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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.
October on the Dream Stream is the season every angler waits for — cold nights, golden grass, and big browns pushing upstream like ghosts in shallow water. Bring your small flies, steady nerves, and a net big enough to dream.
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Conditions at a Glance
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- Flow: 82 CFS at Elevenmile ⬇
- Water Temp: 51°F ⬇
- Air Temp: 34–66°F
- Clarity: Clear to lightly stained
- Pressure: High (peak brown trout season)
- Best Times: 8–11 AM for Tricos, mid-afternoon for BWOs
- Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐⭐
- Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Flows are low but stable, with clear water and heavy brown trout movement. The bite peaks mid-morning on Trico spinners, and afternoons bring reliable action on baetis emergers and small streamers.
Seasonal Note: Kokanee Salmon in the Dream Stream
Every fall, as water temps dip below 55°F, a small but exciting migration of kokanee salmon makes its way out of Eleven Mile Reservoir and into the Dream Stream. These landlocked sockeye turn brilliant red with dark green heads, stacking up in deeper runs and gravel pockets through October.
It’s not a massive run every year. Some seasons see dozens, others only a handful, but when they’re in, they add a flash of color and fight to this already legendary stretch. Look for pods holding in deeper pools near the upper reaches, and approach them with stealth. Small egg patterns, red San Juans, and natural scuds can all move fish when they’re staged up.
Hatch Chart – October
| Hatch | Size | When to Fish | How to Fish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tricos | #22–24 | 8–11 AM | CDC Spinner, Trico Comparadun, long slick drifts | Early pods near tailouts, very technical fishing |
| BWOs | #20–22 | 12–3 PM | Sparkle Dun, Barr’s Emerger, soft hackle swing | Overcast afternoons bring consistent risers |
| Midges | #22–24 | All day | Zebra Midge, Top Secret Midge under indicator | Key subsurface pattern during slow hours |
📥 Download the Full South Platte Hatch Chart PDF (printable + mobile-friendly).
Top 3 Flies for the Month
- Dry Fly: CDC Trico Spinner #22–24, Hi-Vis BWO Parachute #20–22
- Nymph: RS2 (black or gray) #22, Barr’s BWO Emerger #20–22, Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger #20
- Streamer: Mini Dungeon #10 olive, Thin Mint Bugger #10
Tips Fly Fishing on the Dream Stream
- Browns are staging — sight fish shallow gravel early, avoid redds.
- Drift Trico spinners gently over pods in slicks.
- Cloudy afternoons are best for BWO emergers and soft hackles.
- Nymph rigs with RS2 and Barr’s Emergers outperform on clear days.
- Swing small streamers along the banks after noon when the sun softens.
Access Points
| Access Point | Description | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Trail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Parking Lot (near Elevenmile) | Upper tailwater section | Consistent deep runs, spawning browns nearby | Good | Moderate | Easy |
| Middle Section | Broad riffles and gravel beds | Great visibility and active Trico pods | Good | Easy | Easy |
| Charlie Meyers SWA | Lower reach near Spinney | Good structure, less pressure mid-day | Moderate | Moderate | Easy |
Local Regulations & Landowner Notes
- Artificial flies and lures only, catch-and-release recommended.
- Stay clear of active redds — spawning browns are vulnerable.
- Respect private property boundaries near fencelines.
FAQ on this Spot
- When is the Dream Stream best in October?
Mid-morning through early afternoon — Tricos early, BWOs mid-day. - What’s the best fly setup?
Two-fly rig: baetis emerger with a midge dropper, or Trico dry with RS2 trailer. - Are streamers working yet?
Yes, smaller olive or black streamers are taking staging browns near deeper slots. - How clear is the water?
Clear to lightly stained; stealth and long leaders are essential. - What’s the crowd like this month?
Heavy — early starts or weekday sessions help avoid pressure. - What tippet sizes are working best?
6X for dries, 5X for nymphs, 4X for streamers. - What’s the top hatch right now?
Tricos in the morning, BWOs in the afternoon. - Any special notes for brown trout spawn?
Don’t target fish on redds; focus on deeper pools below spawning zones.
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