Dream Stream - South Platte River - March 4th 2025 | Modern Fly Reports

The Dream Stream or Middle Fork of the South Platte River, located below Spinney Mountain Reservoir in Colorado, is a prime destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. This section of the river is known for its scenic beauty, diverse fish species, and a variety of fishing spots ranging from serene meadows to rocky, challenging terrains. The river flows through several state wildlife areas, making it accessible and popular for both novice and experienced anglers.

South Platte River Fishing Report – Above Spinney Mountain Reservoir (Dream Stream) – Feb 2025

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March on the Dream Stream is a mix of heart-pounding excitement and the crushing realization that the fish here are absolute snobs. With low, clear flows, these trout see everything, so if your drift isn’t perfect, expect nothing but rejection. That said, big fish are starting to move in from Eleven Mile Reservoir, and the pre-spawn bite is heating up.

Trout are transitioning from winter mode, feeding on midges, Baetis, and small stoneflies. Streamer fishing can be productive, but you’ll need to commit to covering a lot of water. The real magic happens when Baetis hatches line up with a cloudy day, and the bigger fish start to take emergers in the shallows. Pack your 5X and 6X tippet, and remember—if you’re not spooking fish, you’re not fishing close enough.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 50-65 CFS (Low and technical)
• Water Temperature: 38-42°F
• Clarity: Crystal clear—stealth required
• Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐ (2/5 – Tough, but big rewards for those who put in the effort)

River Flow Chart

Dream Stream Hatch Chart

Top Flies for the Week

• Dry Fly: Blue Wing Olive (#18-22) – Best fished on cloudy afternoons when Baetis are emerging.
• Nymph: RS2 (#20-22) – Essential for picky tailwater trout that have seen it all.
• Streamer: Mini Leech (#10-12) – Slow strips through deep pools can move the bigger browns.

Tips for Fly Fishing the Dream Stream in March

Seasonal Tip

Pre-spawn activity is picking up—trout are getting more aggressive, but stay off the redds and let the spawners do their thing.

Dry Fly

Baetis hatches are starting, but dry fly action is limited to cloudy afternoons.

Nymphing

This is still the go-to method—fish midges and Baetis nymphs deep with long, light leaders.

Streamer Fishing

If you’re chasing a trophy trout, throw a streamer—slow drifts and twitches in deeper pools are your best bet.

Access Points

Charlie Meyers SWA (Main Dream Stream Access)

• Description: Classic Dream Stream runs, riffles, and deep pools.
• Why Fish Here: Biggest concentration of trout, but also the most pressure.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Upper Dream Stream (Closer to Spinney Reservoir)

• Description: Shallower water but prime for spotting big fish.
• Why Fish Here: Less pressure, but fish can be harder to find.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lower Dream Stream (Closer to Eleven Mile Reservoir)

• Description: Best shot at large, lake-run browns and rainbows.
• Why Fish Here: Big fish move in here first during pre-spawn.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

• Artificial flies and lures only—no bait fishing.
• Barbless hooks required.
• Stay off spawning beds—if you see trout paired up in shallow water, leave them alone.
• Respect private land boundaries—stay within designated public access areas.

March on the Dream Stream isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re patient and willing to work for your fish, you just might land a trophy brown or rainbow before the spring crowds arrive.

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