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LOCAL WATER. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.

Dream Stream Fishing Report

South Platte River · Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area, Colorado

Plan your visit to the Dream Stream with fishing conditions, South Platte river flows, suggested flies, and practical advice from Blue Quill Angler.

ON THE WATER

Current fishing report

Report updated

The Dream Stream below Spinney Reservoir is near 97–98 cfs, a workable but relatively modest flow for this exposed meadow fishery. Fall migration activity is attracting substantial fishing pressure, and both resident and lake-run fish are using deeper buckets, undercut banks and protected current seams. Midges remain important, with occasional blue-winged olives and lingering small mayfly activity on milder days. Egg and streamer presentations may draw fish, but the presence of spawning trout requires a conservative approach. Do not cast to paired fish, stand on redds or crowd fish holding in shallow gravel. Wind and sudden weather changes can make this reach difficult, so bring layers and adjust your expectations. The best fishing may come from carefully observing resident trout away from active spawning areas rather than chasing large migratory fish.

Fishing tips

Target nonspawning fish in deeper buckets with Mercury RS2 #20–24, Juju Baetis #20–22 and small midges. Fish carefully around gravel and keep a wide berth from paired trout and concentrated crowds.
Pat Dorsey

FROM OUR HEAD GUIDE

Pat Dorsey's Guide Report

Pat's report revised

Tips & Other Information

The outflows are currently 97 cfs below Spinney Mountain Reservoir.   Crowds are a heavy right now as anglers are targeting migratory trout and kokanee salmon moving up from Eleven Mile Reservoir. Egg-midge (mayfly) combos as well as streamers are fooling these lake-run fish.  Anglers should prepare themselves for reliable hatches of midges, a few blue-winged olives, and Tricos for the resident fish.

14-Day Hatch Outlook

Outlook from Pat's report dated November 4, 2026; not a live weather forecast.

Look for hatches of midges, Tricos, and blue-winged olives.

Effective Patterns

#16-18 Hot Tail Flash Egg, #18-22 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20-22 Jujubaetis, #20-22 Top Secret Baetis, #20-22 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #20-22 Red Larva, #20 Mercury Blood Midge, #10 Pine Squirrel Leech, #16 San Juan Worm, #20-22 Flashback Mercury Black Beauty, #18 Buckskin, #20 Mathew's Sparkle Dun, #22-24 CDC Biot Trico Comparadun, #20-22 Parachute Adams, and a thorough assortment of streamers.

Looking for flies for this river? Shop BQA's recommended flies ↓

Source: Pat Dorsey Fly Fishing · Read Pat's original report

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

River conditions

Flow readings update separately from the fishing report. Check the reading time shown below.

BUILD YOUR FLY BOX

Recommended flies for Dream Stream

Selected by the Blue Quill Angler team for fishing Dream Stream. See the fishing reports above for specific patterns, sizes, and techniques.

PLAN YOUR DAY

Fishing Dream Stream

The fishery

The Dream Stream is the meadow section of the South Platte between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile reservoirs, within Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area. Meandering bends, undercut banks, riffles, and deeper channels provide varied trout habitat. Open terrain makes wind and careful approaches important considerations. Observe feeding activity before choosing a presentation, and fish suitable holding water without disturbing spawning trout. The fishery deserves careful handling and realistic expectations throughout the year.

Access & parking

Use designated public parking and established access routes within Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area. Check the current property map, posted boundaries, and any temporary restrictions before fishing. Visitors age 16 or older need a qualifying hunting or fishing license or State Wildlife Area pass to access the property; anglers must also meet applicable fishing-license requirements. Carry wind protection, drinking water, and layers for rapidly changing South Park weather.

Seasons & techniques

Midges provide an important food source during colder periods, while Baetis offer seasonal opportunities for nymphs, emergers, and dries. Warmer months can bring additional mayflies, caddis, and terrestrial insects. Wind, water clarity, and reservoir releases influence presentation choices. Spring and fall spawning activity requires particular restraint: avoid actively spawning fish and redds, and choose other water when fish are concentrated around spawning areas. Use the current report to refine your approach.

Regulations & river care

Check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing and property regulations before your visit, including posted seasonal closures. We encourage catch and release, minimal handling, and keeping fish in the water while unhooking them. Do not target spawning trout, cast over active redds, or wade through clean spawning gravel. Give other anglers room and use established paths to protect fragile banks. If the available water is dominated by spawning activity, choose another fishery.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Location & access

Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area — CPW location reference. Use designated public parking and established access routes, and follow posted boundaries and closures.

Use the marked location to plan your visit. Follow current signs, access boundaries, parking rules, and closures on arrival.