So, you’ve lived in Colorado for a few years, maybe tangled with trout at Deckers or hiked into Cheesman Canyon, but the South Platte still feels like a mystery beyond those famous runs. October is one of the best times to change that.

Here’s how to make sense of the river this fall.

• Cooler temps = active trout. Fall weather keeps water temps trout-friendly all day.
• Crowds thin. Summer hordes are gone, especially midweek.
• The bugs get small. You won’t see massive hatches, but trout key in on a handful of tiny, consistent meals.
• Bigger fish on the move. In stretches like the Dream Stream, October means brown trout staging for their annual romance tour.

• Still a good bet in October. Flows are wadeable, hatches are predictable, and access is easy.
• Expect Trico spinner falls in the morning and Blue Wing Olives (BWOs) when clouds roll in.

• Legendary for technical fish. If you like long leaders and stealth, October is prime here.
• The hike in keeps crowds lower than Deckers.

• This is October’s headline stretch. Big browns move up from Elevenmile, and sight-fishing is the name of the game.
• Don’t expect solitude—but do expect a shot at trophy fish.

Other Options

• Chatfield Tailwater near Denver for a quick half-day fix.
• Tomahawk State Wildlife Area for wide-open meadows and less technical water.

You don’t need 100 patterns. A starter October lineup looks like this:

• Dry Flies: Parachute Adams (#20–22), BWO Parachutes (#20–22)
• Nymphs: RS2s (#20–22), WD-40s (#20–22), Zebra Midges (#22–24)
• Streamers: Small leeches (olive/black, #10–12) for low-light or deeper runs

• Morning (7–11 AM): Trico spinners + midges
• Afternoon (1–4 PM): BWOs love cloudy skies
• Evening: Small streamers swung through shadow lines can wake up bigger fish

1. Q: Is October too late in the season?
   A: Not at all—it’s one of the best months.
2. Q: Do I need tiny flies?
   A: Yes—think size 20–24 for dries and nymphs.
3. Q: Is Deckers crowded in October?
   A: Less than summer, but weekends still draw a crowd.
4. Q: What gear works best?
   A: A 9’ 4–5 wt rod with 5X–6X tippet covers most situations.
5. Q: Do I need waders?
   A: Yes—flows are wadeable, but you’ll want the warmth.
6. Q: Can I take beginners out?
   A: Deckers and Tomahawk SWA are best for easier access. Cheesman and the Dream Stream are more advanced.
7. Q: Do trout still rise in October?
   A: Yes—especially on overcast afternoons during BWO hatches.
8. Q: Should I fish streamers?
   A: Definitely—especially early or late in the day.

Listen to the PodcastWhy October Works
Where to Start (If You’ve Only Fished Deckers)Deckers (South Platte)
Cheesman Canyon
Dream Stream (between Spinney & Elevenmile Reservoirs)
Flies That Keep It Simple
When to Fish
8 FAQs for October on the South Platte

Welcome to the Rise Beyond Fly Fishing River Report — your trusted source for real, unfiltered conditions on Colorado’s best trout water. In this episode, we dive deep into the Dream Stream, one of the most iconic and challenging sections of the South Platte River. If you're planning to fish between Spinney Mountain Reservoir and Eleven Mile Reservoir in late spring, this is your cheat sheet for doing it right.

Flows are holding between 66–95 CFS with clear, cold water and high visibility — the perfect mix for technical sight fishing. Air temps are ranging from the low 40s to the upper 60s, and water temps are in the mid-40s, making mornings the prime time to get on the water before the wind picks up. Fishing pressure is moderate to high, as usual for this high-profile stretch, so stealth, patience, and tight presentations are critical.

We break down what’s hatching this time of year — from midges and BWOs to the first waves of caddis and early PMDs. You’ll get detailed recommendations for fly patterns that are actually working, not just filling fly bins. Parachute BWOs and Griffith’s Gnats are producing up top, while Rainbow Warriors, RS2s, and Zebra Midges are doing the work below. And if you’re slinging streamers, keep them low and slow — Mini Dungeons and classic Woolly Buggers are your best bet in deeper channels and undercut banks.

We also cover our top four access points along the Dream Stream — from the classic upper parking lot downstream of Spinney to the sneaky inlet flats above Eleven Mile. Whether you're looking for easy entry or technical sight fishing water, we've got you covered. Expect detailed tips on how to approach each zone, what to look for, and how to outsmart wary trout in each section.

Beyond tactics, we’ll share ethical guidelines and landowner notes — where you can wade, how to avoid redds, and what to know before you go. The Dream Stream is a gem, but it’s also fragile. Treat it with respect, and it’ll reward you tenfold.

You’ll also get our signature pro tips: the seasonal nuance that separates those who catch from those who cast. Whether you're tight-lining a tandem rig, stalking a cruiser in the flats, or swinging meat through a shadowed bank, we give you the insight to execute.

Finally, we close with an FAQ pulled from common angler searches. Want to know the best time of year to fish the Dream Stream? Wondering if it’s beginner-friendly? Curious about year-round access or if the hype is real? We answer all that with honesty, experience, and just enough wit to keep it fun.

So grab your coffee, rig up your 5-weight, and let’s talk trout. This is not just another fishing report — it’s your inside line to better days on the Dream Stream.

—

Want more? Subscribe to the podcast, visit RiseBeyondFlyFishing.com, and get our weekly river reports straight to your inbox. It’s fly fishing without the fluff — just the facts, the flies, and the fish.

The Dream Stream, located between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoirs, remains one of Colorado’s most iconic tailwaters. With its gin-clear water, technical fish, and breathtaking valley views, it’s the proving ground for sight fishing and stealthy presentations.

The Dream Stream is running at 168 CFS, about as “textbook” as you get for fall fishing. Clear water, low-to-medium pressure, and a smorgasbord of Tricos, BWOs, midges, and even stray craneflies. Think long leaders, light tippet, and flies so small you’ll question your eyesight. The morning spinner fall still owns, but cloudy afternoons bring out the baetis game.

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Dream Stream Dispatch

• Flow Rate: 168 CFS — ideal, sight-fishing friendly
• Water Temp: Upper 50s°F mid-day — trout still active
• Air Temp: 40s–70s°F this week; chilly starts, warm finishes
• Clarity: Excellent — trout see you coming
• Best Times: 7–11 AM (Tricos), cloudy PMs for BWOs
• Crowds: Medium — classic access points fill, but plenty of water to spread out
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — technical but rewarding

Notes: Morning Tricos dominate, with BWOs sneaking in during cloud cover.

Nymphs / Emergers

• Sparkle Wing RS2 (gray/olive, #20–22)
• Barr’s BWO Emerger (#18–20)
• WD-40 (black/olive, #20–22)
• JuJu Baetis (#20–22)
• Zebra Midge (#22–24)

Dries / Terrestrials

• CDC Trico Spinner (#22–24)
• Parachute Adams (#20–22)
• Amy’s Ant (#14)
• Black Beetle (#16)

Streamers

• Baby Gonga (olive/brown, #8–10)
• Thin Mint Bugger (#10)
• Slump Buster (natural/olive, #8–10)

• Morning: Trico spinners over slicks. Trail a WD-40 or RS2 for the picky eaters.
• Midday: Tightline nymphing with small baetis patterns in riffles and seams.
• Afternoon: BWOs pop if clouds roll in — Parachute BWO + RS2 dropper is deadly.
• All Day: Keep a Mini Leech or Gonga handy for deeper runs.

• Spinney Tailwaters: Consistent hatches; accessible but busy.
• South Reach Pockets: Light pressure; good technical water.
• Elevenmile Junction: Deeper runs, streamer-friendly.

Q: Is it still fishing well?
A: Yes — mornings and cloudy PMs are prime.

Q: What’s the fly of the week?
A: Sparkle Wing RS2 (#20–22) as a dropper.

Q: Is it worth streamer fishing?
A: Yes — especially late afternoon into shadowed runs.

Q: What rod setup works best?
A: 9’ 4–5 wt, long 12–14 ft leaders with 6X.

Where to fish today! Tired of fly shops feeding you outdated, half-baked reports just to push gear? Us too. That’s why River Whisper exists—to cut through the noise and give you real, up-to-date, no-BS fly fishing reports for Colorado.

Cheesman Canyon is sitting at 153 CFS, crystal-clear, and every trout in the canyon has its PhD in fly inspection. If you like technical sight-fishing and long drifts, this is your fall classroom. Tricos are still running the show in the mornings, while BWOs wake up when the clouds roll in. Midges remain steady, and the canyon’s picky browns are more than happy to test your patience.

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Cheesman Canyon Dispatch

• Flow Rate: 153 CFS — prime for wading and sight-fishing
• Water Temp: Mid–50s°F, safe for full-day sessions
• Air Temp: 40s–70s°F this week
• Clarity: Clear — fish see everything, including you
• Best Times: 7–11 AM (Trico spinner falls), cloudy afternoons for BWOs
• Crowds: Medium — popular pull-offs fill quickly
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — challenging but rewarding

Notes: Tricos drive the early bite, with BWOs rewarding anglers when clouds settle in.

Nymphs / Emergers

• RS2 (Sparkle Wing, gray/olive, #20–22)
• WD-40 (black/olive, #20–22)
• JuJu Baetis (#20–22)
• Barr’s BWO Emerger (#18–20)
• Zebra Midge (#22–24, black/silver)
• Duracell Jig (#16–18, copper/black)

Dries

• CDC Trico Spinner (#22–24)
• Parachute Adams (#20–22)
• Film Critic BWO (#20–22)
• Griffith’s Gnat (#22–24)

Streamers

• Mini Leech (black/olive, #12)
• Slump Buster (natural, #10)
• Baby Gonga (olive/brown, #8)

• Morning: Trico spinners over slicks and foam lines. Match with CDC spinners or trail emergers.
• Midday: Nymph small baetis and midges with stealthy tightline rigs.
• Afternoon: Clouds = BWO dry fly window. Use Parachute BWO or Film Critic.
• All Day: Carry a Mini Leech or Baby Gonga for shadowed pools.
• Rig Note: 12–14 ft leaders with 6X–7X tippet are a must.

• Cheesman Canyon Trailheads: Most pressured but consistent.
• Mid-Canyon Runs: Technical pocket water with sight-fishing opportunities.
• Downstream Meadows: Long glides for Trico spinner falls.

1. Q: Are flows stable right now?
   A: Yes, sitting steady around 153 CFS.
2. Q: What’s the fly of the week?
   A: Sparkle Wing RS2 (#20–22).
3. Q: Best time of day to fish?
   A: Early morning and cloudy afternoons.
4. Q: Is Cheesman beginner-friendly?
   A: Not really — this is a technical, stealth-heavy fishery.
5. Q: Do streamers work here?
   A: Yes, small leeches in low light can move fish.
6. Q: How’s the hike in?
   A: Moderate; expect 30–45 minutes of trail walking.
7. Q: What rod setup works best?
   A: 9’ 4–5 wt with long leaders and 6X–7X tippet.
8. Q: Are crowds heavy?
   A: Medium — arrive early to beat the pressure.

The Ark near Buena Vista is skinny but clear at 175 CFS. Fall hatches are shifting: Tricos linger in the mornings, BWOs are gaining strength on cloudy days, and midges/baetis nymphs carry fish through the middle of the day. With steady pocket-water flows, trout are concentrated and spooky — perfect conditions for those who like technical fishing.

Wading is wide open, but pressure is medium with anglers scattered along public access.

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Buena Vista Dispatch
We dig into how to fish skinny fall flows — from picking the right Trico spinner to rigging a two-fly nymph setup that can still turn heads in pressured water.

• Flow Rate: 175 CFS — skinny but very wadeable
• Water Temp: Low/mid 40s°F — stable, safe for trout
• Air Temp: 40s°F mornings, climbing to low 70s afternoons
• Clarity: Clear — fish are spooky, approach with stealth
• Best Times: 7–10:30 AM Trico spinners; BWOs on cloudy afternoons
• Fishing Pressure: Medium — public pull-offs see traffic, but hiking spreads anglers
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ — productive windows, but technical

Notes: Tricos remain strong early, but BWOs are the future. Midges and baetis nymphs keep subsurface drifts alive.

Nymphs / Emergers

• JuJu Baetis (olive/black, #20-22) – steady producer in pocket water.
• RS2 (gray/olive, #20-22) – deadly as a dropper below dries.
• WD-40 (brown/black, #20-22) – crossover midge/baetis pattern.
• Tungsten Pheasant Tail (#18-20) – anchor fly in two-nymph rigs.
• Duracell Jig (#16-18, copper/black) – great for fast seams.

Dries / Terrestrials

• Trico Spinner (CDC wing, #22-24) – morning must-have.
• Blue Wing Olive Parachute (#20) – for cloudy afternoon hatches.
• Parachute Adams (#20-22) – versatile dry that covers multiple hatches.
• Hi-Vis Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22) – for midges in slow slicks.
• Amy’s Ant (#14-16, peacock/tan) – still picks off opportunistic browns.

Streamers

• Lil’ Kim (white/olive, #8-10) – triggers bigger fish in deeper slots.
• Slumpbuster (natural/black, #10-12) – swing through pocket water.
• Mini Leech (#12, olive/black) – subtle, effective in skinny flows.
• Sparkle Minnow (#10-12, sculpin colors) – useful in shaded banks.

• Morning (7–10:30 AM): Target riffles and slow flats with Trico spinners; trail RS2 or WD-40.
• Midday: Nymph seams with JuJu Baetis or tungsten PT anchor, trailing RS2/WD-40.
• Afternoon (clouds): BWOs emerge; parachutes and emergers do the trick.
• Evening: Streamers like Lil’ Kim or Slumpbuster swung in deeper pockets.
• Rig Note: Long leaders (12–14 ft), 6X-7X fluoro. Anchor with tungsten PT or Duracell; trail micro nymphs.

• Downtown Buena Vista: Accessible runs; good Trico water but pressured.
• Upstream toward Johnson Village: Riffle/run water with lower traffic.
• Cottonwood Creek confluence area: Good nymphing water, less crowded.

Q: Is 175 CFS too low?
A: No — it’s skinny but very fishable. Stealth is key.

Q: What’s the go-to pattern?
A: Trico spinner in the morning, JuJu Baetis or RS2 below the surface midday.

Q: Are streamers worth fishing here?
A: Yes, especially in the evening. Stick to smaller patterns.

Q: Best quick access?
A: Public runs near town; hike upstream for less pressure.

Q: What rod/tippet setup?
A: 9’ 4–5 wt, long leaders (12–14 ft), 6X for dries, 5X for streamers.

The Arkansas through Cañon City is running 354 CFS, clear, and in full fall swing. Morning Trico spinner falls still drive the surface game, but BWOs are starting to show stronger on cloudy days. This is technical but rewarding fishing: riffles, seams, and pocket water are alive early, with trout sliding deeper as temps climb.

Flows are prime for wading, and while pressure is medium in town, a short walk will buy you elbow room.

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Royal Gorge Gateway Dispatch
We cover the best riffles for Trico spinners, which BWO emergers are producing, and how to set up a tactical nymph rig for browns that have seen it all.

• Flow Rate: 354 CFS — stable, wadeable, perfect pocket-water flows
• Water Temp: Low/mid 50s°F — safe, active trout temps
• Air Temp: 50s°F mornings, climbing to 70s-80s afternoons
• Clarity: Clear — excellent visibility, stealth required
• Best Times: 7–11 AM Trico spinner falls; BWOs on cloudy afternoons
• Fishing Pressure: Medium — easy access draws anglers, but room available
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — strong fishing if you match hatches

Notes: Tricos headline mornings; BWOs are on deck for cloudy afternoons. Midges and caddis keep fish feeding subsurface.

Nymphs / Emergers

• JuJu Baetis (olive, #20-22) – staple baetis imitation; deadly on light rigs.
• Barr’s BWO Emerger (olive/gray, #20-22) – perfect for afternoon overcast.
• WD-40 (black/olive, #20-22) – midge/baetis crossover, great as a trailer.
• Tungsten Pheasant Tail (#18-20) – classic attractor, works in riffles.
• Duracell Jig Nymph (brown/black, #16-18) – high sink rate, picks up opportunistic feeders.

Dries / Terrestrials

• Trico Spinner (CDC, #22-24) – key for morning spinner falls.
• Parachute Adams (#20-22) – versatile, covers Tricos and BWOs.
• Hi-Vis BWO Parachute (#20) – for spotting in choppy riffles.
• Amy’s Ant (peacock/tan, #14-16) – warm afternoon terrestrial option.
• Micro Chubby Chernobyl (#16, olive/tan) – doubles as hopper/dropper anchor.

Streamers

• Lil’ Kim (white/olive, #8-10) – flashy, great in deeper slots.
• Thin Mint Bugger (#10-12) – brown/black/olive blend for all-around use.
• Slumpbuster (natural/black, #10-12) – swing through shadowed runs.
• Mini Dungeons (olive, #8-10) – for aggressive browns in off-color water.

• Morning (7–11 AM): Trico spinners on 6X with RS2 or WD-40 droppers. Target riffle tails and glassy flats.
• Midday: Two-fly nymph rigs with JuJu Baetis and Barr’s BWO Emergers. Focus on seams and pocket water.
• Afternoon (if cloudy): BWOs hatch strong; hi-vis parachutes and BWO emergers shine.
• Evening: Streamer work in deeper runs or shadow lines.
• Rig Note: 10–12 ft leaders, 5X-6X fluoro. Anchor with a tungsten PT or Duracell, trail WD-40/RS2.

• Riverwalk Trail (Downtown Cañon City): Classic riffle/run sections; prime Trico water.
• Upstream toward Royal Gorge: Technical water with deeper pools; good for nymphing and streamers.
• Downstream of town: Lower pressure, slower seams, strong evening streamer water.

Q: What’s the hatch schedule?
A: Tricos in the morning, BWOs if cloudy in the afternoon, midges and caddis filling in throughout.

Q: What’s the go-to fly right now?
A: Trico spinner early, then nymphs like JuJu Baetis and WD-40 midday.

Q: Are streamers working?
A: Yes, especially Thin Mints and Lil’ Kims in deeper shadowed runs.

Q: Best rod setup?
A: 9’ 5 wt for versatility — dries, nymphs, or streamers.

Q: Is it safe to wade at 354 CFS?
A: Yes, flows are prime for wading and covering pocket water.

​​

Welcome to the North Fork of the South Platte River. This stretch of river is a hidden gem just outside of Denver, less crowded than its more famous cousins like Deckers or Cheesman Canyon, yet equally rich with opportunities to catch trophy-sized trout.

The North Fork near Bailey is running 200 CFS, clear, and delivering classic fall fishing conditions. Trout are keyed in on Tricos in the morning, with BWOs sliding in on cloudy afternoons. Midges and small baetis nymphs keep rods bent through the middle of the day.

Flows are in a sweet spot — wadeable, with enough water to spread anglers out. Medium pressure is the norm, but you can find space by walking away from road pull-offs.

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – North Fork Dispatch
We cover why the Trico hatch is still running strong, how to pair it with tiny nymph droppers, and when to switch gears to BWOs or leeches.

• Flow Rate: 200 CFS — steady, wadeable, and fishable
• Water Temp: Mid-40s°F — cool and safe for trout
• Air Temp: 40s°F mornings, 70s°F afternoons
• Clarity: Clear — trout easily spooked in shallow runs
• Best Times: 7–11 AM Trico spinners; 4–7 PM BWOs if clouds appear
• Fishing Pressure: Medium — roadside access draws anglers
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ — steady fishing, but technical

Notes: Morning Tricos are still the top ticket. BWOs are more consistent on overcast days. Midges are constant subsurface producers.

Nymphs / Emergers

• WD-40 (#20)
• RS2 (#20-22, gray/olive)
• JuJu Baetis (#20-22)
• Zebra Midge (#22-24)

Dries / Terrestrials

• Blue Wing Olive (#20)
• Trico Spinner (#22-24)
• Parachute Adams (#20-22)
• Micro Hopper (#16, fading but still an option)

Streamers

• Mini Leech (#12, olive/black)
• Slumpbuster (#12-14)
• Sparkle Minnow (#10-12)

• Morning (7–11 AM): Trico spinner fall is prime; fish small spinners with RS2 droppers.
• Midday: Double-nymph rigs with WD-40s, baetis, and midges. Trout are subtle, so watch your indicator.
• Evening (4–7 PM): BWOs on cloudy evenings, micro-streamers in shaded slots.
• Rig Note: Long leaders (12–14 ft) and light tippet (6X/7X) are required in clear water.

• Bailey Section: Roadside access, classic riffle/run water.
• Downstream toward Shawnee: Less traffic, deeper pools, and pocket water.
• Above Bailey: Smaller water, stealth essential, but great Trico sight-fishing.

Q: Is the North Fork too crowded right now?
A: Medium pressure. Roadside spots fill up, but walking upstream/downstream finds room.

Q: What’s the best bug?
A: Trico spinners early; WD-40s and JuJu Baetis under a dry are reliable.

Q: Are streamers worth it?
A: Yes, in shaded banks or deeper runs. Keep them small.

Q: Can I wade safely at 200 CFS?
A: Yes — flows are excellent for wading.

Q: Best rod setup?
A: 9’ 4-5 wt with 12–14 ft leaders and 6X tippet.

The Blue below Green Mountain is running 6 CFS — painfully low. Clear water and medium angling pressure mean spooky trout, limited holding water, and very technical conditions. This is one of those stretches where stealth, long leaders, and micro bugs are non-negotiable.

If you fish it, expect a grind: tiny Tricos and BWOs in the mornings, small nymph rigs through seams, and the occasional trout willing to swipe at a micro-streamer in deeper pockets.

Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Blue River Dispatch
Flows are minimal, trout are tough, but we break down how to still pull fish from this challenging tailwater with stealth and precision.

• Flow Rate: 6 CFS — extremely low, technical fishing only
• Water Temp: High 30s°F mornings, creeping up slowly with sun
• Air Temp: Upper 30s°F dawn, climbing into 60s by afternoon
• Clarity: Crystal clear — trout spook easily
• Best Times: 7–10 AM for Tricos; 4–7 PM for BWOs if clouds roll in
• Fishing Pressure: Medium — low flows concentrate fish and anglers
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐ — very tough, but rewarding if you’re dialed in

Notes: Tricos are the main dry-fly play. BWOs appear on cloudy days; midges fill the gaps subsurface.

Nymphs / Emergers

• WD-40 (#20-22)
• RS2 (#20-22, gray/olive)
• JuJu Baetis (#20-22)
• Zebra Midge (#22-24)

Dries / Terrestrials

• Trico Spinner (#22-24)
• Parachute Adams (#20-22)
• BWO Cripple (#20)
• Small Ant (#18, sparingly)

Streamers

• Slumpbuster (#8-10, black/olive)
• Mini Leech (#12, natural tones)
• RS2 Soft Hackle (#18 swung in seams)

• Morning (7–10 AM): Focus on Trico spinners and micro-droppers in soft water.
• Midday: Nymph tiny baetis/midge patterns; keep weight light and drifts perfect.
• Evening (4–7 PM): BWOs on cloudy evenings, micro-streamers in deeper runs.
• Rig Note: 12–14 ft leaders with 6X–7X tippet; stealth is everything.

• Below the Dam: Most productive runs, though heavily pressured.
• Public pull-offs downstream: Skinny water, but sight-fishing opportunities.
• Deeper pockets & tailouts: Best bet for streamer swings.

Q: Is it worth fishing at 6 CFS?
A: Only if you like technical, sight-fishing challenges. Trout are concentrated but spooky.

Q: What’s the best fly right now?
A: Trico spinners early; WD-40s and RS2s carry the rest of the day.

Q: Can streamers work at these flows?
A: Yes, but keep them small and swing through the few deeper slots.

Q: Is wading safe?
A: Absolutely. At 6 CFS, you can cover water easily, but stealth is key.

Q: What rod/tippet setup?
A: 9’ 4–5 wt, 12–14 ft leader, 6X–7X tippet.