Premier tailwater between Spinney Mountain Reservoir and Eleven Mile Reservoir. Trophy trout, flies and lures only.
The Dream Stream is a roughly one-mile stretch of the South Platte River connecting Spinney Mountain Reservoir to Eleven Mile Reservoir in Park County, Colorado. Sitting at approximately 8,600 feet in the broad, windswept expanse of South Park, this tailwater has earned its reputation as one of Colorado's finest trophy trout fisheries. The river flows through open meadow terrain with gentle riffles, deep pools, undercut banks, and slow bends that hold truly large fish.
What makes the Dream Stream exceptional is the nutrient-rich water flowing from Spinney Mountain Reservoir. That fertility supports dense populations of aquatic insects and scuds, which in turn produce rainbow and brown trout that routinely exceed 18 inches, with fish over 24 inches taken each season. The river is relatively short, so fishing pressure can be high on weekends, but the quality of fish consistently rewards anglers who put in the effort.
The Dream Stream is classified as a Gold Medal fishery by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, meaning it sustains at least 60 pounds of trout per acre and produces a high proportion of quality-sized fish. This is walk-and-wade water with no float access, and anglers will find a mix of riffles, runs, and deep pools along its length. The surrounding landscape is quintessential South Park: vast grasslands, distant mountain ranges, and skies that seem to stretch forever.
The Dream Stream is accessed from Park County Road 59. From Denver, take US-285 south through Kenosha Pass and Fairplay, then turn north on County Road 59 toward Spinney Mountain Reservoir. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from downtown Denver.
The Dream Stream operates under special regulations set by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. These rules are designed to protect the trophy fishery and maintain fish populations:
Most Dream Stream regulars practice catch and release voluntarily, given the exceptional quality of the fishery. Handle fish carefully, use barbless hooks when possible, and keep fish in the water while removing hooks.
Midges dominate. Fish from 11 AM to 2 PM when sun warms the water and triggers midge activity. Use Zebra Midges (#20-24), Mercury Midges, and Griffith's Gnats. Dead-drift nymphs deep in pools. Dress warmly — South Park is brutally cold and windy in winter, with temperatures often below zero. Roads may require 4WD.
Pre-runoff is prime time. BWOs hatch on overcast afternoons starting in March. Add RS2s (#22) and Sparkle Duns (#18-20) to your midge rig. As water warms through April, fish become more active and willing to eat dries. May brings the best dry fly fishing before reservoir releases increase for runoff.
Runoff peaks in late June and can blow out the stream with high flows from Spinney. When flows stabilize in July, PMDs and caddis hatches begin. Morning and evening are most productive as midday heat pushes fish deep. Trico spinners become important in August. Expect more angling pressure on summer weekends.
The best season. Brown trout move upstream from Eleven Mile Reservoir to spawn, bringing trophy fish into the stream. BWOs hatch heavily on cloudy afternoons. Streamers produce well for aggressive pre-spawn browns. October is peak — expect big fish, big crowds, and some of the best fishing in the state.
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