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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.
Dream Stream Fly Fishing Report – July 3, 2025
Dream Stream is glistening under summer high-altitude sun, flows hovering around 104 CFS are low, but fish are actively feeding on top. Expect a bug buffet: PMDs, caddis, tricos, midges, and even early yellow sallies are keeping trout keyed into dry-dropper action all morning. Water temps tick toward the upper safety threshold by late morning, so start early, stay light, and pack out your coolest memories.
This is technical tailwater fishing, tight drifts through seams, sizing flies small, and dropping tactics precise. Bring your stealth game, keep that tippet thin, and you’ll find Dream Stream rewarding for both numbers and quality.
Listen to the Podcast
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: ~104 CFS , steady but historically low for this period
- Water Temp: 44–48°F morning; approaching 68°F midday limit
- Air Temp: Mid 70s°F mornings; possible afternoon heat & wind
- Clarity: Gin-clear , classic sight-fishing conditions
- Best Times: 6:30–10:30 AM , before temps rise and pressure builds
- Fishing Pressure: Moderate, heavier later mornings & weekends
- Temperature Caution: Fish stop feeding around 68°F water temp
Dream Stream Hatch Chart (July, June, May)
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| May | Midges, BWOs, Early PMDs, Scuds | RS2, Zebra Midge (#20–24), PMD Emerger (#20–24), Scud |
| June | PMDs, Caddis, Tricos, Yellow Sallies | PMD Emerger, Elk Hair Caddis, Trico Spinner, JuJu Sally |
| July | PMDs, Caddis, Tricos, early Chironomids | Trico Spinner, Swisher PMX, Comparadun, PMD Emerger |
Top 3 Flies for the Month
- Dry Fly: PMD Emerger or Tan Comparadun (#20–24), dead-drift seams pre-9 AM
- Nymph: RS2 (#22) under an emergent PMD, handle with 5/6x fluorocarbon
- Streamer: Mini Dungeon or small Olive Woolly Bugger (#18–20), post-6 PM low-light strikes
Tips Fly Fishing Dream Stream
- Early-Start Essential: Fish species shut down as water hits 68°F, be on it by sunrise
- Precision Drifts: Use long leaders (12–14′), tiny indicators, and tight casts into seams
- Dry-Dropper Discipline: A small emerger under a PMD dry is more productive than a single fly
- Watch Bugs, Not Time: Match the hatch as midges transition to caddis and PMDs throughout the morning.
- Pressure Play: Seek quieter runs upstream early; drift downstream as boat traffic thins
- Wind Management: Bumstead rods or light Euro tackle help in early afternoon breezes
Local Regulations & Landowner Notes
- Section is managed as Spinney Mountain State Wildlife Area
- Artificial flies only; catch-and-release encouraged above 68°F
- Stay on designated paths and respect private ranch borders
FAQ – Dream Stream
Q: How low is it and is wading safe?
A: Flows are around 104 CFS, low but stable. Safe wading, but watch for deep pools and sun glare.
Q: What’s biting on top right now?
A: PMDs and caddis make early-day dry action solid; tricos and sallies follow into late morning.
Q: Is nymphing still effective?
A: Yes, dry-dropper rigs with tight drifts in seams are outperforming single-fly setups.
Q: When should I quit fishing?
A: Water temps near 68°F signal shutdown. Aim to be off the river by late morning.
Q: Does wind affect this stretch?
A: Light winds pick up after 11 AM, cast drift setups early, or use slightly heavier indicators later.
