catch.
Fish at this Location
Since 2020, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has stocked more than 37,000 trout into the South Platte River in Eleven Mile Canyon to supplement natural populations and enhance fishing opportunities for anglers.
Brown Trout
The fall spawn is a good time to cast for brown trout. This species feeds on aquatic and terrestrial insects and will rise to a large range of small artificial flies, baits and lures.
More About Brown TroutCutbow
These fish are found in mountain lakes and are usually in deeper water. Anglers also enjoy success with this species during the fall and spring in shallower areas and when ice fishing. Granby’s population of lake trout is entirely self-sustaining.
More About CutbowRainbow trout
This stretch contains one of the only successfully reproducing populations of rainbow trout in the South Platte drainage.These fish can be caught with a variety of artificial flies and lures.
More About Rainbow TroutCatch a Record
Fishing Awards and Records
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recognizes licensed anglers who catch exceptionally large fish through three separate programs, Record by Weight, Record by Length (released only) and Master Angler. Learn more about what it takes to be a Colorado record holder!
Management
- The U.S. Forest Service as part of the Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area manages the South Platte River in Eleven Mile Canyon.
- The local CPW office, Denver, can be contacted at (303) 291-7227.
Fishing Survey
Survey Findings
- The average length of trout in Eleven Mile Canyon is 12-17 inches.
- Surveys have detected individuals over 20 inches in length.
- Fish densities can be as high as 1,305 fish over 6 inches per mile.
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are invasive species that harm bodies of water by outcompeting native species and reducing water quality.
Stop the Spread of ANS
The larvae of invasive mussels and fragments of invasive plants can spread via fishing equipment and water gear. Though there are no mandatory inspections, we highly encourage you to clean, drain and dry your gear between visits to all rivers, lakes or other bodies of water. This helps prevent the spread of ANS like zebra mussels, New Zealand mudsnails and Eurasian watermilfoil.
Learn more about Aquatic Nuisance Species.Aquatic Nuisance Species
How to Clean Your Fishing Gear
Invasive species of plants and wildlife harm Colorado's land and water, negatively impacting the state’s economy, recreation, property values and public health. Invasive wildlife spread by hitchhiking on watercraft, trailers, vehicles, tires, boots, waders, equipment, gear, firewood and even dogs!
Angling — How to Clear Your Gear Video
Angling — Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
After cleaning their gear, anglers should then perform one of the following options to disinfect their gear before going into the next body of water or moving to a new stretch of river.
Option 1
- Disinfect waders and gear with quaternary ammonia cleaner (QAC).
- After cleaning, submerge gear in a tub filled with a solution of 6oz QAC/gallon of water for at least 10 minutes. Follow all precautionary label instructions!
- Rinse water must be from a clean source to avoid re-infection.
- Dispose of the chemical bath properly away from any waters.
Option 2
- Heat treat your gear by soaking or spraying for 10 minutes with 140o Fahrenheit water.
Option 3
- Dry your waders and equipment completely for a minimum of 10 days between use.
Option 4
- Freeze your waders and boots overnight between use.
Boating and Fishing Regulations
.jpg?itok=3j7f2foI "Manual de Navegación.")
Manual de Navegación (En Español)
El folleto de Manual de Navegación en línea es la versión más actualizada.
Descargue el FolletoColorado Fishing Brochure
The online Fishing brochure is the most up-to-date version.
Download the BrochurePesca en Colorado (En Español)
El folleto de Pesca en línea es la versión más actualizada.
Descargue el FolletoLand and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the Brochure
Be a Pain in the ANS!
If you use water, aquatic nuisance species (ANS) can affect you. For example, Zebra and quagga mussels clog up the infrastructure that delivers water to our homes. Keeping invasive species under control is a matter of public health.