Where to Go South Platte River – Dream Stream
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Report Date: 7/8/2026
Current Conditions:
The Dream Stream (Charlie Meyer State Wildlife Area) is a little finicky right now. The early morning hours are fishing great, 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. CPW has finished moving the water from Antero downstream through this section of the South Platte. Word is that the current flows will remain for the immediate future. On top of that we are getting our daily wind events starting late morning and continuing through midday.
Hatches:
Trico’s 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.
Tactics:
Make changes. With all the bug activity, and lower clear water, the fish will be picky and key in on a specific insect. Early in the day, focus on smaller flies. Mainly midges. As things warm up, the fish will adjust too. Look for the Trico's and Caddis to appear mid morning. Keep an eye on surface activity and change flies regularly. (After ensuring you are getting a solid drift and presentation.
Weather:
Short Term- RAIN! A slight bit of rain in our forecast for today and tomorrow. Fingers crossed that we get dumped on and see good moisture out of it. The South Platte needs some water!
Long Term- While we have some precipitation in the near future, the longer outlook does seem to be dry. A mostly sunny forecast with temps in the upper 70’s to see us through the week next week.
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 Cinammon 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.