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.

Dream Stream Fly Fishing Report – August 22, 2025

The Dream Stream is showing its classic late-summer personality: low, clear, and technical. Flows are holding around 112–155 CFS, mornings are crisp, and trout are on the hunt for small bugs and well-placed terrestrials. Sight-fishing is excellent at first light, while hopper-dropper rigs pick up fish as the sun climbs. By midday, rising water temps push trout into survival mode, so your best window is dawn to late morning.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: ~112–155 CFS
• Water Temp: ~58°F mornings, climbing toward 68°F by midday
• Air Temp: Cool mornings, highs in the 70s
• Clarity: Crystal clear, classic sight-fishing water
• Best Times: 6–10 AM; action fades as temps spike
• Fishing Pressure: Moderate — stealth and mobility required
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (great mornings, technical and rewarding)
  
  

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Dream Stream Hatch Chart

Flies to Try – Dream Stream

Nymphs

• Sparkle Wing RS2 (gray/olive) – 20–24
• Barr’s BWO Emerger – 18–20
• Zebra Midge – 20–24
• Juju Baetis – 20–22

Dries

• CDC Biot Trico Spinner – 22–24
• Griffith’s Gnat – 22–26
• Parachute Adams – 20–22
• Amy’s Ant – 14
• Black Beetle – 16

Streamers

• Baby Gonga (olive/brown)
• Thin Mint Bugger – 8–10
• Slump Buster – 6–10

Tips for Fishing the Dream Stream

• Morning: Key in on trico spinner falls; sight-fishing in tailouts is excellent.
• Mid-Morning: Switch to PMD emergers or light nymph rigs.
• Afternoon: Hopper-dropper rigs and terrestrials work if temps stay under 68°F.
• Rigging: Long leaders (12–14 ft), 6X fluorocarbon, and quiet approaches are non-negotiable.

Access Points

FAQs – Dream Stream

Q: Why stop fishing mid-day?
A: Temps spike above 68°F, stressing trout. Morning only is the ethical choice.

Q: Do terrestrials work here?
A: Yes — ants, beetles, and hoppers all move fish from late morning on.

Q: What’s the top hatch right now?
A: Tricos at first light, PMDs mid-morning.

Q: Is streamer fishing viable?
A: Yes, but only small, natural streamers in low-light conditions.

Q: How crowded is it?
A: Moderate — the earlier you start, the more space you’ll find.

Q: Best rod setup?
A: 9’ 4–5 weight with long leaders and fine tippet.

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