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The Dream Stream is in full fall mode with cold mornings and perfectly clear water. Once the sun hits the valley and the breeze drops off, fish start to slide out of the deep runs and into feeding lanes. Browns are staging, rainbows are active, and the pressure is light enough that a clean drift will get noticed.
If you’ve got the patience for small flies and long leaders, this is the week to go. The midday window is the magic one.
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Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 105 cfs at the Dream Stream gauge
- Water Temperature: 44–48 °F
- Air Temperature: Lows near freezing, highs in the upper 50s
- Clarity: Very clear and consistent
- Crowds: Moderate on weekends, lighter midweek
- Best Times to Fish: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
5 Day Weather Forecast
Cool and steady conditions with calm afternoons and a light breeze. Expect a mild warm up midweek and crisp mornings around 30 °F.
Current Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs and Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges #20–24 | Active in soft edges and tailouts through mid day |
| Secondary | Blue Winged Olives #18–22 | Best during calm mid day windows |
| Tertiary | Terrestrials #10–14 ants beetles | Sparse but possible during sunny afternoons |
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide setup: Run a 10 foot 5x leader to a #16 Parachute Adams then 18 inches of 6x to a #20 Zebra Midge. Fish it as a dry dropper until surface activity fades. Clip the dry and add a small split shot 12 inches up for a stealth nymph rig. Keep drifts short and natural and avoid false casting over the fish.
Top Flies for the Month
Dry Fly: Parachute Adams #16 for light BWO rises
Nymph: Two Bit Hooker #18 in deeper runs
Streamer: Olive Sculpzilla #6 swung slow through shadows
Tips Fly Fishing on the Dream Stream
- Seasonal Tip: Browns are staging. Target deeper slots and mid channel structure.
- Dry Fly: Small patterns and perfect drift matter more than color.
- Nymphing: Stay light. Two small flies and minimal weight outperform heavy rigs.
- Streamer Fishing: Subtle movement and dull tones outfish bright flash right now.
Access Points
- Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area Spinney to Eleven Mile good public access ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Lower Reach near Eleven Mile Inlet deeper runs fewer anglers ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Upper Tailwater Exit of Spinney Reservoir early section with less pressure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Flies and lures only and catch and release for most trout. Ideal flows between 100 and 250 cfs. Watch for active redds and avoid walking through shallow gravel.
FAQ on This Spot
- What are current flows and clarity like
Around 105 cfs and very clear. - When is the best time to fish this stretch
Late morning to early afternoon. - What flies are producing right now
Parachute Adams Two Bit Hooker Olive Sculpzilla. - Can I wade or should I float
Wading only and easy access. - What species can I expect here
Browns rainbows and cutbows staging below Spinney. - Any local shops or guides nearby
Anglers Covey and other Platte outfitters have live updates.
Stop Here After the River
After a long day on the Dream Stream head to High Side Brewing in Salida. It is pure river culture with open garage doors dogs under tables and a playlist that feels like summer even in November. Order the Banana Stand Hefeweizen and a giant soft pretzel with beer cheese and watch the Arkansas roll by.
https://highsidebrewing.com
