Dream Stream Fly Report (Sept 29, 2025) – Trico Spinners & Baetis Afternoons - Pressure Hacks (Sept 30, 2025)

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.

The Dream Stream is running at 168 CFS, about as “textbook” as you get for fall fishing. Clear water, low-to-medium pressure, and a smorgasbord of Tricos, BWOs, midges, and even stray craneflies. Think long leaders, light tippet, and flies so small you’ll question your eyesight. The morning spinner fall still owns, but cloudy afternoons bring out the baetis game.

Listen to the Podcast

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Dream Stream Dispatch

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 168 CFS — ideal, sight-fishing friendly
• Water Temp: Upper 50s°F mid-day — trout still active
• Air Temp: 40s–70s°F this week; chilly starts, warm finishes
• Clarity: Excellent — trout see you coming
• Best Times: 7–11 AM (Tricos), cloudy PMs for BWOs
• Crowds: Medium — classic access points fill, but plenty of water to spread out
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — technical but rewarding

5-Day Weather Snapshot (Dream Stream)

Hatch Chart – September at Dream Stream

Notes: Morning Tricos dominate, with BWOs sneaking in during cloud cover.

Flies to Tie On for the Dream Stream

Nymphs / Emergers

• Sparkle Wing RS2 (gray/olive, #20–22)
• Barr’s BWO Emerger (#18–20)
• WD-40 (black/olive, #20–22)
• JuJu Baetis (#20–22)
• Zebra Midge (#22–24)

Dries / Terrestrials

• CDC Trico Spinner (#22–24)
• Parachute Adams (#20–22)
• Amy’s Ant (#14)
• Black Beetle (#16)

Streamers

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

Tactical Playbook

• Morning: Trico spinners over slicks. Trail a WD-40 or RS2 for the picky eaters.
• Midday: Tightline nymphing with small baetis patterns in riffles and seams.
• Afternoon: BWOs pop if clouds roll in — Parachute BWO + RS2 dropper is deadly.
• All Day: Keep a Mini Leech or Gonga handy for deeper runs.

Access & Flow Zones

• Spinney Tailwaters: Consistent hatches; accessible but busy.
• South Reach Pockets: Light pressure; good technical water.
• Elevenmile Junction: Deeper runs, streamer-friendly.

FAQs – Dream Stream

Q: Is it still fishing well?
A: Yes — mornings and cloudy PMs are prime.

Q: What’s the fly of the week?
A: Sparkle Wing RS2 (#20–22) as a dropper.

Q: Is it worth streamer fishing?
A: Yes — especially late afternoon into shadowed runs.

Q: What rod setup works best?
A: 9’ 4–5 wt, long 12–14 ft leaders with 6X.

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