Eleven Mile Canyon is the tailwater section below the Eleven Mile Reservoir Dam. The canyon is a beautiful canyon marked by steep rock walls and lush vegetation. It is in sharp contrast to the area between Eleven Mile reservoir and Spinney Mountain reservoir, which is very flat and windy. The entire canyon is easily accessible by 2 wheel drive vehicles including RV’s. Eleven Mile Canyon is located about an hour west of Colorado Springs on Highway 24, near the town of Lake George. When you arrive in Lake George turn left (south) at the sign. About a mile to the south, you will turn right (west) into the canyon |
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Driving from the toll booth to the dam will take at least 30 minutes. Most fishermen find a suitable fishing spot before reaching the dam. The reservoir and the canyon are separated by the dam and there is not easy access between the two. |
Eleven Mile Canyon is a fee area in the Pike National Forest. Eleven Mile reservoir is a state park. The reservoir requires a state parks pass and the canyon requires a pass issued by the forest service vendor. You must purchase separate passes for each area if you wish to visit both areas. Improved camping areas, suitable for RV’s and tents, are an added bonus for fishermen who want more than just a day trip. There is also a fee for overnight camping. |
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The canyon typically has Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Flyfishing and spin casting are popular in this stream. The lower area of the canyon is a “put and take” fishery and generally has smaller fish than the upper section of the canyon. It is stocked by the Division of Wildlife. Above the Springer Gulch bridge, special regulations are in effect. Only artificial flies & lures are allowed and it is a catch and release area. Check signs in the area to be informed of changes to these regulations. |
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New Zealand Mud Snails have been found in Eleven Mile Canyon. These snails have the potential to decimate trout fisheries. The Colorado Division of Wildlife is formulating a statewide management plan for the snails. In the mean time, a public education campaign is underway to prevent the spread of the snails. Anglers (and others who use Colorado streams) are asked to clean their gear after visiting areas that are infected with this snail. More information is available here: http://wildlife.state.co.us/news/press.asp?pressid=3448. |
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