The Dream Stream is in full fall swing, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Flows are low, fish are spooky, and every cast feels like a midterm exam. But September is prime time for sight-fishing to big browns staging for their run, and if you bring your “A” game, you can turn refusals into grip-and-grin moments.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 – technical, but rewarding)
Flow (CFS): ~120
Water Temp: 54–58°F
Air Temp: Low 70s°F afternoons
Clarity: Clear, glassy in the flats
Best Times: 7–11 AM and 4–7 PM
Fishing Pressure: High (especially weekends)
Top Flies: Trico Spinner #22 | RS2 #20 | Amy’s Ant #14

👉 Download this river’s Hatch Chart (PDF)

Title: Dream Stream Fall Playbook – Tricos, Browns & Pressure Hacks
Description: We dive into September strategies on the Dream Stream—how to target staging browns, crack the trico puzzle, and find quieter water when the parking lots are jammed.

Source: OpenWeather / NOAA

• Mon (9/15): 47°–72°F – Clear

• Tue (9/16): 46°–74°F – Clouds

• Wed (9/17): 48°–77°F – Clear

• Thu (9/18): 49°–75°F – Clouds

• Fri (9/19): 45°–70°F – Clear

• Dry Fly Setup: CDC Trico Spinner #22 on 12–14’ 6X leader.

• Nymph Setup: RS2 #20 below a Zebra Midge #22, 18” apart, 6X fluoro.

• Streamer Setup: Mini Dungeon or Thin Mint #8, stripped slow along undercuts.

• Pro Rig (Guide’s Pick): Hopper-dropper with Amy’s Ant #14 + RS2 #20 dropper.

Q: When’s the best time to fish the Dream Stream in September?
A: Early mornings for tricos, evenings for terrestrials and staging browns.

Q: What flies are producing now?
A: Trico spinners, RS2 emergers, midges, and ants near banks.

Q: Is the Dream Stream crowded right now?
A: Yes, especially weekends. Go midweek or hike away from parking lots.

Q: Can I catch big browns here in September?
A: Absolutely—this is staging season. Fish deeper runs and undercuts.

Q: Any closures or special regs?
A: Artificial flies/lures only, barbless strongly encouraged.

Q: What’s the water like right now?
A: Clear and low, so stealth and long leaders are mandatory.