Dream Stream Fly Fishing Report – October 14th Conditions, Kokanee Status & Fall Tactics

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.

October in the Dream Stream is like walking into a winter opera—most of the drama goes on below the surface. The browns are sneaking in, kokanee are poking upstream, and every drift feels like a gamble. Fish small, move light, and don’t be surprised if you find something you didn’t expect.

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Conditions at a Glance

Flows are low but stable, pushing trout into tighter lies and making them extra cautious. The bug menu is narrowing - BWOs and midges dominate, Trico is fading - and the kokanee run is filtering anglers onto prime water. Expect good pockets if you beat the crowd.

• Flow: ~ 127 CFS and steady to slightly downward, well below seasonal norms.
• Water Temp: Cooling; tailwater temps making the stretch safe for full-day fishing.
• Air Temp: Crisp mornings, afternoons warming into the 50s–60s
• Clarity: Clear - expect spooky trout
• Pressure: High, especially in popular runs. The kokanee run is adding crowding.
• Best Times: 8- 11 AM (Trico window) | 12 PM – 3 PM (BWO emergers, midges)
• Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐⭐
• Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Streamer Score: ⭐⭐⭐

Seasonal Note: Kokanee Run Status

Every fall, the Dream Stream sees kokanee salmon migrate from Eleven Mile Reservoir into the river.

This year:

• Kokanee are present, but not in massive numbers - many choose to stay in the reservoir instead. 
• Crowds are increasing in sections where kokanee staging is common. Be prepared to share prime spots. 
• You’ll find them in deeper runs, near gravel pockets, and around structure where they pause or stage.
• When present, egg flies, red San Juans, and natural scuds tied in deep rigs have pulled them.
• Important: If you spot spawning fish or redds, give them space - don’t fish those areas.

They’re the wild card this fall - add excitement but also competition.

Hatch Summary – October (Reformatted)

• Tricos (#22–24): 8–11 AM in calm conditions. Use delicate CDC spinners.
• BWOs (#20–22): Midday hatches - emergers, soft hackles, light duns.
• Midges (#22–24+): All day subsurface staple - black, olive, silver.
• Terrestrials / Stragglers: Minimal, but nice bonus if conditions permit.

📥 Download the full South Platte / Dream Stream Hatch Chart PDF 

Top Flies & Rigs for Current Conditions

Dry Flies

• CDC Trico Spinner (#22–24): use in early hours over slicks
• Hi- Vis BWO Parachute (#20–22): for midday BWO windows
• Griffith’s Gnat / Sulphur #20–22: backup for emergers in soft water

Nymphs / Subsurface

• RS2 (gray or black, #22): classic dropper choice
• Barr’s BWO Emerger (#20–22): good lead fly above a micro dropper
• Zebra Midge / WD- 40 (#22–24): for deep or slow water

Streamers

• Mini Dungeon / Thin Mint Bugger (#10–12): use during low light or in structure
• Swing or short strip; don’t overdo it in clear, pressured water

How to Fish It

• Early drift: target slicks and pods with Trico dries or emergers
• Midday: switch to nymph rigs - RS2 + emergers or midge dropper
• Streamer windows: afternoon or low light - swing near banks, structure
• Stealth & drift: long leaders, drag-free drifts, gentle casts
• Spot & move: don’t linger where anglers congregate; walk upstream

Access Points

• Upper Parking Lot (near Eleven Mile): deep runs, early fish staging
• Middle Section (meadow runs / riffle flats): good mid- light dry/nymph blends
• Charlie Meyers SWA (lower stretch): structure, deeper lanes, more shade

Local Regulations & Notes

• Flies & lures only; catch- and- release generally enforced
• Ideal flow for Dream is ~100–250 CFS - current flows are below that “sweet” range Pat Dorsey Fly Fishing+1
• Watch water temperatures; avoid fishing if temps climb above safe thresholds
• Be courteous - lots of anglers chasing kokanee; respect parking, access, and shared water

FAQ on this Spot

1. Are kokanee worth targeting right now?
   Yes - but they’re sparse. They add allure, not volume.
2. What rig is most productive now?
   Dry- dropper with RS2 lead or BWO emergers + midge dropper.
3. Can I still fish dries?
   Yes - early and when BWOs trigger risers.
4. When are streamers useful?
   Low light or cloud cover, near banks and structures.
5. How deep should my nymphs run?
   Mid-column to near bottom, depending on flow (6–18″ off bottom).
6. Is crowding an issue?
   Yes - especially near kokanee staging areas. Walk upstream if possible.
7. What tippet size do I need?
   5X–6X for dries/nymphs, 4X–5X for streamers.
8. Can I fish the whole day?
   Probably - river temps are safe now, and flow is stable enough.

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