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Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area (Dream Stream) Fishing report
24°F
| Day | Condition | Temperature | Precipitation | Rain Chance | Wind | Humidity | Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Today
3:00 pm
|
 snow
|
24° | 26°°F | 0.04 inch | 100% | 9 mph | 95 % | 14 psi |
|
Tomorrow
3:00 pm
|
 clear sky
|
24° | 53°°F | 0.03 inch | 83% | 13 mph | 79 % | 14 psi |
|
Fri May 26
3:00 pm
|
 scattered clouds
|
34° | 62°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 13 mph | 83 % | 14 psi |
|
Sat May 26
3:00 pm
|
clear sky
|
41° | 62°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 23 mph | 65 % | 14 psi |
|
Sun May 26
3:00 pm
|
clear sky
|
35° | 66°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 21 mph | 89 % | 14 psi |
| Hour | Condition | Temperature | Precipitation | Rain Chance | Wind | Humidity | Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Today
3:00 am
|
 light snow
|
21° | 24°°F | 0.03 inch | 83% | 6 mph | 95 % | 14 psi |
|
Today
6:00 am
|
snow
|
19° | 22°°F | 0.04 inch | 100% | 9 mph | 94 % | 14 psi |
|
Today
9:00 am
|
snow
|
19° | 21°°F | 0.04 inch | 100% | 9 mph | 91 % | 14 psi |
|
Today
12:00 pm
|
snow
|
21° | 21°°F | 0.04 inch | 100% | 7 mph | 88 % | 14 psi |
|
Today
3:00 pm
|
light snow
|
26° | 26°°F | 0.03 inch | 67% | 7 mph | 74 % | 14 psi |
|
Tomorrow
6:00 pm
|
light snow
|
29° | 29°°F | 0.03 inch | 83% | 3 mph | 68 % | 14 psi |
|
Tomorrow
9:00 pm
|
light snow
|
27° | 27°°F | 0.01 inch | 20% | 4 mph | 78 % | 14 psi |
|
Tomorrow
12:00 am
|
clear sky
|
26° | 26°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 7 mph | 79 % | 14 psi |
|
Tomorrow
3:00 am
|
clear sky
|
25° | 25°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 7 mph | 77 % | 14 psi |
|
Tomorrow
6:00 am
|
 clear sky
|
24° | 24°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 7 mph | 73 % | 14 psi |
|
Tomorrow
9:00 am
|
 overcast clouds
|
36° | 36°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 6 mph | 49 % | 14 psi |
|
Tomorrow
12:00 pm
|
overcast clouds
|
50° | 50°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 13 mph | 38 % | 14 psi |
|
Tomorrow
3:00 pm
|
overcast clouds
|
53° | 53°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 9 mph | 36 % | 14 psi |
|
Fri May 26
6:00 pm
|
overcast clouds
|
53° | 53°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 13 mph | 37 % | 14 psi |
|
Fri May 26
9:00 pm
|
overcast clouds
|
43° | 43°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 8 mph | 61 % | 14 psi |
|
Fri May 26
12:00 am
|
broken clouds
|
39° | 39°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 6 mph | 73 % | 14 psi |
|
Fri May 26
3:00 am
|
scattered clouds
|
36° | 36°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 6 mph | 83 % | 14 psi |
|
Fri May 26
6:00 am
|
 few clouds
|
34° | 34°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 6 mph | 83 % | 14 psi |
|
Fri May 26
9:00 am
|
clear sky
|
47° | 47°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 6 mph | 53 % | 14 psi |
|
Fri May 26
12:00 pm
|
few clouds
|
56° | 56°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 8 mph | 32 % | 14 psi |
|
Fri May 26
3:00 pm
|
 scattered clouds
|
62° | 62°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 8 mph | 25 % | 14 psi |
|
Sat May 26
6:00 pm
|
broken clouds
|
61° | 61°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 4 mph | 27 % | 14 psi |
|
Sat May 26
9:00 pm
|
overcast clouds
|
53° | 53°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 7 mph | 49 % | 14 psi |
|
Sat May 26
12:00 am
|
overcast clouds
|
47° | 47°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 5 mph | 60 % | 14 psi |
|
Sat May 26
3:00 am
|
clear sky
|
43° | 43°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 5 mph | 65 % | 14 psi |
|
Sat May 26
6:00 am
|
clear sky
|
41° | 41°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 6 mph | 62 % | 14 psi |
|
Sat May 26
9:00 am
|
few clouds
|
52° | 52°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 10 mph | 38 % | 14 psi |
|
Sat May 26
12:00 pm
|
few clouds
|
60° | 60°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 21 mph | 22 % | 14 psi |
|
Sat May 26
3:00 pm
|
few clouds
|
62° | 62°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 23 mph | 18 % | 14 psi |
|
Sun May 26
6:00 pm
|
scattered clouds
|
58° | 58°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 21 mph | 18 % | 14 psi |
|
Sun May 26
9:00 pm
|
scattered clouds
|
48° | 48°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 8 mph | 30 % | 14 psi |
|
Sun May 26
12:00 am
|
scattered clouds
|
42° | 42°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 3 mph | 54 % | 14 psi |
|
Sun May 26
3:00 am
|
clear sky
|
38° | 38°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 4 mph | 84 % | 14 psi |
|
Sun May 26
6:00 am
|
clear sky
|
35° | 35°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 4 mph | 89 % | 14 psi |
|
Sun May 26
9:00 am
|
clear sky
|
48° | 48°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 5 mph | 51 % | 14 psi |
|
Sun May 26
12:00 pm
|
clear sky
|
59° | 59°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 6 mph | 21 % | 14 psi |
|
Sun May 26
3:00 pm
|
few clouds
|
66° | 66°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 10 mph | 12 % | 14 psi |
|
Mon May 26
6:00 pm
|
broken clouds
|
63° | 63°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 17 mph | 15 % | 14 psi |
|
Mon May 26
9:00 pm
|
scattered clouds
|
51° | 51°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 4 mph | 34 % | 14 psi |
|
Mon May 26
12:00 am
|
scattered clouds
|
47° | 47°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 4 mph | 48 % | 14 psi |
Flow (CFS) : 226
Best Section:
Deep bends and pools adjacent to swift riffles.
Avoid:
The wide, shallow flats and exposed gravel bars where fish are hyper-sensitive to any overhead movement.
Key Fly:
Micro Mayfly Emerger (#22-24) or a Slim-Profile Midge Pupa (#22-24).
Flow Note:
Flows have been rock-steady at 66–68 CFS for weeks; expect highly predictable but educated fish.
Thursday, March 26th, 2026
The Dream Stream is currently a game of consistency and extreme patience. While the broader landscape is dominated by drought and record-breaking heat, the flows here have remained impressively stable at 66–68 CFS. This long-term stability has been a saving grace for the fishery, allowing resident and lake-run arrivals to settle into predictable feeding lanes. However, because the water hasn’t moved much and clarity is absolute, the fish are incredibly well-educated. The mild winter and early spring heat have kept these fish fat and active, but the lack of high-country snowpack remains a looming concern for the summer months. Success right now is entirely dependent on small and lifelike presentations. With midges fading and Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) picking up in the afternoons, you need to match the hatch with microscopic precision. Think slim-profile pupae and emergers in the #22–24 range. Stay well back from the cut-banks, use 12-foot leaders of 6X or 7X, and focus on those deep, slow-walking seams where the fish feel most secure.
CPW Station Details
Most Recent visit
Friday, April 11th, 2025
Today was a bright sunny day up in South Park. Luckily there wasn’t too much wind and the fish were feeding. After scoping the reservoir and being driven off by the crowds. I decided to hit the river on a day when everyone else is focused elsewhere. There were still people on the river. However, the crowds were mild for a warm spring day on the Dream Stream. Fishing an upper stretch up and down, I was able to put a few good fish in the net. There was disappointment. I hooked two large fish. I know they were big because of the weight I felt. The sheer power they activated went into my rod. Both fish came off before I got eyes on them. The first, ran up stream and back down around a rock, breaking me off. The second took a quick turn into an undercut and spit the hook. These are the fish that keep you coming back.
Overview
The Dream Stream is a hidden gem for anglers seeking an unforgettable fishing adventure. Nestled in breathtaking landscapes, this unique fishery offers a plethora of opportunities to catch trophy trout in its pristine waters. The Dream Stream presents challenges that test even the most skilled fishermen. It is not just about the catch. It’s also about experiencing the serenity and beauty of nature in a truly remarkable setting. Come explore the allure of this special place where every cast brings the thrill of possibility.
The River
The river is located between two large mountain reservoirs. These are Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoir. It flows through the scenic Dream Stream, also known as the Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area. This picturesque area is renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities, especially for trophy trout, drawing anglers from far and wide. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that meander through the lush landscape. These trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. They also provide sights of diverse wildlife. The serene beauty of the Dream Stream creates a tranquil atmosphere. It is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It also appeals to those seeking peace in nature.
Seasons
The Dream Stream section of the upper South Platte River is fed by the pristine waters of Spinney Mountain Reservoir. It offers a reliable fishable channel year-round. Thanks to the controlled flows of the reservoir, the river stays flowing throughout the seasons. It helps to keep the water cool in the summer and warm in the winters. In the spring, large Rainbow, Cutthroat and Cutbow trout migrate out of Eleven Mile reservoir and into the system. In the fall the Brown Trout follow a similar pattern. This brings in crowds and the temptation to fish to large spawning fish. Don’t take the easy road, leave the redds alone.
Fish
The Dream Stream is home to some impressive fish, with the average size ranging from 12-18″. Occasionally, you might catch a trophy-sized fish over 20″. Both Rainbows and Browns thrive in this area, attracting anglers from all around. However, like in any popular fishing spot, these fish have experienced significant angling pressure. This pressure makes them a bit more challenging at times. Nevertheless, there are moments when they feed voraciously. If you happen to come away empty-handed, don’t let that deter you from coming back for another chance.
Tactics
Pick your poison. When it comes to fishing tactics, you have a variety of options to choose from. Indicator nymphing is a popular choice throughout this section of the South Platte, but you can also try other techniques. Small dries on long leaders can be a lot of fun, especially when the conditions are right. Big dry dropper setups are effective in the summer, and Euro nymphing is a great way to explore the river. Streamer fishing, while not the most productive tactic, can yield a big catch from time to time.
Bugs
Small is the main play when considering what fly imitations to drift. There is a large midge population that helps to keep fish fat throughout the year. BWOs are a prominent choice in the shoulder seasons, with the Caddis coming out in the summer. There are other mayflies, but these are the focus when considering more traditional bug choices. If you are an attractor fly fan, the options are endless, from worms and eggs to scuds and leeches. In the heat of the summer, remember the big bushy dries. Terrestrials in the shape of hoppers and beetles can make for a fun August afternoon!
The Flies
Previous Reports
Friday, January 9th, 2026
The Dream Stream is currently a game of grit. Winter has fully settled into South Park, and with flows around 64 CFS, the river is low, clear, and very exposed. The holiday crowds have thinned out, leaving the meandering bends of the Charlie Meyers SWA to the hardcore winter anglers. While the resident fish are still active, they are staying deep in the bends and slower pools. The primary challenge right now isn’t just the picky trout—it’s the wind. South Park in January is notorious for its gusts, so check the weather twice before making the drive. If you can catch a “low wind” window, the midge fishing can be world-class.
Tuesday, June 24th, 2025
The Dream Stream has been consistent and low over the last few weeks. With low water levels at Spinney Mountain Reservoir, they are capturing runoff to help refill it. The low water makes fish somewhat spooky and contained. This section is still very fishable. Like other low water areas of the South Platte, keep water temperatures in mind. If it his 60° Farheinght, consider packing it in or taking a nap until cooler portions of the day. Fish will be active during low-light periods and when the water is cooler. They may spread out in the mornings and evenings, but expect to find them in the riffles as things warm. Keep your presentations clean and light. Large indicators and poor drifts will deter fish. Fish your favorite summer time patterns. Yellow Sallies and Caddis should be in full force this time of year.
Friday, May 2nd, 2025
Like other sections of the South Platte, the Dream Stream has seen some fluctuation. They are keeping it in a decent range with flows over the last day anywhere from 80-120 cfs. This is normal for the fishery and resident fish should be happy. When fishing this section, play the day. Sunny days will put fish down while cloudy overcast days will encourage bug and fish activity. Blue Wing Olives should still be around and midges are always a go to on The Dream. Watch the flows before heading out. A bump can give fish confidence while a drop in flows slow them a bit.