About Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area
The lush meandering, meadow portion of the South Platte between Spinney and Eleven Mile Reservoirs is known as the “Dream Stream” or the Spinney Mountain Ranch. This beautiful 3-mile section of the Platte offers anglers the opportunity of a lifetime to catch large trout. This fabulous tailwater fishery is located in the heart of South Park, tucked between 14,000 foot snow capped peaks on the west, rich ranchland to the north and south, and Pikes Peak on the east. Spinney is a well-balanced fishery where anglers can catch trout on nymphs, dry flies, and streamers.The river is comprised of prime trout habitat, which includes, riffles, runs, gravel bars, shelves, and undercut banks. Fly-fishers can expect to catch a mixed bag of rainbows, browns, and cutthroats in 10-18 inch range. In addition spring (rainbows, and cutthroats) and fall (browns and kokanee salmon) spawning runs from Elevenmile Reservoir are quite impressive with fish up to 10 pounds landed during a key three-four week period. Ideal flow conditions for “Dream Stream” are between 100 and 250 cfs. The regulations are flies and lures only and all fish must be returned to the water immediately.The Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area (commonly called the Spinney Mountain Ranch or Dream Stream) is a classic meandering, meadow stream. Anglers have the opportunity to catch rainbows, cut-bows, cutthroats, and brown trout when they fish this fabled stretch of water.
Suggested Flies
Latest Report
Updated 10/9/2024
This week, Colorado Parks and Wildlife significantly reduced flows on the South Platte River in the Charlie Meyers/Dream Stream area. These reduced flows are critical for their river sampling efforts, but they pose a serious risk to the fish and ecosystem.We strongly advise avoiding fishing the Dream Stream during this time.
Low water levels stress the trout, making them more vulnerable and disrupting their natural behavior. Help protect this cherished fishery by giving it a break until conditions improve.
Updated 10/3/2024
The Dream has been very busy as anglers target salmon and lake run browns. Flows have increased over the past couple days from 109 cfs to 180 cfs, which is way over the historical average for this time of year. Setting your rigs up with egg/baetis/midge combos should be effective.
If you choose to fish here, please be mindful of your step as we get into spawning season and beware redds.
Updated 8/19/2024
While flows here are good at 280 cfs, high water temps here are still a concern in the afternoon. Therefore, if you fish here, please start early and end early.
There are tricos hatching in the morning along with midges. In the afternoon, you'll see some baetis, PMDs and yellow sallies. That said, these flows don't make for great dry fly fishing right now, so indicator fishing will be your best option. Lead with larger attractors like pine squirrel leeches or scuds, and trail off flashy mayfly emergers.
Seasonal Tips/Hatches
In the spring, the Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area, commonly known as the "Dream Stream," offers excellent fly fishing opportunities as fish become more active and insect activity increases.
Here are some effective fly patterns to consider for spring fishing in this area:
Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs): These may hatch sporadically in spring, particularly on overcast and moist days. Carry patterns like Parachute Adams and Sparkle Duns for dries. For nymphs, try RS2s, Pheasant Tails, or Top Secret Baetis in sizes #18 to #22.
Midges: Midges will be active most mornings through Spring. Use patterns like Zebra Midges, Mercury Midges, or Massacre Midge in sizes ranging from #20 to #24.
Stoneflies: Stonefly nymphs become more active as the weather warms up. Carry patterns like Pat's Rubber Legs, Hare's Ear Nymphs, or Prince Nymphs in sizes #10 to #14.
Caddisflies: Caddis activity increases as temperatures rise. Patterns like Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, or Stimulators in sizes #14 to #18 can be effective imitations.
Attractor Patterns: Bright and flashy attractor patterns like San Juan Worms, Egg Patterns, or Rainbow Warriors can be effective in catching the attention of fish, especially during runoff conditions.
Streamers: Larger fish might respond to streamers, particularly if the water is high and off-color due to runoff. Woolly Buggers, Sculpin patterns, and other streamers in various sizes and colors can attract larger fish.
As always, observe the water conditions, insect activity, and the behavior of the fish to determine the most effective patterns and presentations. Adjust your techniques throughout the day as conditions change.
Weather
