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The Dream Stream, located between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoirs, remains one of Colorado’s most iconic tailwaters. With its gin-clear water, technical fish, and breathtaking valley views, it’s the proving ground for sight fishing and stealthy presentations.
Dream Stream Fly Fishing Report – July 14, 2025
The Dream Stream is living up to its name—if your dream includes crystal-clear flows, camera-shy trout, and weather that can’t decide between blissful breeze and unpredictable gusts. The water is in great shape, and fish are active, but time of day matters more than fly color this week.
Mornings are all about subtlety. Midday heat slows things down unless you're deep with nymphs. But late afternoons are showing a surprising amount of surface activity, especially on overcast days or when the wind drops just enough to let the bugs settle in. Bring a few fly options, an extra leader, and a little humility—you’ll need all three.
Listen to the Podcast
“Dreaming in Mid-July: Tricky Trout and Afternoon Risers”
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Conditions Summary
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Star Rating: 4/5 – Strong mid-summer patterns and active trout, but timing is critical
Flow Rate: ~105 CFS
Water Temp: 54–58°F
Air Temp: 78–84°F
Clarity: Gin-clear
Best Times: 7–11 AM, then 4–7 PM
Fishing Pressure: High, but tolerable with stealth and mobility
Wind: Gusty mid-day, calmer mornings and evenings
Dream Stream Hatch Chart
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| May | Midges, Baetis, Caddis | Zebra Midge (#20–22), RS2 (#20–22), Graphic Caddis (#16–18) |
| June | Caddis, PMDs, Tricos | Elk Hair Caddis (#16–18), Barr’s PMD Emerger (#18–20), Trico Spinner (#22–24) |
| July | Tricos, PMDs, Hoppers | Trico Spinner (#22–24), Foam Hopper (#10–12), RS2 (#20–22) |
Top 3 Flies for the Month
Dry Fly: Foam Hopper (#10–12) – Toss into grassy banks mid-morning through early afternoon; twitch for action.
Nymph: Trico Nymph (#22–24) – Dead drift mid-column in the early hours or when fish are sipping subsurface.
Streamer: Thin Mint (#10–12) – Swing through deeper runs when wind kills the hatch or during low-light windows.
Tips for Fly Fishing the Dream Stream
Seasonal Tip: Use the wind to your advantage. When it calms, bugs settle and dries reign. When it picks up, switch to nymphs or streamers.
Dry Fly: Target fish sipping tricos from 8–10 AM. Later in the day, hoppers along grassy banks draw aggressive takes—especially in the upper meadows.
Nymphing: Midday means stealth and depth. Use a small black RS2 or Trico Nymph on 6x fluorocarbon and don’t skip the unweighted emerger.
Streamer Fishing: When clouds roll in, dead drift or slow-strip small streamers along seams and undercut banks.
Access Points
Charlie Meyers SWA (Bridge 1 Area)
Fish hold in the slow tailouts and undercut banks here. Great visibility and bug life.
Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Upper Parking Lot Meadow Stretch
Wide-open dry fly water with fish patrolling edges. Tricky in full sun.
Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Below the Beaver Pond
A braided section that offers a break from the crowds and great nymphing.
Locals' Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥 Hot Spots
- Below the First Cattle Gate: Good trico spinners in early AM, and hoppers work once the sun heats the grass.
- Back Channel Near the Island: Less pressured and ideal for small dries or swinging a leech.
- Pocket Water by the Confluence: Streamers and hopper-dropper setups play well in the riffles.
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Respect private property boundaries and barbless hook regulations. Wading carefully is key in these shallow tailwaters to avoid spooking pods or trampling sensitive bank habitat.
FAQ on This Spot
What flies work best in July?
Trico spinners, foam hoppers, and RS2s dominate this month.
Is this a good spot for beginners?
Yes, but it’s technical. Fish are smart, and casting accurately in the wind is crucial.
When’s the best time to fish the Dream Stream?
7–11 AM and again 4–7 PM when fish rise or cruise edges.
Do I need waders this time of year?
Not strictly, but they help for positioning and stealth in deeper runs.
Is it all sight fishing?
Mostly, yes. Bring polarized glasses and patience.
