WEEKLY FISHING REPORT 12.11.25

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CATCHING!

EAGLE CLAW/SHAPPELL ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT 2026 SIGN UP ONLINE CLICK BOOK NOW BOX TO ENTER

CONTEST NOTES: Always looking for a few volunteers to help out for on ice inspections and other things. We pay for your gas, feed you well and have lots of fun. Contact Larry at elevenmile@hotmail.com if interested.

Team Event consist of two anglers of which one must be at least 18 years old. Note that those that enter all three play a points game for bonus cash. Points are awarded for each contest with highest total for all three being the winners. There are points awarded for early entry. At 10 points for Colorado Classic Early you wouldn’t believe how many years were decided by less. This year the early entry cut off date is December 26. You get a discounted rate of $275.00 for all three contests plus points. You can still sign up for all three until January 11 at the regular rate of $325.00 no points. Must be in all three contests to qualify for the Toyota Tacoma.

If a team ends up being in all three contests individually they will earn points and be eligible for the Tacoma. At least one of the team members needs to be in all three meaning if you need to you can switch out team members.

CURRENT CONDITIONS UPDATE: 12.11.25 5% ICE COVERED There was a decent cap working from Cross Creek all the way to Goose Island. It’s gone torn apart by warm and windy condition. There is still a sliver of ice along the Cross Creek Area and some risky anglers are taking their chances. The short term weather forecast flat out sucks for ice making. We need colder temps and less wind.

WE WILL BE OPEN THIS WEEKEND

EARLY SEASON ICE SAFETY: Our slogan is “there is no such thing as safe ice”. You should always approach ice fishing with the appropriate amount of caution particularly during early ice. You can never predict what the lake may decide to do when the ice is forming. Some recent anglers noted there was two to four inches at Cross Creek. Well it’s plain stupid to go out on two inches. We look for at least four and in the early season. The question is how thick is it on your next step. Here is our safety checklist.

1. Never go alone! In early ice it is asking for trouble going by yourself 2. Wear safety ice picks around your neck. 3. Have a whistle also around your neck. 4. Bring a type IV throwable float cushion. 5. If you don’t own a floatation tech coat and bibs like a Striker ice wear a PFD vest under your coat…why not? 6. Bring at least 50 feet of rope…throw it the sled and hope you never need it. 7. Drill plenty of test holes on your way out. It may be 4 inches where you stand and 2 inches where you sit. It’s easy and a no brainer to keep testing the ice. 8. Even when you go with someone let friends or family know of your plans. 9. Always have a set of dry clothes in your vehicle. You might not drown if you go through but hypo thermae is always a threat when wet and exposed.

STRIKER BRANDS: When it comes to an ice fishing wish list there is plenty of equipment to catch your bank account. Priority is a personal position. How much do you ice fish? what are your equipment objectives? Investment vs. fad and in the end what makes you HAPPY. For us at the top of the list is being safe, warm and comfortable. The two items here are footwear and outerwear. Find yourself a great pair of boots. As an outdoor hunting/fishing enthusiast an absolute investment would be footwear. Sure Danner boots or other high end makes can cost you over $500.00 but they will serve you well for 10 years or more no problem.

As far as outerwear is concerned this is also an area of investment. If you have a budget as most of us do what would you need or rather have, a Live Scope fish finder starting at $2,800.00 or a coat and bibs with flotation technology that is wind proof and keeps you warm at -30 not to mention saving your life. Striker Brands has numerous offerings in this department. This year we are carrying a line of products by our new sponsor Striker. If you go to one of the big boxy places they do carry some Striker but not much. What they do carry is never discounted and strictly follows MSRP. SO our Striker products are the same price you will find anywhere or less. We have their new floatation tech vests which are versatile and stylish. Probably won’t see those at Scheels or Bass Pro. Their new top of the line Apex suits are $529.00 for the Coat $529.00 for the Bibs. We have an EXCITING OPPORTUNITY to offer Contest pricing authorized by our new sponsor Striker Brands even if you are not in the contests. Limited time offer get the Apex suit for $449.00 per piece. That is $80.00 off MSRP a $160.00 HUGE SAVINGS for both pieces. You will never regret making the investment particularly at that price. Besides being able to save your life you will be so freaking comfortable and warm. We also have their Stella suits specifically designed for women as well as other flotation Bibs like the Predator starting at $249.00 and other products such as mittens, gloves, beanies etc. Come on in a try them on. Or you can clutch your Live Scope when you go through the ice and take it down to the bottom. No one wants to fall through the ice and most people never do. But those of us who spend countless hours on the ice have stories to tell and are here to tell them because of STRICKER ICE products. I am getting an Apex this year replacing my 15 year old original Striker suit. Which by the way did save my life.

WINTER SEASON HOURS: FROM ICE ON TO ICE OFF SATURDAY 7:00AM TO 4:30PM, FRIDAY, SUNDAY, MONDAY 8:00AM TO 4:00PM CLOSED TUESDAY, WED, THURSDAY UNLESS WE ARE HERE.

PARK OPEN 24/7/365

WATER FLOW: 123 CFS IN 123 CFS OUT

WATER TEMP: 33

WINTER 2026 SEASON: We are very excited about the upcoming Winter Season. Although ice fishing is the premier draw many people come out to Eleven Mile State Park for Winter solitude, wildlife viewing, ice skating, ice kiting, cross country skiing, winter camping and adventures. As conditions develop we will maintain an ice skating rink with hockey nets behind the marina for seasonal use at no charge besides your Park Vehicle Pass. CPW will be hosting a Winter Carnival in February and of course we produce the annual Eagle Claw/Shappell Colorado Classic Ice Fishing tournament series held January, February and March. Besides our great store stocked with ice fishing gear/tackle we also feature rental equipment and a great crew of professional ice fishing guides. Larry F, Alex F, Rich K and welcoming this year Leslie B to the crew.

We also have a great deck right off the ice that you can schedule your special event or party at no charge based on availability. We have a grill and sound system if needed. Call to reserve.

EAGLE CLAW/SHAPPELL ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT SERIES JANUARY 10, FEBRUARY 7, MARCH 7. SIGN UP ONLINE STARTS NOVEMBER 15. PRICE IS SAME AS LAST YEAR $275.00 FOR ALL THREE EVENTS $125 FOR INDIVIDUAL TEAM OF TWO. WE ARE RAISING BIG FISH POT FROM $25 PER TEAM TO $35. SINCE IT IS 100% PAYOUT ALL THAT MEANS IS MORE MONEY FOR THE WINNERS BY AT LEAST $1,000. CONTESTS USUALLY PAY OUT OVER $10,000.00 PER EVENT. 20% OF THE FIELD WIN MONEY. WE SPREAD IT AROUND!!

ELEVEN MILE STATE PARK IS IN THE SOUTH PARK NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

TROUT: GOOD: For those who know and are still working the shore with Nightcrawlers big fish are your reward! Might as well give the shore a shot as warm as it has been. Of course the water is 32 degrees so when the wind blows it is cold.

SALMON: NO REPORT

NORTHERN PIKE: NO REPORT:

ROAD: GOOD: They have chip and sealed the road from Lake George to CR/92 then dirt for about 2 miles then chip and seal to the General Store. The 2 miles of loose dirt and gravel is getting washboarded and in POOR condition but still a small section of the 10 mile ride in.

CR92/59 to 23: FAIR TO POOR: overall it has been much worse but starting to see deterioration.

PIC # 1: Current conditions.

PIC # 2: Steve in his new Apex

PIC # 3: Here’s a great 6.6lbs 25” . No ice no problem he is still catching. pic courtesy Louis C.

PIC # 4 : Get our hot Lazers and Tiny Tots online now

PIC # 5: Not an 8 pounder like last week but Isiah knows what to do when there is no ice. Pic courtesy Isiah T.

SPECIAL NOTE: 11 Mile Marina is located at the North Shore in Eleven Mile State Park, Lake George Colorado. A CPW Park Pass is required on all vehicles entering the Park. Any fees for Guide/Outfitter/Rental services do not include Park fees, CO fishing license or gratuities.

The WEEKLY FISHING REPORT is produced by fishermen for fishermen. We try to get it done every Thursday but some times fishing or life gets in the way. So if its not there on Thursday morning it will show up by Friday. We appreciate all the support and acknowledge that many of you won't miss a week but every now and then we might. CLICK SUPPORT THE REPORT TO HELP OUT Be Safe. Fish On!

Please direct any questions, comments, PICS or inquiries to elevenmile@hotmail.com

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