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The Dream Stream remains one of the most technical and rewarding stretches of the South Platte River in winter. Clear water, slow moving trout, and open meadow exposure make this section unforgiving but honest. When conditions align, it offers some of the most consistent winter tailwater fishing near Denver for anglers willing to slow down and fish precisely.
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Updated: 01/19/2026
The Dream Stream is holding in a classic winter meadow pattern. Water is clear, flows are steady, and trout are positioned deep in slow troughs, inside bends, and soft walking-speed seams. There is very little margin for error right now. Fish are present and feeding, but only when drifts are clean and approaches are quiet.
Midday remains the only reliable window. Once shadows stretch across the meadow and wind picks up, activity drops quickly.
This week is about restraint. Long leaders, minimal weight, and patience are doing more work than fly changes.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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- Flow: Low and stable winter South Platte tailwater flows
- Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s with slight midday increase
- Air Temperature: High teens to low 40s depending on sun exposure
- Clarity: Very clear
- Crowds: Light to moderate with more pressure near parking areas
- Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with small midges and long drifts
Weather
Expect cold starts and open exposure. Wind matters here more than almost anywhere else on the South Platte. Calm, sunny days are worth planning around. Cloud cover or steady wind shortens feeding windows dramatically.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 22 to 24
- Mercury Midge 22 to 24
- Zebra Midge (black or red) 22 to 24
- RS2 (gray or black) 22 to 24
- JuJu Baetis 20 to 22
- Mini Leech (black) 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Waterton Quiet-Feet Midge Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn indicator or tight-line approach
- Lead Fly: RS2 20
- Dropper: Black Beauty 22
- Weight: Minimal, just enough to reach depth without dragging
- Target Water: Deep meadow troughs, inside bends, slow mid-channel lanes
Hatch Chart for January
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18–26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18–22 | Limited, best during calm mild afternoons |
| Scuds | 14–18 | Secondary option in deeper meadow water |
Access Points
Dream Stream Parking Area ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Primary access with immediate exposure to productive winter water.
Middle Meadows Flats ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Long slow seams and deep lanes where trout hold during winter.
Upper Trough Sections ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Less pressure and better holding water if you are willing to walk.
Lower Confluence Water ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Technical water with heavy pressure but consistent fish.
Stop Here After The River
Highline Cafe and Saloon, Hartsel
A true South Park stop. Ranch hands, locals, tired anglers, strong coffee, and the kind of green chile you swear you’ve had before but never quite this good. Order the buffalo burger or the chicken fried steak and shake off the wind before heading home.
Local Regulations & Notes
- Artificial flies only
- Watch for redds in shallow gravel zones
- Ice shelves can form overnight near undercut banks
- Afternoons offer the only consistent fish movement
- Avoid trampling frozen banks and spawning gravel
- Pack out everything, grab other trash you see. Make it better than it was without changing how its supposed to be.
FAQ
Is the Dream Stream Good for Fly Fishing Right Now?
Yes, when conditions cooperate. Calm, sunny days produce short but meaningful feeding windows, especially late morning. Windy days can shut the river down almost completely.
How Far Is the Dream Stream from Fairplay?
The Dream Stream is approximately 12 miles north of Fairplay, making it one of the most accessible and well-known stretches of fly fishing in South Park.
Q: Why is the Dream Stream so technical in winter?
A: Ultra-clear water, low flows, and constant pressure force trout to feed selectively and move very little.
Q: Is it harder than Deckers in winter?
A: Yes. The Dream Stream demands longer leaders, lighter weight, and more patience.
Q: Are dry flies ever an option right now?
A: Rarely. Subsurface midge patterns dominate winter success.
Q: What tippet works best?
A: 6X is standard, with 5X occasionally used for the lead fly.
Q: When does the bite shut down?
A: Typically early afternoon once wind increases or sunlight fades.
Companion Article for December
Photo of the Month
Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters
Book Colorado Trout Hunters for Private Waters and Top access along the South Platte
