Flows on the Dream Stream are currently at 98 cfs, and the fishing is pretty technical at the moment. With Spinney being pretty low, flows are expected to stay low throughout the rest of the summer. Water temperatures are also an increasing concern, so try to get out early in the morning and plan to leave around late morning/ mid-day to avoid fishing during the hottest part of the day. That being said, the mornings have provided some great dry fly fishing opportunities with Caddis, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and midges hatching regularly. Hopper dropper fishing has also been a solid option in between hatches.
Dry dropper fishing has been the most effective technique on the Dream as of late with good action on dries and droppers. A Cornfed Sally, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute PMD, or Griffith’s Gnat in sizes #14-20 have been staples up top, and pair nicely with a Chocolate Thunder, B’s Midge, Graphic Caddis, or Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail in #16-22. Hopper dropper has also been great, with Chubbies, Hippie Stompers, and Amy’s Ants in #8-14 fishing well against the banks. Dropping a Pine Squirrel leech, Scud, or Worm behind a hopper is also a good option.
For the dry fly purists, the Dream has been a solid option for some technical dry fly fishing. A Parachute PMD, Vis-a-Dun, Elk Hair Caddis, or Missing Link in sizes #14-20 have been solid choices for morning risers. The fish have been a bit drift picky as well, so consider dropping down to 5 or 6 and lengthening your leader a bit to ensure cleaner drifts.
Justin Nolan