Eleven Mile Reservoir, Fairplay Colorado - Elevenmile has a reputation for producing some of the largest fish in the state. Species in Eleven Mile Reservoir: Brown Trout, Carp, Cutbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, Perch, Pike, Rainbow Trout
Eleven Mile State Park is located in South Park a central Colorado high-altitude grassland. Surrounding mountains, Pikes Peak, the Tarryall Range, and the snowy peaks of the Continental Divide, provide a scenic backdrop for the 3,400 surface-acre reservoir. Recreational opportunities abound for visitors, be it camping, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, or just taking in the scenery. Ideal wind conditions make Eleven Mile a popular but not overly crowded destination for sailing, windsurfing and winter ice boating on this wide-open reservoir. Motor boaters and kayakers also find plenty of room to play during the summer months.
Eleven mile reservoir is known for its big trout and large northern pike, these waters have surrendered some of the largest fish ever taken in Colorado. As the water warms and after the pike have spawned you will find them roaming the shallows. Rainbows and browns grow very large feeding on scuds, leeches, damsels and crawfish. This lake presents great coves, inlets and structural fishing. Wind here can pick up and be ferocious at times, be prepared. Anglers may also encounter cutbows, Snake River cutthroat, and kokanee. As Eleven Mile’s primary management is coldwater angling. Anglers are encouraged to harvest all northern pike caught at Eleven Mile Reservoir.
2009 CDOW Fishing Forecast
Elevenmile Reservoir should remain full through 2009. Rainbow and brown trout fishing success should be good especially for rainbow trout in the 14-19 inch range. Pike fishing will be fair through the summer and steadily increase in September and October. Anglers are encouraged to harvest all northern pike caught at Elevenmile Reservoir. Both summer and fall kokanee fishing will be fair, and better than in 2008. All trailered boats must go through an Aquatic Nuisance Species inspection prior to launch.
Results of 2008 CDOW Fish Survey’s
This data was collected in June of 2008. During this sampling effort no kokanee salmon were captured. Gillnet catch data does not accurately reflect how kokanee populations are doing because they are not typically placed where kokanee inhabit. The Colorado Division of Wildlife uses a sophisticated sonar survey to track kokanee salmon populations.
There are quite a few rainbow trout in the 13.5-15.5” range. These fish will be 16-19” by the 2009 ice fishing season.
Species Frequency Table Based on Gillnet survey
Rainbow 62% Cutbow 13% Snake River Cutthroat 2% White Sucker 5% Carp 1% Brown Trout 1% Northern Pike 16%
Getting there: 38 miles west of Colorado Springs on US 24 to one mile west of the town of Lake George, then turn left (south) on county road 90 and drive to county road 92. Continue south on 92 for five miles to the park. You can also enter off US 24 from Hartsel and follow county road 59 to county road 92. Fees: CO State park pass $6 daily $60 annual Boating: All Boats Allowed. All vessels must be inspected for aquatic invasive species prior to launching.
The reservoir is closed to boating from 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise.
Boat docks are for loading and unloading only. Mooring at or fishing from the docks is prohibited. A five-minute use limit is enforced.
Campground sits on the other side of the entrance road and on a hill overlooking the lake. Loops A,B and D provide electrical hook-ups. There are 4 walk-in tent sites available. Restrooms are available.
North Shore# of Sites: 81 Fees: $14
Loops C, D and E sit along the water. Restrooms available and the marina is close by.
Stoll Mountain# of Sites: 25 Fees: $14
One of the first campgrounds along the paved entrance road from Hartsel.
Backcountry Sites# of Sites: 25 Fees: $14
Primitive Sites located in the backcountry area allow both walk-in and boat-in sites.
Witcher Cove# of Sites: 22 Fees: $14
Campground sits near the southern most section of the lake. There are restrooms and a boat ramp in the campground. Sites 809, 810, 814, 821 and 822 sit along the water.
Cross Creek# of Sites: 15 Fees: $14
Campground sits along the shoreline with access to the north section of the lake. Restrooms are available at the campground. There are 13 reservable sites and 2 walk-in tent spots.
Lazy Boy# of Sites: 14 Fees: $14
Campground sits along the southern shoreline with sites 503-506 right on the water. Restrooms are available at the campground.
Rocking Chair# of Sites: 13 Fees: $14
Campsites site along the southern shoreline with sites 601-604 right along the water. Restrooms are available near sites 601-609.
Howbert Point# of Sites: 10 Fees: $14
Campground sits along the southern shoreline. Restrooms are available. Sites 703, 709 and 710 sit along the water.
