Eleven Mile Reservoir, CO

About Eleven Mile Reservoir

Eleven Mile Reservoir is one of Colorado's premier high-country fishing destinations, sitting at roughly 8,600 feet on the South Platte River in South Park, west of Colorado Springs. This big, wind-swept impoundment covers around 3,400 surface acres of cold, clear water surrounded by open grassland and granite outcrops. It is the centerpiece of a popular state park and is heavily managed as a coldwater fishery, which is exactly why anglers from across the Front Range make the drive year after year.

The reservoir is best known for its excellent trout fishing and its reputation for producing oversized fish. A combination of cold water, abundant forage, and quality-focused management has made Eleven Mile a true trophy water, with chunky rainbows, big cutthroats and cuttbows, and the chance at a real bruiser brown drawing the most attention. On top of that, a strong population of northern pike adds a genuine predator-fishing dimension that you do not find on most Colorado trout lakes. It fishes well from open water in the warmer months and turns into one of the state's marquee ice-fishing lakes once it locks up.

Fish Species

Eleven Mile is fundamentally a trout and pike fishery, with several supporting species that round out a day on the water.

• Rainbow trout — the bread-and-butter of the lake, stocked and naturally holding over to good size. The standout reputation comes from healthy, deep-bodied rainbows that fight hard in the cold water.
• Brown trout — present in solid numbers and capable of reaching trophy proportions; browns are a prime target in fall around the spawn.
• Cutthroat trout and cuttbows — managed as part of the trophy program and a real draw for anglers chasing colorful, larger trout.
• Northern pike — a thriving toothy predator population that gives the reservoir a reputation as one of the better pike waters in the region. Big pike are caught both open-water and through the ice.
• Kokanee salmon — present and a fun seasonal target, especially as they stage in late summer and fall.
• Other species — you may also encounter suckers and other panfish-type catches, but trout and pike are the headline acts.

Best Seasons & Times

Spring: As the ice goes out (often into April at this elevation), trout move shallow to feed and the bite can be outstanding along points, inlets, and wind-blown shorelines. Pike become aggressive in the shallows pre- and post-spawn, making this one of the best windows of the year to target big northerns. Mornings warm up slowly here, so midday can fish surprisingly well early in the season.

Summer: Warmer surface water pushes trout deeper. Early morning and the last hours of light are prime, and overcast or breezy days extend the bite. Trollers cover water effectively, while shore anglers do well at dawn and dusk. Pike hold near weed edges and structure. Afternoon winds are notorious in South Park, so plan boating for the calmer morning hours.

Fall: Cooling water reignites the shallow bite. Brown trout get aggressive as they stage to spawn, and trophy hunters often have their best shot in this window. Kokanee stage and color up. Crisp, stable weather days can produce excellent fishing right up until freeze-up.

Winter: Eleven Mile is a classic Colorado ice-fishing destination. Once safe ice forms, anglers target trout and trophy-class pike through the ice. First and last ice tend to be the most productive periods. Always confirm ice conditions locally before walking out — high-elevation ice can be inconsistent.

Techniques & Baits

For trout:

• Bait fishing from shore: A classic and productive approach using PowerBait, nightcrawlers, or salmon eggs fished off the bottom with a sliding sinker rig, or suspended under a bobber in shallower water.
• Trolling: Cover water with spoons, flashers/dodger-and-fly setups, or small crankbaits; vary depth until you find the temperature and forage layer holding fish.
• Casting hardware: Spoons and inline spinners shine when trout are shallow in spring and fall.
• Fly fishing: Stripping streamers and leeches near shorelines and drop-offs takes good trout, and midge and Callibaetis patterns can produce during hatches in the calmer bays.

For pike:

• Throw large spoons, spinnerbaits, soft swimbaits, and jerkbaits around weed edges, flats, and points — especially in spring when fish are shallow.
• Big sucker minnows or other large baitfish under a float or on a quick-strike rig are deadly for trophy pike. Always use a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader to beat their teeth.

Through the ice: Jig small spoons tipped with bait or wax worms for trout, and set tip-ups or jig large baits for pike. Move and drill holes until you locate active fish.

Access & Launches

Eleven Mile Reservoir is managed within a Colorado state park, so access is well developed and organized for anglers. There are public boat ramps and developed shoreline areas around the lake, along with restrooms, parking, and camping options typical of a Colorado state park. The open, relatively gentle shoreline around much of the reservoir makes bank fishing realistic in many spots, and there is plenty of room to spread out.

Both boaters and shore anglers are well served here. Expect a daily vehicle pass or park entry requirement typical of state parks, and be aware that watercraft inspection rules for aquatic nuisance species commonly apply to motorized and trailered boats in Colorado. Because this is high, exposed country, wind can come up quickly — small-boat anglers should watch the forecast and fish the calmer morning hours. Always verify current park hours, ramp status, and any seasonal closures before you go.

Regulations & Licenses

A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers of licensing age, and you should purchase it before you arrive. Eleven Mile is managed as a quality and trophy fishery, which often means special tackle, size, slot, and bag regulations that differ from statewide defaults — for example, gear restrictions or harvest limits intended to protect larger trout. These rules can change from year to year and may vary by species and even by area of the lake.

Before fishing, check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations for this specific water, including any bait or lure restrictions, length or slot limits, and daily bag and possession limits for trout, pike, and kokanee. Also confirm any park-specific rules and aquatic nuisance species (boat inspection) requirements. When in doubt, practice careful catch-and-release on trophy fish to keep this fishery strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish is Eleven Mile Reservoir best known for?
It is best known for quality and trophy trout — rainbows, browns, and cutthroat/cuttbows — thanks to cold water and trophy-focused management. It also has a strong northern pike population that makes it one of the better pike waters in the region, plus kokanee salmon.

Is Eleven Mile Reservoir good for ice fishing?
Yes. It is one of Colorado's classic ice-fishing destinations. Once safe ice forms, anglers jig for trout and target trophy-class pike with tip-ups and large baits. First ice and last ice are typically the most productive. Always confirm local ice conditions before heading out.

When is the best time to fish Eleven Mile Reservoir?
Spring ice-out and fall are the standout open-water windows, when trout and pike move shallow and big browns get aggressive. In summer, fish early morning and evening before the afternoon South Park winds pick up. Winter ice fishing is also excellent when conditions allow.

Do I need a license and are there special regulations at Eleven Mile?
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required. Because it is managed as a quality/trophy fishery, special tackle, size, slot, or bag limits often apply and can differ from statewide rules. Always check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations for this water before you fish.