Where to Go South Platte River – Dream Stream
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SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 7/15/2026
Current Conditions:
The Dream Stream (Charlie Meyer State Wildlife Area) continues to hold just below 100cfs. We are thankful for these flows considering the drought year we are in. Fishing is great in the early morning, but things are warming up fast. While the Dream is a tailwater, its exposure allows it to heat up faster than other tailwaters on the South Platte System. Keep an eye on those water temps!
Guide Report -
Ted Demetriou - 7/9/2026
100cfs. Big trico hatch but didn’t get much dry action. Some BWO dry eats. Trico nymphs, Caddis Emergers, Yellow
Sally nymphs. Adult sallies in the air but didn’t get any fish on Sally dries. PMD nymphs got 1-2.
Hatches:
Tricos are our main hatch right now. Fish do key in on this hatch, but they can still be opportunistic. Throwing a larger attractor terrestrial can be a great way to fool fish. And as always, don't rule out Midges and Blue Wings when the water temps are a bit colder.
Tactics:
Don't get stuck with a rig or hole for too long. Because the fish are picky and there is a lot for them to choose from right now, keep changing flies until you get it dialed in. Moving and covering water can make a big difference as well. Look for fish in the riffles and near undercut banks.
Photo by Phil Tereyla
Weather:
Short Term- Rain is back in the forecast for today! Hopefully they are right. Topping out at 76 degrees and rain is just where we want to be!
Long Term- Hit or miss this week as far as showers go. Right now the forecast shows potential for showers in the afternoons of Wednesday and Thursday. We have a partly cloudy weekend in store and possibly more rain next week!!!
Pikes Peak Trout Unlimited has recently installed water temperature sensors here. Check out the water temps HERE
RECOMMENDED PATTERNS
For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here!
Our Top 6 Nymphs for Today:
- RS2, Grey, size 22
- Iron Sally, size 16
- Massacre Midge Brown, sizes 20-22
- Krypotine Caddis, Green, sizes 16-18
- Flashback Pheasant Tail, sizes 18-20
- Barrs Emerger, PMD, sizes 20-22
Our Top Dry Flies for Today:
- Mole Fly, Natural. Size 20-24
- Stubby Chubby, UV Cinnamon sizes 12-16
- Goddard Caddis, sizes 16-18
- Compardun, PMD, size 18-20
- Trico Spinner, sizes 20-26
Our Top Streamer Patterns for Today:
- Kreelex, Olive, size 6
- Mini Flatliner, Brown/White, size 8
- Tips up, Tan, size 2
- Sculpzilla, Batural, 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.