Where to Go South Platte River – Dream Stream
Current Reports
Open 9 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date 9/29/2026
Conditions:
Fall migration is beginning to take shape on the Dream Stream, with the first pushes of brown trout and Kokanee salmon moving upstream from Eleven Mile Reservoir. That seasonal movement is making egg patterns and small attractors increasingly relevant as more fish enter the system. Flows remain low and exceptionally clear at roughly 65 CFS, exposing gravel bars and concentrating both resident and migratory fish into deeper pool depressions, shelf drops, and undercut meadow banks. With limited water and excellent visibility, fish are especially easy to spook, so long leaders, light presentations, and a careful approach are essential.
Guide Report:
Ted Demitriou 9/26/2026
"Crowded! At least 10 cars in each parking lot. Trico and BWO hatch, got a few on Caddis too. No dry fly action"
Weather:
Short Term -
Daytime temperatures in the high 40's to mid 50's over the next few days with rain in the forecast for Wednesday. Weekend forecast should bring temps in the high 60's to low 70's with sunshine and a little bit of cloud cover.
Long Term -
Daytime highs cool into the mid-50s heading into next week, with overnight temperatures dropping near freezing. Overcast fall days will trigger stronger Blue-Winged Olive hatches and encourage more migratory fish to enter the system.
Hatches:
Primary hatches consist of small #22-26 Midges and #18-22 Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs), particularly on overcast afternoons. Late-morning Trico spinner falls are tapering off but still present in quiet tailouts. Terrestrial activity (hoppers, ants, beetles) remains a factor during warm, windy afternoons along grassy banks.
Tactics:
With thin, clear water, downsize your indicator to a micro-yarn or strike putty, or switch to a dry-dropper setup. Run 10- to 12-foot leaders down to 6x or 7x fluorocarbon. Lead with an attractor or trigger pattern—such as an egg pattern, pink worm, or UV scud—to catch the eye of lake-run fish, and trail a micro midge or BWO emerger.
Tips:
Keep a low profile on the approach; walking right to the grassy bank edge will send vibrations through the water and spook entire runs. Focus your efforts on the deeper transition seams and dark slots where fish feel secure in low water. Keep a thermometer handy to ensure water temperatures remain suitable during bright afternoons.
Photo by Phil Tereyla
This is an area where we offer guided fly fishing trips. There is no better way to learn an area like the Dream Stream than hiring one of our Orvis-endorsed professional guides!
Recommended Fly Patterns
Dry Fly Patterns
- Para Midge, size #20-24
- "Greased" RS2, sizes #18-24
- Hackle Stacker, size #18-22
- Micro Chubby, sizes #14-16
- Juan's 180 Degree Trico, size #20-24
Nymph Patterns
- Juan's Bling Midge, size #20-22
- Tungsten Bead Pheasant Tail, size #18-22
- Manhattan Midge, Red, size #18-22
- Massacre Midge Brown, #20-22
- Barr's Emerger BWO, size #18-22
Streamer Patterns
- Baby Gonga, Black
- Flatliner, White
- Slump Buster, Olive
Anglers Covey Bug Of The MOnth:
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!
River Details:
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 park pass fee to park in the last lot below Spinney.
"I love fishing the Trico hatch on the Dream Stream through September, as the hatches run strong though months end. Cover your bases with a parachute Trico trailed by a clear wing spinner throughout the morning hatch for best results!"
- Kenny Romero
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.