WEEKLY FISHING REPORT 01.08.26

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CATCHING!

WINTER IS HERE FOR NOW

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

NON CONTEST: We know you have been waiting for Winter ice fishing. This weekend looks like the first good opportunity. Not in the contest so what don't let that keep you from coming to Eleven Mile. Store opens at 7:00AM All contestants will be long gone and it’s a big lake, they won’t get in your way. Would love to see you.

CONTEST NOTES: IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENT: Park director and Marina staff met after ice inspections around the lake. We both feel good about the weekend and having ice conditions at 4 or more inches. The contest is on as planned. There is one significant change. Park management has asked us to modify the format and drop the salmon category for this Grand Slam. They don’t want anyone going to far out at extreme deep locations as is typical for the salmon seekers. We agree. Based on Mother Nature there will be no competition for Kokanee Salmon at this years Grand Slam. We will divide the money evenly by Trout and Pike categories. That means payouts will be larger and we will pay down further. We shoot for a 20% of the field payout which may be expanded to 30%. One in three teams can win cash depending on our final tally of teams. Based on historical data the majority of teams target Trout. Historical data also shows the same 4 or 5 teams take the Salmon money every year. No doubt they will be disappointed but its safety first based on Park request.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Weather looking cold next two days. Most ice 2 to 4 inches now, should be 4 to 6 by Saturday. Highs next two days below freezing with single digits or sub zero night temps. However there are areas of concern throughout the lake. We will have Hartsel Fire and Rescue here all day. If you don’t do stupid stuff like going out to far and not testing ice you should be fine. AND everyone should have appropriate safety equipment. Therefore we will require everyone to have on their person safety ice picks. We were at Eagle Claw yesterday and grabbed a whole bunch. BUT if you don’t have them and don’t wear them you will not be fishing in this contest. Safety First!! SAFETY ICE PICKS REQUIRED FOR ALL CONTESTANTS

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Just finished meeting with Park Management. All systems go although they have some concerns about inconsistent ice which is what ice is no matter what and where. So we have decided that the contest starts at 7:00AM as always but you cannot hit the ice until 7:00AM. No reason to trek in the dark for safety reasons.

For those who have made inappropriate comments about this business and how we shouldn’t have the tournament. We say this. It is Colorado. When you go skiing its always at your own risk. Run into a tree who’s fault is that. All Colorado Winter activities come with risks. When you go ice fishing it’s always at your own risk. Everyone signs a release of liability. You do not have to be in the contest and we are not twisting anyone’s arm. As a responsible business we are taking actions to help our contestants be safe. If there were no contest do you honestly believe there will be no one on the lake. There will be plenty of anglers out tomorrow not in the contest and probably more then are in it. There is fishable ice all around the lake and if you are prudent and careful all is well. We have Hartsel Fire and Rescue here all day. Go to Antero, Tarryall or any other lake you are on your own. They are all having the same ice issues and don’t have a rescue team on call on site. We want everyone to be safe and have a good time. There is no reason to cancel this Winter event.

WIN A STRIKER APEX FLOTATION COAT OR BIBS $529.00 VALUE AT THE POST CONTEST PRIZE GIVEAWAY BENEFITTING FISHING HAS NO BOUNDARIES

THE EAGLE CLAW/SHAPPELL COLORADO CLASSIC 2026 A CONTEST TO REMEMBER. ONLINE SIGN UP UNTIL MIDNIGHT TODAY

SIGN UPS DAY OF CONTEST ACCEPTED AFTER ALL PREREGISTERD CHECKED IN.

WHAT IS SAFE ICE? We always say there is no such thing. We have seen many injuries over the years of people without ice cleats on glare ice crack their heads open, break a wrist, jack their back etc etc. Falling through the ice is obviously bad but generally happens to people who don’t take the proper precautions. Always use extreme caution when venturing on frozen lakes. The general rule of thumb is 4 inches minimum.

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 10 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: 01.09.26 99% ICE COVERED. Got 8 to 10 inches of snow last night. The open water areas are still open surprisingly. But that is a very good thing because you can see them. There are a number of different areas around the lake mostly out far that remain open. We have checked ice around the lake and find 4 inches at most places. A very strange spot at Howbert Point. You absolutely need to check ice as you proceed but after tonight it should be thicker and harder. Currently at 11:30 AM it is 15 degrees. There are a number of anglers currently on the ice. We made contact with a few. Most were not in the contest. Didn’t even know there was a contest.

HOURS: Planned hours were day after Christmas, everyday until the first contest January 10. We will be here as planned. Stop in and hopefully by weekend January 3 we will be on the ice.

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 OPEN FRIDAY THROUGH MONDAY 8:00AM TO 4:00PM SATURDAY OPEN 7:00AM CLOSED TUESDAY, WED, THURSDAY UNLESS WE ARE HERE. GUIDING SERVICES AVAILABLE 7 DAYS PER WEEK WITH RESERVATION.

PARK OPEN 24/7/365

WATER FLOW: 63.6 CFS IN 71.1 CFS OUT

WATER TEMP: 32

CPW ANNUAL WINTER STOCKING: Most of the fish put in the lake are dumped in the Winter. CPW found that mortality rates of stocking only catchable size 10-12 inches through the ice produced excellent results. They started this week ice or no it’s almost Winter. They stocked 33,000 Cuttbows at the North Shore.

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

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 wash boarded 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: Rocky Flats to points West. 01.08.26

PIC # 2: Big Dennis and little Larry LOL. Picking up contest prizes at Scheels. If you don’t know Dennis let me tell you he is the best!. He is the tackle manager at Scheels and I never met anyone so knowledgeable about all things tackle like Dennis. Search him out the next time your at Scheels.

PIC # 3: Striker Apex series floatation Coat and bibs. $449.00 each. Won’t find that price anywhere.

PIC # 4: Lazers and Tiny Tots made in USA by 11 Mile Marina.

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

Reservations and payments taken over the phone and purchases on line via credit card are secure.

Contact Us

11 Mile Marina