Dream Stream (Charlie Meyers SWA)

The big storm in early September did have a relatively large impact on some sections of the Dream Stream. While the middle and upper sections have remained in pretty good shape, the lower section got hammered pretty good by debris flow, etc. The sheer water impact during the flash flood did kill some fish. We've only seen 3-4 dozen dead fish (smaller fish) on the lower section, and only a few on the upper end. No major cause for concern yet, but the debris is considerable and some banks and holes have changed on the lower section. 

General Overview

We've only been fishing the the Middle and Upper sections, but we are now seeing early Fall conditions on the Dream Stream. Its been a really fun last few weeks on the with consistent Trico activity and great conditions. Flows are in a prime window, and there seem to be more fish in the system now that flows have leveled. 

Stream Conditions

Flowrate above Elevenmile Reservoir: 102 cfs

Clarity: Clear (alot of debris on the bank and new sediment bars in areas)

Suggested Methods

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. **We have not seen heavy hatch activity on the Dream Stream since the big storm in early September, however that should resolve itself with time. 

Spinney Mountain Ranch (Above Spinney Reservoir)

General Overview

Conditions are in good shape on this stretch although we are into that Fall/ Winter low flow window. This isn't a stretch where you'll find mass quantities of fish, but we are finding some good fish all the way from the lake to Hartsel. This can be a really fun stretch in the Summer with waning productivity as flows get lower into the Fall timeframe...

Stream Conditions

Flowrate above Spinney Reservoir: 33.3 cfs

Clarity: Clear

Suggested Methods

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.

Elevenmile Canyon

General Overview

With lowering flows and a ton of pressure, definitely getting more technical in the Canyon. Fish will be found in deeper seams and tailouts with these conditions, and its definitely turning into a primarily Trico and Midge scene. 

Stream Conditions

Flowrate near Lake George: 81.6 CFS

Clarity: Clear

Suggested Methods

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.

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...