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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.
They call it the Dream Stream, but that’s a bit generous—more like the Stream of Earned Rewards. This isn’t a place where fish throw themselves at your flies. It’s where trout see you before you see them, and your best cast is judged like Olympic gymnastics. But when it all comes together? It's magic. A flash, a take, and a bend in the rod that justifies the long drive, the freezing fingers, and the guy in the parking lot who swore he caught a 30-incher (he didn’t).
May means the post-spawn blues are lifting. Rainbows are sliding back into feeding lanes, baetis are popping, and the browns are a little less suspicious—only a little. Flows are low and clear, so bring your A-game and your 6x. It's not easy, but that’s the point. If you wanted easy, you'd be at a stocked pond. This is the Dream Stream. It makes you earn every fish, and that’s why you’ll come back.
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Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 66–95 CFS
- Water Temperature: 44–48°F
- Air Temperature: 42–70°F
- Pressure: Moderate to high fishing pressure, especially mid-morning through early afternoon
- Clarity: Crystal clear
- Best Times to Fish: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. before afternoon wind picks up
Low flows mean fish are concentrated and spooky. Fish are feeding selectively on midges and small baetis. Cover water slowly and avoid casting shadows. Expect company—this stretch is never truly empty.
Hatch Chart – May 2025
| Month | Primary Hatches |
|---|---|
| March | Midges, Blue Wing Olives |
| April | Midges, Blue Wing Olives, Caddis |
| May | Midges, Blue Wing Olives, Caddis, early PMDs |
Top 3 Flies for May
Dry Fly
Parachute BWO, Size 18–20
Perfect for mid-morning risers sipping on the surface in slower runs.
Nymph
Tungsten Rainbow Warrior, Size 18
A bright attractor that cuts through current to get into the zone quickly.
Streamer
Mini Dungeon (White/Olive), Size 6
Works best early or late—swing it through deeper undercut banks.
Tips for Fly Fishing the Dream Stream
Seasonal Tip
Spring means post-spawn browns and pre-spawn rainbows. Give spawning redds space and look just downstream in deeper slots for hungry fish.
Dry Fly Fishing
Sight fishing is possible, but fish are selective. Use long leaders, delicate casts, and land flies upstream of feeding lanes. Dead drifts are critical.
Nymphing
Fish are suspended off the bottom in the late morning. Try a two-fly rig with light split shot and indicator set 1.5x the depth.
Streamer Fishing
Fish early or during cloud cover. Short strips and pauses are key in cold, clear water. Focus on structure, not speed.
Access Points
Upper Parking Lot (below Spinney Reservoir)
Classic runs and flats start immediately downstream. Easy to wade and good visibility.
Mid-River Bend
A popular turn in the river with a deep trough. Fish stage here during transitions.
Old Bridge Section
Tight banks and slightly deeper water. Sight fishing from the high bank is possible. Often overlooked.
Inlet Flats (above Eleven Mile Reservoir)
Skinny, technical water. Expect spooky fish and long casts, but great dry fly potential.
Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights
This entire section between Spinney and Eleven Mile is publicly accessible and part of the South Platte State Wildlife Area. Barbless hooks are recommended, and catch-and-release is encouraged. Do not wade through or target spawning redds, and always practice Leave No Trace principles.
FAQ on This Spot
What’s the best month to fish the Dream Stream?
October for the brown trout run and April for the rainbow spawn offer peak conditions.
Is this a good spot for beginners?
Not really. It’s technical, the fish are smart, and the pressure is high. Beginners should bring a guide or prepare to be humbled.
Can I fish the Dream Stream year-round?
Yes, but expect icy banks and slow fishing in winter. Summer can bring weeds and high winds. Spring and fall are ideal.
