Where to Go South Platte River – Dream Stream
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Photo by Phil Tereyla
Pikes Peak Trout Unlimited has recently installed water temperature sensors here. Check out the water temps HERE
Report Date: 6/11/2025
Current Conditions:
The flows on the Dream dropped a couple of days ago and are now at 66 cfs. These are very low flows for this area. Water temps will undoubtedly become a concern this week. We have already seen water temps reach 70 degrees the last 2 days. Please keep tabs on water temps and refrain from fishing in water temps of 68 degrees or more. If you are fishing here, start early and end early. The fishing has been ok, but you can tell these fish need some more water. The dry fly fishing has been decent in the mornings. This is an ideal time to fish with dry/dropper or hopper/dropper rigs.
Hatches:
We are seeing midges, some BWO's, caddis, and even some Tricos right now. With the low flows we have seen some pretty good dry fly fishing, although the fish are super spooky. Lots of bug life on the river right now!
Tactics:
First and foremost, start early and end early. I cant believe we are already talking about water temps and its not even mid June. Anglers will see some good dry fly and dry dropper fishing in the mornings. This is a great time to really cover water as well.
Weather:
Short Term- It looks like the rain machine may take a little break this week. Rain chances will still be present, just not to the extent we have seen over the last few weeks. This week will be warm with temps in the 70's. Rain chances are around the 20-40% range through the week and will decrease as we head into next weekend. Temps will continue to warm and we will be in the upper 70's/low 80's by Sunday.
Long Term- Looking past the weekend, it looks like we will have more of the same. Temps will remain in the 70's and it will be beautiful. We will still have daily rain chances, but any rain should be short lived. Longer range forecasts are hinting at a drier and warmer stretch of weather as we head through June. Its summer and its definitely going to feel like it.
Tips:
Please be mindful of the water temps here!
RECOMMENDED PATTERNS
For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here!
Our Top 6 Nymphs for Today:
- Graphic caddis, tan, size 16
- RS2, black, sizes 20-22
- Jedi master, olive, grey, size 20
- Stalcups baetis, olive, size 20-22
- Buckskin, sizes 18-22
- Galloups UV caddis pupa, size 18
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole Fly, natural. Size 18-22
- Parachute Adams, size 20-24
- Elk Hair caddis, sizes 16-18
- Amys Ant, green/red, size 14
- Chubby, royal, size 14-16
Our Top Streamer Patterns for Today:
- Peanut, olive, size 6-8
- Sculpzilla, natural, size 6
- Slumpbuster, black/brown. Size 4
- Thin mint, black, sizes 6-8
Standard nymph rig set up for the South Platte:
Screenshot the diagram above to reference while you're out on the water!
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!
The South Platte River below Spinney Reservoir is known to most local anglers as the "Dream Stream." This tailwater doesn't have many hold over fish and is subject to high wind speeds and inclement weather. The spring and fall have been the Dream Stream's saving grace because of the spawns. Large rainbows and cutthroat trout move into the river in the spring, and Large browns and kokanee salmon move in in the fall. There is no camping available next to the river; however, several great campgrounds are downstream along Elevenmile Reservoir. There is a $9 parks pass fee to park in the last lot below Spinney.
This is an area we specialize and are permitted to guide in, so give us a shout if you have any questions or if you are interested in allowing one of our Orvis-Endorsed guides show you how best to conquer South Platte River – Dream Stream.