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Updated: 11/24/2025
The Dream Stream has settled fully into its winter personality, with low, clear flows and trout glued to softer water until midday warmth kicks in. Sight fishing is absolutely still on the table, but only if you move slow enough to avoid sending wakes across the flats. Midges run the show now, with occasional baetis when clouds hang over South Park. Most fish are holding in predictable troughs and slow edges, but smaller rainbows still feed in the skinny water. If you stay patient, you'll get shots at quality fish even in late November.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: 90 CFS
Water Temp: Low 40s
Air Temp: 28 to 42
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Best Window: 10 am to 3 pm
5 Day Weather Forecast
Sun: 27 to 42, light clouds
Mon: 30 to 44, clouds
Tue: 28 to 46, light wind
Wed: 31 to 43, clouds
Thu: 29 to 41, possible light snow
Top Flies in Your Box
Late November is a midge and baetis game. Everything should be sparse, tiny, and fished slow.
Hatch Chart for November
Primary: Midges
Black Beauty, Top Secret Midge, Mercury Midge
Secondary: Baetis
RS2, WD40, Barrs BWO
Tertiary: Scuds
Tan, Olive, Grey
Pro Rig of the Week
- Dream Stream Winter Sight-Nymph Rig
- 10 ft 5x
- Top fly: size 20 Mercury Midge
- Dropper: size 22 Top Secret Midge
- Small split shot 6 inches above the top fly
- Micro indicator set is barely deep enough to tick bottom through troughs
Fishing Type Scores
Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐
Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Streamer: ⭐⭐
Access Points
Bridge Crossing
Consistent winter holding water with good visibility.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cattle Guard Section
Wide flats and subtle troughs ideal for sight nymphing.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Below the Bend Pools
Deeper structure, warmer water, beginner friendly.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes
Artificial flies and lures only
Catch and release
Stay alert for ice on banks
Respect ranch boundaries and cattle gates
Flows stable, clarity excellent
FAQ
Q: Are there still browns around after the spawn?
A: Yes, but they slide into softer water and eat selectively.
Q: Can I sight fish this week?
A: Yes, especially from late morning through early afternoon.
Q: Do dries still work?
A: Occasionally, but only small midges on calm warm days.
Q: Are streamers worth bringing?
A: Only during cloud cover or early and late low light.
Q: Best setup for beginners?
A: Shallow double-midge rig with small indicator and 5x.
Q: How long of a walk do I need to get away from pressure?
A: One mile from any parking point usually opens up water.
Stop Here After The River
Highline Cafe and Saloon, Hartsel
A true South Park stop. Ranch hands, locals, tired anglers, strong coffee, and the kind of green chile you swear you’ve had before but never quite this good. Order the buffalo burger or the chicken fried steak and shake off the wind before heading home.
