Its been tough fishing on the Dream Stream over the course of the last several weeks. Plenty of pressure from folks looking for spawning fish, and truthfully just not many fish in the system at this point in time. Bugs are still around, and still a BWO and Midge focus as normal, with a few small free-swimming caddis here and there.
As we move into "spawning windows," we always are sure to mention to steer clear of Redds (clean patches of gravel) on the riverbed, as well as any grouped up (actively spawning) fish. We will begin to see some migratory Bows, Cutts and Cuttbows move into the system over the next several weeks. This is a great time to find a big fish, but please be ethical wit the fish and other anglers!
Flowrate above Elevenmile Reservoir: 112 cfs
Clarity: Clear
Its Midge game on all sections of the South Platte, but moving towards seeing more BWO lifecycle activity. The Winter and Early Spring fishing on these sections is a small bug game for the most part. Productivity will be best subsurface, but do be prepared with hatch matchers. Technical indicator nymph rigs and tight-line euro rigs will be your best bet with long leaders and light tippet. Definitely fun to have a streamer rod on had for any migratory fish as well, so keep that in your wheelhouse.
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We're in the early spring window on the South Platte, and flows are relatively low on this stretch. Should be a good amount of lake fish in the system at this point, so as soon as Spinney Mountain State Park opens, we should have some good options on this stretch.
Flowrate above Spinney Reservoir: OFFLINE
Clarity: Clear
Its turning into a Trico and Midge game on all sections of the South Platte. The Fall and Winter fishing on these sections is a small bug game for the most part...with some streamer fishing mixed in. Productivity will be best subsurface, but do be prepared with hatch matchers. Technical indicator nymph rigs and tight-line euro rigs will be your best bet with long leaders and light tippet. Definitely fun to have a streamer rod on had for any migratory fish as well, so keep that in your wheelhouse.
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As we've mentioned, all of our local watersheds will really be turning on over the course of the next several weeks, with a dramatic change in weather. The forecast in Lake George features highs in the 50's for the next several weeks, which will translate in a change in water temp and bug activity. Look for more substantial BWO lifecycle activity, but don't forget to still bank on your small midges as fish will still be focused in that segment.
Flowrate near Lake George: 149 CFS
Clarity: Clear
Early Spring fishing will add in much more substantial BWO activity along with a continuation of heavy Midge activity. The Winter fishing on these sections is a small bug game for the most part. It will still be small and productivity will be best subsurface, but do be prepared with hatch matchers. Technical indicator nymph rigs and tight-line euro rigs will be your best bet with long leaders and light tippet. Definitely fun to have a streamer rod on had for any migratory fish as well, so keep that in your wheelhouse.
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Royal Gorge Anglers operates the oldest fly fishing guide service and full service flyshop on the Arkansas River Freestone and Arkansas River Tailwater. Our guide service also offers various guided fly fishing experiences on the South Platte River, Gunnison River, Stillwater, Private Ranches, Backcountry and more. CLICK HERE to Learn more about our Guided Trip Options or Call us (888) 994-6743 ext 2 to talk to us directly...