Fishing at Eleven Mile

One of Colorado’s premier fishing destinations—here’s how to make the most of it.

Table of Contents

  1. The Waters
    1. The Reservoir
    2. The South Platte River
    3. Streams and Inlets
  2. Licensing
    1. Who Needs a License
    2. How to Get Licensed
    3. License Types (2026 prices vary—check current rates)
    4. Regulations You Must Know
  3. Gear Recommendations
    1. For Reservoir Fishing
    2. For Shore Fishing
    3. For Boat/Kayak Fishing
  4. Bait & Lure Selection
    1. Bait (What the Fish Are Eating)
    2. Lures (Matching the Hatch)
  5. Techniques
    1. Shore Fishing
    2. Boat/Kayak Fishing
    3. Fly Fishing (Advanced)
  6. Where to Fish
    1. Reservoir Access Points
    2. The Dream Stream (Off-Site)
  7. Fishing with Kids
    1. Setting Up for Success
    2. Teaching Casting
    3. Keeping It Fun
    4. What Kids Can Help With
  8. Fish Handling
    1. Catch and Release
    2. Keeping Fish
    3. Cleaning Fish (Basic)
  9. Weather Considerations
    1. Morning
    2. Midday
    3. Afternoon
    4. Evening
  10. Ethics & Etiquette
    1. On the Water
    2. On Shore
    3. With Fish
  11. Local Knowledge
    1. What’s Biting in June/July
    2. Pro Tips from Locals
  12. Equipment Checklist
    1. Must Have
    2. Should Have
    3. Nice to Have

The Waters

Eleven Mile Reservoir has produced some of the largest fish ever caught in Colorado. The 3,400-acre reservoir and surrounding waters offer multiple fishing environments, each with distinct character.

The Reservoir

The main attraction. Deep, cold, and full of fish.

Species present:

  • Rainbow trout
  • Brown trout
  • Cutthroat trout
  • Kokanee salmon
  • Northern pike
  • Carp

Characteristics:

  • Maximum depth: ~100 feet
  • Surface elevation: 8,600 feet
  • Water temperature (summer): 55–65°F at surface, colder at depth
  • Clear water with visibility to 10–15 feet

The South Platte River

The Dream Stream section (Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area) runs below the dam—legendary Gold Medal water.

Characteristics:

  • Catch-and-release, flies and lures only
  • Wild rainbow and brown trout
  • Technical fishing; selective fish
  • Requires separate access (outside park boundaries)

Streams and Inlets

Smaller tributary streams offer intimate fishing experiences, particularly for brook trout.

Licensing

Who Needs a License

  • Required: Everyone 16 and older
  • Not required: Children under 16 (but they need a fishing adult)

How to Get Licensed

Online (recommended): cpwshop.com

  • Instant purchase
  • Digital license on phone
  • Print backup copy

In Person:

  • 11 Mile Marina (in the park)
  • Sporting goods stores statewide
  • Walmart

License Types (2026 prices vary—check current rates)

License Approx. Cost Notes
Resident Annual $35 Colorado residents
Non-Resident Annual $98 Out-of-state
Non-Resident 1-Day $17 Good for visitors
Non-Resident 5-Day $31 Best value for week trip
Youth (16–17) $10 Any residency
Senior (64+) $10 Colorado residents

Regulations You Must Know

  • Bag limits: Check current Colorado Fishing regulations brochure
  • Slot limits: May apply to certain species/sizes
  • Special regulations: Areas near the dam are restricted
  • Bow fishing: Permitted for carp and northern pike only

Regulation Changes: Fishing regulations change annually. Download the current Colorado Fishing guide before your trip at cpw.state.co.us.

Gear Recommendations

For Reservoir Fishing

Rod/Reel Setup:

  • Medium-action spinning rod, 6–7 feet
  • Spinning reel, 2500–3000 size
  • 6–8 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line

Alternative: Medium-light baitcasting setup for larger pike/trout

Terminal Tackle:

  • Size 6–10 hooks (bait fishing)
  • Split shot weights, assorted
  • Bobbers/floats
  • Barrel swivels
  • Snap swivels (for lure changes)

For Shore Fishing

If fishing from the bank or rocks:

  • Longer rod (7+ feet) for casting distance
  • Heavier weight for wind days
  • Polarized sunglasses (see fish, see structure)

For Boat/Kayak Fishing

  • Shorter rod (6 feet) for maneuverability
  • Rod holders for trolling
  • Fish finder if you have one
  • Anchor system for positioning

Bait & Lure Selection

Bait (What the Fish Are Eating)

PowerBait: The most popular bait at Eleven Mile for stocked rainbow trout. The hatchery fish recognize the scent.

  • Colors: Chartreuse, rainbow, salmon egg
  • Technique: Small ball on treble hook, floating off bottom

Worms: Universal and effective.

  • Nightcrawlers for larger fish
  • Red worms for smaller hooks
  • Thread on hook, don’t ball up

Salmon Eggs: Excellent for trout, especially in current.

  • Single egg under bobber
  • Multiple eggs on egg loop hook

Minnows: Where legal, highly effective for pike and large trout.

Lures (Matching the Hatch)

For Trout:

Lure When/Why
Kastmaster (gold/silver) All-purpose, casts far
Panther Martin spinner Vibration attracts, flash triggers
Rooster Tail Classic, consistent producer
Rapala (floating) Early morning, evening topwater
Thomas Buoyant Wind-resistant, erratic action

For Pike:

Lure When/Why
Large spoon (red/white) Pike classic, covers water
Spinnerbait Weedless, aggressive retrieve
Jerkbait Wounded fish imitation
Large Rapala Trolling or casting

For Kokanee:

Lure When/Why
Wedding Ring spinner Classic kokanee rig
Small dodger + hoochie Trolling at depth
Pink/orange lures Kokanee love these colors

Techniques

Shore Fishing

Best spots:

  • Rocky points that extend into water
  • Inlet areas where streams enter
  • Near the dam (where legal)
  • Early morning, shaded shoreline

Techniques:

Still fishing (bait):

  1. Cast out, let bait sink
  2. If using PowerBait: floating setup with weight 18” below
  3. Set rod in holder, watch tip
  4. Wait for sustained pull before setting hook

Casting (lures):

  1. Fan cast to cover water
  2. Vary retrieve speed
  3. Pause and twitch for following fish
  4. Work structure edges

Boat/Kayak Fishing

Trolling:

  1. Move slowly (1–2 mph)
  2. Let line out 50–100 feet behind
  3. Vary depth with weight or diving lure
  4. Cover water until you find fish
  5. Mark productive areas, work them

Anchored:

  1. Position over structure or drop-off
  2. Vertical jig or fish bait
  3. Try multiple depths
  4. Be patient; fish move through

Fly Fishing (Advanced)

The Dream Stream below the dam offers premier fly fishing.

Recommended flies:

  • Midges (year-round, sizes 18–24)
  • Blue-winged olives (spring/fall)
  • Caddis (summer evenings)
  • Streamers for aggressive fish

Techniques:

  • Long leaders (12–15 feet)
  • Light tippet (5X–7X)
  • Delicate presentations
  • Read the water; fish holding lies

Where to Fish

Reservoir Access Points

Location Access Best For
North Shore Boat ramp, shore All species
Rocky Ridge Shore, wading Trout from shore
Witcher’s Cove Shore, boat Calmer water, families
Howbert Point Shore Long casts, pike
Coyote Ridge Fishing access point Solitude
Rogers Mountain Fishing access point Scenic, trout
Sucker Cove Fishing access point Carp (bow fishing)

The Dream Stream (Off-Site)

Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area, below the dam.

Getting there: Exit park, drive toward Lake George, watch for SWA signs.

What to expect:

  • Gold Medal water—trophy potential
  • Artificial flies and lures only
  • Catch-and-release
  • Heavily pressured but productive
  • Wading required; no boats

Fishing with Kids

Setting Up for Success

Choose the right time:

  • Early morning (fish active, before heat)
  • Late afternoon (second feeding window)
  • Avoid midday frustration

Choose the right spot:

  • Easy access (no scrambling over rocks)
  • Shade available (sun is brutal at altitude)
  • Visible water (kids want to see fish)
  • Near restrooms if possible

Choose the right gear:

  • Kid-sized rod (4–5 feet)
  • Simple push-button reel (spincast)
  • Pre-tied rigs to minimize tangles
  • Bait over lures (more consistent action)

Teaching Casting

  1. Start on dry land
  2. Practice the motion without hooks
  3. Add a practice plug (hookless weight)
  4. Move to water only when comfortable
  5. Stand behind them, guide the motion

Keeping It Fun

Realistic expectations:

  • First fish may take hours
  • “We’re fishing, not catching” mentality
  • Celebrate any catch, any size
  • Quit before they’re done (leave wanting more)

Activities while waiting:

  • Identify birds and wildlife
  • Skip rocks (away from fishing area)
  • Explore tide pools and shallows
  • Snacks (fishing makes everyone hungry)

What Kids Can Help With

Age Task
3–5 Holding rod (with help), reeling in
6–8 Casting (supervised), baiting hooks
9–12 Fishing independently nearby, landing fish
13+ Full independence, teaching younger kids

Fish Handling

Catch and Release

If releasing fish:

  1. Wet hands before touching (protects slime coat)
  2. Keep fish in water as much as possible
  3. Remove hook quickly (barbless is easier)
  4. Support fish horizontally (don’t grip vertically)
  5. Revive in current until it swims away

Keeping Fish

If keeping (within limits):

  1. Kill quickly—brain spike or bleed
  2. Keep cold immediately (stringer in water or cooler with ice)
  3. Clean same day if possible
  4. Double-bag for transport home

Cleaning Fish (Basic)

  1. Scale if desired (or skin after filleting)
  2. Slit belly from vent to gills
  3. Remove entrails
  4. Remove gills and bloodline along spine
  5. Rinse thoroughly
  6. Fillet or cook whole

Dispose of entrails properly: Use designated fish cleaning stations or dispose in trash—never throw in water or leave on shore.

Weather Considerations

Morning

Best fishing time. Water is cool, fish are active and shallow. Light winds.

Midday

Fishing slows. Fish move deeper. Heat and UV at maximum. Good time to rest or try deeper techniques.

Afternoon

Watch the sky. Afternoon thunderstorms are common June–July. If clouds build, lightning threatens—get off the water.

Lightning safety:

  • Boats are extremely dangerous in lightning
  • Get to shore at first sign of storm
  • Wait 30 minutes after last thunder
  • The reservoir is a terrible place to be struck

Evening

Second-best fishing window. Fish move shallow again, feeding before dark. Topwater can be excellent.

Ethics & Etiquette

On the Water

  • Give other anglers space (at least 50 feet)
  • Don’t crowd a productive spot someone found
  • Keep noise down (sound travels across water)
  • Right of way: vessel on your right has priority

On Shore

  • Pack out all trash, including fishing line
  • Cut line free from snags if possible
  • Don’t block boat ramps
  • Respect private property boundaries

With Fish

  • Follow all regulations—no exceptions
  • Handle with care even if releasing
  • Report poaching: Operation Game Thief 1-877-265-6648

Local Knowledge

What’s Biting in June/July

Early June:

  • Trout aggressive after spring spawn
  • Work shallow flats early morning
  • Streamers and minnow imitations

Late June:

  • Fish moving deeper as water warms
  • Focus on structure and shade
  • Trolling productive at depth

July:

  • Kokanee schooling; trolling at 30–60 feet
  • Trout deep; fish dawn/dusk shallows
  • Pike in weed edges

Pro Tips from Locals

  • The marina sells current intel—ask what’s working
  • Morning bite is worth losing sleep for
  • When wind picks up, fish windward shores (baitfish blown there)
  • Pink PowerBait outperforms at Eleven Mile specifically
  • Browns are structure-oriented; work rocky points
  • Pike cruise the weed edges—cast parallel, not perpendicular

Equipment Checklist

Must Have

  • Fishing license (purchased, on person)
  • Rod and reel (backup if possible)
  • Tackle box with:
    • Hooks (various sizes)
    • Weights (split shot, sliding sinkers)
    • Swivels
    • Bobbers
  • Bait (PowerBait, worms)
  • Lures (2–3 proven options)
  • Pliers (hook removal)
  • Line cutter or scissors
  • Landing net
  • Polarized sunglasses

Should Have

  • Sunscreen (reapply often)
  • Hat with brim
  • Cooler for keeping catch
  • Stringer (for keeping in water)
  • Backup line
  • First aid for hooks in fingers
  • Camera (for the big one)

Nice to Have

  • Fish finder
  • Rod holders
  • Casting net (bait)
  • Fillet knife
  • Portable fish cleaning board

The Real Goal: Fishing isn’t just about fish. It’s the excuse to sit quietly by water, watch the sunrise, have unhurried conversations, and share something timeless across generations. The fish are a bonus.

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Family Adventure Guide © 2026. Created with love for wilderness exploration.