.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
.png)
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.
Updated: January 12, 2025
The South Platte River at the Dream Stream is settled into a stable winter tailwater pattern. Flows are low and consistent, water clarity is excellent, and trout are holding deep in slow, defined seams. Feeding activity is concentrated into short midday windows when sunlight warms the flats and edges.
This week’s Dream Stream fly fishing report centers on subtlety. Midges dominate the menu, with occasional baetis activity during calm, overcast afternoons. Fish are present and feeding, but presentations must be quiet, drifts must be clean, and depth control matters more here than anywhere else on the Front Range.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
%20(5).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(5).png)
- 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
.png?width=900&height=1613&name=unnamed%20(43).png)
Weather
Littleton Weather
Expect open meadow winter conditions. Mornings are cold with heavy frost, and wind can shut down activity quickly. Calm, sunny days produce the best fishing. Cloud cover shortens feeding windows significantly.
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
- WD-40 22 to 24
- JuJu Baetis 20 to 22
- Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Mini Leech (black) 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Waterton Quiet-Feet Midge Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn, no plastic micro pinch on indicators. They don't work as well in the wind here and end up in the river.
- Lead Fly: JuJu Baetis or Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Dropper: Mercury Midge or Black Beauty 22 to 24
- Weight: Light split shot placed 12 to 18 inches above the lead fly
- Target Water: Deep troughs, slow walking speed seams, inside bends
Hatch Chart for January
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 20 to 22 | Rare winter activity on mild afternoons |
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
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
