Amid the impending drainage of Antero Reservoir – a move by Denver Water that’s meant to save water from evaporation amid drought via the transfer of the water to Cheesman Reservoir in Sedalia – anglers can expect other Park County impacts, as well.

According to a report from Eleven Mile and Spinney Mountain State Parks, the movement of the water will mean that from May 2nd into June increased flows can be expected on the South Platte. Per that report, this will make fishing the river in Spinney Mountain State Wildlife Area and State Park very difficult, with similar impacts expected on Dream Stream and in Eleven Mile Canyon, as well.

Larger than normal flows are expected, with off-color water also possible. It’s also worth noting that impacts for the mentioned bodies of water won’t just been seen during the period the water is moved, but after it, too. Following the transfer, lower-than-normal water flows are expected, attributed to current and ongoing drought conditions.

While the water transfer is unlikely to impact Spinney Mountain Reservoir or Eleven Mile Reservoir from an operational standpoint, drought might – particularly at Spinney Mountain, where boat ramps are unlikely to be available this year. Given the impacts to boating and fishing elsewhere, crowding is expected at Eleven Mile throughout the season. Visitors have been asked to arrive early for the best chance at gaining access and to be patient with staff when capacity protocols are implemented.

“While it’s out of our control what nature brings us, we are excited to see many of you this summer in South Park,” reads a report from the impacted state parks.

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