Dream Stream Fly Report (Sept 10, 2025) – Caddis, Tricos & Dry-Dropper Magic

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 – September 10, 2025

Dream Stream is down to 172 CFS, which is textbook for crisp fall fishing. Clear water, solid flow, and a broad lineup of hatches—Caddis, Tricos, Craneflies, PMDs, and early BWOs—are all ticking right now. Dry-dropper rigs rule, and the bite is strongest from dawn until mid-morning. Beyond that, rising temperatures push trout out; midges fill the afternoon, and anglers pivot to finesse or call it quits.

Listen to the Podcast

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Dream Stream Dispatch
We break down exactly when, where, and how to score on this tailwater right now—think precise rigs, fly choices, and strategies to beat the heat.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: ~172 CFS — solid and sight-fishing friendly fishingreports.sportsmans.com
• Water Temp: Watch thresholds—above ~68 °F and trout slow down fishingreports.sportsmans.com
• Clarity: Excellent — fish are visible and savvy fishingreports.sportsmans.com
• Best Times: 6–10 AM—dry-dropper action peaks; afternoons fade fishingreports.sportsmans.com
• Fishing Pressure: Light — abundant water means wiggle room
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — dream conditions but tightly time-gated

Hatch Chart – September at Dream Stream

Note: As fall progresses, BWOs will pick up. Right now, midges, caddis, and Tricos dominate the early bite. 

Flies to Tie On

Nymphs / Emergers

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

Dries / Terrestrials

• CDC Biot Trico Spinner (22-24)
• 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)

Tactical Playbook

• Early Mornings: Prime window. Hit seams and slicks with dry-dropper rigs—midge/Trico or PMD emergers under terrestrials.
• Mid-Morning to Midday: If water warms, button up or slow-roll—fish go deep. If cool persists, terrestrials still work.
• Rig Note: 12–14 ft leaders with 6X tippet deliver finesse needed in crystal-clear water.
• If Downtime: Carry a small streamer or emerger for shadowed holes—just in case.

Access & Flow Zones

• Spinney Tailwaters — Classic picks, most accessible.
• South Reach Pockets — Lighter pressure, technical water.
• Elevenmile Junction — Deeper runs, strong streamer set-ups.

FAQs – Dream Stream

Q: Is this spot still firing?
A: Absolutely, but the trout window is narrow. Fish mornings before temps rise.

Q: PMDs or Tricos—what’s hatching best?
A: Both are on; midges and caddis also keep trout keyed in.

Q: Afternoon spins worth it?
A: Not for trout—spill into carp or call it an early finish.

Q: Floating possible here?
A: Mostly wade-only—flow is technical, and the trout prefer side channels.

Q: Best rod setup?
A: 9’ 4-5 weight with finesse in mind—long leader, soft presentation.

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