Boating at Eleven Mile
Click here for information on seasonal closure conditions.
Boating Rules and Regulations
Please learn about Colorado's boating statutes and regulations. Safety and information handouts are also available at the park office.
Precautions
Sudden storms with strong winds and high waves can develop quickly at Eleven Mile. If you see storm clouds building on the horizon, please exercise caution by heading closer towards shore. Those same clouds will begin making their presence known on the lake very quickly. Underwater hazards are frequently found in the reservoir and not all are marked. Boaters should be especially careful when within 150 feet of any shoreline.
ATTENTION ALL FISHERMEN:
The threat of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) is a very real threat that affects everybody. AIS species can destroy facilities, ecosystems and recreational equipment alike. It is in nobodies interest to allow their introduction into a "clean" reservoir.
Recently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists confirmed the presence of two invasive species, New Zealand mud snails (NZMS) and a plant called Eurasian water milfoil (EWM) in Eleven Mile Reservoir. Spinney Mountain Reservoir is still "clean" as far as parks and wildlife officials know. NZMS primarily feed on algae and aquatic plants, and can crowd out other desired fish and invertebrate species. EWM is an aggressive aquatic plant that out competes native plants and can form large strands on the surface of the water, which can entangle motors and degrade the quality of recreational boating opportunities. As of 26 Aug 2011, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be conducting boat inspections on all trailered vessels that are intending to either be launched on or removed from the reservoir. Belly boats, canoes and kayaks without motors are still exempted if they do not arrive on a trailer. But, we need the help of every boater and fisherman that uses the reservoir. It is critical for the boating and fishing public to fully cooperate in order to protect boating and fishing opportunities not only at Eleven Mile Reservoir, but all water impoundments within Colorado and prevent the spread of these damaging organisms.
Mandatory inspections of all non-exempt vessels will be conducted at either boat ramp (when open for use) and must be completed satisfactorily prior to launching on the reservoir or exiting from the boat ramp parking lot. Any vessel, float tube or belly boat that is found to be contaminated will be refused admittance to the reservoir until that vessel, float tube or belly boat is satisfactorily decontaminated. Owner's of any vessel, float tube or belly boat found to be contaminated after being removed from Eleven Mile Reservoir will be assisted by parks and wildlife staff in ensuring that the vessel, float tube or belly boat is "clean" prior to exiting the boat ramp parking lot. It is illegal in Colorado to knowingly transport ANS. Full decontamination can be done by park staff through the boating season at the Eleven Mile Shop by appointment only between the hours of 7 AM until 5 PM daily. Owners should be aware that an inspection at Eleven Mile Reservoir will be required every time the vessel enters or leaves the ramp area for launching or loading unless the vessel has an untampered inspection strap attached to its bow and affixing it to the trailer that was placed upon it at Eleven Mile State Park when entering the ramp lot. EFFECTIVE April 03, 2012: Boating will be permited on the lake starting this date. Mandatory vessel inspections for ANS will be conducted ONLY at the Eleven Mile North Shore Boat Ramp Parking Lot from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. The Witchers Cove boat ramp and inspection station will remain closed for the season until Friday, May 25, 2012. Launching is prohibited without an inspection, as is removing a boat from the boat ramp parking lot without an inspection. Both the reservoir and boat ramp are closed to boating 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise. We ask that you arrive at the inspection station with your vessel clean, drained and dry. Vessels that arrive in a dirty condition will not be inspected and will not be allowed to launch. EFFECTIVE May 25, 2012: Mandatory vessel inspections for ANS will be conducted at BOTH the Eleven Mile North Shore Boat Ramp Parking Lot from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Launching is prohibited without an inspection, as is removing a boat from the boat ramp parking lot without an inspection. Both the reservoir and boat ramp are closed to boating 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise. We ask that you arrive at the inspection station with your vessel clean, drained and dry. Vessels that arrive in a dirty condition will not be inspected and will not be allowed to launch. EFFECTIVE NOV 01st, 2012: The lake is closed to all boating. All ramps and all inspections stations are closed for the season by this date.
How Can You Help?
Before leaving any lake or other waterway, fishermen and boaters should:
Additional contact information for Zebra Mussels policies and strategies:
See the park's homepage for current weather conditions. Boat rentals are available from 11 Mile Marina.