Dream Stream Fly Fishing Report – Kokanee, Big Browns & Pure Fall Chaos

Welcome to the Dream Stream — Colorado’s fall version of rush hour.
Kokanee are flashing, browns are building redds, rainbows are crashing the party, and somewhere in between, your fly’s about to get wrecked.
It’s loud, chaotic, and absolutely worth it — if you know where to stand.

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Conditions Summary

Flows are holding steady around the low 90s CFS with excellent clarity. Morning temps are crisp, and fish are active mid-day once the water warms. The kokanee run is mid-peak, browns are spawning, and trout are feeding heavily on drifting eggs and midges. Expect traffic near the parking lot but solitude farther downstream.

• Flow: ~95 CFS ⬆ slightly
• Water Temp: 45–50 °F
• Air Temp: 30–65 °F
• Clarity: Clear
• Pressure: Heavy weekends / light mid-week
• Best Times: 10 AM – 2:30 PM
• Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐☆
• Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
• Streamer Score: ⭐⭐⭐☆

Conditions Note:
The bite is strong mid-day as fish key on eggs and emergers. Bright mornings are slow, but clouds and light wind spark action across riffles and transition runs.

October Hatch Chart

Top 3 Dry Flies for October

1. Parachute BWO #20–22 – Active mid-day over smooth tailouts.
2. Hi-Vis Adams #18–20 – Great for sight fishing or dry-dropper rigs.
3. Griffith’s Gnat #22–24 – Use during light midge hatches under calm skies.

Top 3 Nymphs for October

1. Unreal Egg (Oregon Cheese #14–16) – Primary producer behind kokanee lanes.
2. RS2 (Gray #20–22) – Key trailer below eggs or BWOs.
3. Zebra Midge (Black #22–24) – Excellent second dropper in slower seams.

Streamer of the Month

Mini Leech (Olive #12) – Fish below riffles in transition water; slow swings or gentle twitches trigger opportunistic browns and bows.

Tips Fly Fishing the Dream Stream

• Target lanes below redds, not on them — that’s where the feeders sit.
• Focus mid-day as water temps rise; early mornings are too cold.
• Light wind = perfect BWO hatch window.
• Carry both egg rigs and small dry-droppers — versatility wins.
• Avoid weekends if possible; walk at least 20 minutes from parking for space.

Access Points

• Parking Lot to Cable Hole: High pressure, active kokanee.
• Mid-Section (below bridge): Excellent egg-midge drift water.
• Downstream Flats: Fewer anglers, more cruising browns and rainbows.

Local Regulations & Notes

• Artificial flies and lures only.
• Catch-and-release encouraged; avoid fishing active redds.
• Stay clear of spawning beds — fish below the activity.
• Respect other anglers — it’s shoulder season, literally.

FAQ on the Dream Stream

Q: Are the kokanee running?
A: Yes — pods are moving upstream and visible near deeper gravel transitions.

Q: Are the browns spawning?
A: Absolutely. Avoid clean gravel redds and focus on drift lanes below them.

Q: What’s the best time to fish right now?
A: Mid-day, 10 AM to 2:30 PM. That’s the Power Window.

Q: What’s the best rig for eggs and BWOs?
A: Unreal Egg to RS2 dropper on 5X tippet, light split shot, and tight drifts.

Q: Can you throw streamers?
A: Yes — smaller leeches and buggers work great in off-color sections.

Q: Is the bite still strong after the spawn?
A: Yes. Post-spawn rainbows feed heavily behind the action well into November.

Q: Are crowds bad?
A: On weekends, yes. Hit it mid-week or early for more space.

Q: What rod setup works best?
A: 9’ 5-wt with floating line; longer leader helps for sight nymphing.

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