Where to Go South Platte River – Dream Stream
Current Reports
Open 9 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date 9/5/2026
Voluntary closure 12 pm - 12 am daily - CPW
Conditions:
Flows out of Spinney Mountain Reservoir are holding low and clear around 64 cfs. CPW voluntary thermal fishing closures remain in effect from noon to midnight due to high water temperatures in this unshaded prairie stretch. Heavy Labor Day weekend crowds are lining the river, concentrating pressure around the main parking lots and upper gauge sections. Low volume combined with high angler traffic makes these resident trout extremely skittish. Plan to fish at first light and wrap up by mid-morning to protect stressed fish.
Guide Report:
Early start to the day; fish were on small mayflies, RS2, Sniper Beatis, etc. After 9 caddis patterns.
Weather:
Short Term -
Temperatures will top out near 72 degrees today. South Park winds will build steadily by early afternoon, gusting between 15 and 20 mph. Scattered clouds will develop after midday with a slight chance of a brief passing rain shower.
Long Term -
Expect high temperatures to hold consistently in the lower 70s over the coming week, with chilly night drops into the upper 30s. Sunny morning skies will give way to brief afternoon wind spikes and scattered cloud cover before clearing out heading into the weekend.
Hatches:
Early mornings offer a brief Trico spinner fall in the slow tailouts and meanders. Midges remain active subsurface throughout the morning. Grasshoppers, ants, and beetles are getting active along the grassy banks as mid-morning warmth and winds pick up.
Tactics:
Rig with 9 to 12 foot leaders tapered down to 6X or 7X fluorocarbon tippet. A lightweight dry dropper setup using a size 14 foam ant or small hopper trailing a size 20 to 22 Trico spinner or midge pupa is effective along shallow bank edges. For deeper meanders and slots, switch to a small yarn indicator or wool marker with micro nymphs like size 20 to 22 Black Beauties, RS2s, or chocolate midges.
Tips:
Walk far beyond the primary access points to target less pressurized water, focusing on deeper undercut banks, beaver structure, and hidden slots. Keep a low profile against the flat meadow landscape to avoid casting long shadows over feeding fish. Carry a stream thermometer and stop fishing immediately if water temperatures approach 65 degrees.
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.