Dream Stream Fishing Report December 2025 | Winter Flows, Hatches, Access

Updated: December 8, 2025

The Dream Stream is locked into its winter rhythm: low, clear flows, icy water, and trout stacking in deeper bends and troughs. Week over week, flows remain stable, clarity improved slightly, and the midday window offers the only consistent activity. Expect spooky fish, tiny bugs, and a technical midge grind. Patience matters here more than anywhere else in South Park.

Listen to the Audio Overview

Conditions Summary

• Flow: ~70 CFS, stable week over week and classically low for winter
• Water Temperature: Mid 30s to low 40s, slight midday rise drives all feeding
• Air Temperature: Mid 20s to low 40s; frost early, mild warmth midday
• Clarity: Very clear, long-leader conditions
• Crowds: Light, especially on weekdays
• Best Window: 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. when the sun finally warms the valley
• Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing, because trout are conserving energy in deep holding water

Weather

Expect bright but cold high-desert winter conditions: frosty mornings, stubborn wind in open meadows, and the occasional warm push when clouds trap heat. Once the shadows stretch across the valley, the bite drops instantly.

Top Flies in Your Box This Week

• Black Beauty 20–26
• Mercury Midge 20–22
• Top Secret Midge 22–24
• WD-40 20–24
• RS2 (black/gray) 20–22
• Foam Wing Emerger 22–24
• Olive Scud 16–18
• Rainbow Warrior 20
• Flashback PT 20
• Mini Leech 12–14 (very sparingly)

Pro Rig of the Week: The South Park Snowline Rig

• Indicator: Minimal yarn, white or natural
• Lead Fly: Black Beauty 22
• Dropper: RS2 black 22–24
• Weight: One small split shot, 12 inches above lead fly
• Target Water: Deep winter buckets, slow inside seams, troughs behind low weedbeds

Hatch Chart for December

Access Points

Charlie Meyers SWA – Upper Parking Area
Easy access to excellent winter holding water; deeper bends and mid-channel cuts.
⭐ 5.0

Bridges Area
Classic Dream Stream troughs and soft edges with the least foot traffic.
⭐ 4.7

Lower Meadows
Wind-exposed but exceptional sight-nymphing during bright midday hours.
⭐ 4.4

Cattle Guard Stretch
Consistent winter bucket water and subtle depth transitions.
⭐ 4.6

Downstream Fence Line
Low flows make stealth essential; great micro-structure.
⭐ 4.3

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

FAQ

Q: Is the Dream Stream worth fishing in December?
A: Yes, but expect extremely technical, small-bug winter fishing with limited feeding windows.

Q: What rig works best here right now?
A: A two-midge nymph rig with long tippet and minimal weight is the most productive.

Q: Do trout rise in winter?
A: Rarely. Look for isolated midge clusters on windless afternoons.

Q: How far should I walk for less pressure?
A: Past the bridges section the traffic drops significantly.

Q: Can streamers work here in winter?
A: Very low odds unless cloud cover and warmth align perfectly.

Q: What is the biggest mistake anglers make?
A: Fishing too fast and with too much weight. Winter here is all about micro-adjustments.

Companion Article for December

Colorado Winter Trout Fishing Strategy & Behavior Guide

Photo of the Week

Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters

Book Colorado Trout Hunters for Private Waters and Top access along the South Platte