Where to Go South Platte River – Dream Stream
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date 7/25/2026
Conditions:
The Dream Stream is starting to warm up early in the day. The best fishing will be just before and at first light. This will also be the height of the dry fly opportunities. As the day progresses, keep an eye on the water temps. If you see it hit 68 degrees ferenheight, it is a good idea to reel up for the day.
Guide Report:
Josh Heney - 7-9-2026
Tricos were insane in the morning. 3hrs of dry fly fishing
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.
Weather:
Short Term -
Storms have been slight and intermittent over the last week. Today is warm and partly cloudy, but no rain in the forecast. (Hopefully they are wrong).
Long Term -
Next week looks to be similar to the week we are coming off. Sunday and Tuesday are forecasted for full sun, but the rest of the week has some moisture in the mix. Plan (and hope for) afternoon thunderstorms to roll through in the mid to late afternoon hours. Make sure to pack your rain jacket. Even if it is wishful thinking!
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:
Fish will be spread out and looking for refuge. Cover water and look for feeding trout or prime lays. Cutbanks are a great option! Don't overlook shallow riffles. This faster-moving, oxygenated water is just what the fish need right now.
Tips:
As mentioned above, get yourself up early and hit this section of the South Platte as early as you can muster. Tailwater tiny is the name of the game up here. Especially when the Tricos are around. A good presentation is key!
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
- Trico Spinners, sizes #20-26
- "Greased" RS2, sizes #18-24
- Sprout Midge, sizes #18-24
- Micro Chubby, sizes #14-16
- Bionic Ant, sizes #12-14
Nymph Patterns
- Buckskin Caddis, size 18-20
- Bling Midge, size 20-22
- Split Back PMD, size 18-22
- Guide's Choice Hare's Ear, size 14-18
- Massacre Midge Brown, 20-22
- Barrs Graphic Caddis, Tan and Green, size 14-18
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!
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.