Most residents of the Denver Colorado area as well as visiting fly fishing enthusiasts know about the Dream Stream section of the South Platte River. This stretch of the river has become the state’s most popular destination for anglers looking for the ultimate fly fishing experience.  Few fishermen, however, know the Dream Stream exists today largely due to the dedication and perseverance of Charlie Meyers. Charlie was the outdoors writer for The Denver Post for more than forty years until his death in 2010. His weekly articles were must-reads for avid anglers and a source of outdoor adventure for armchair sportsmen. But it was Charlie’s tenacity in championing this particular section of the South Platte that made the Dream Stream the fishing destination it is today.

In 1981 the city of Aurora completed a dam on the South Platte River, creating the Spinney Mountain Reservoir. Tailwaters from this reservoir meander some five miles in a three mile linear distance into the Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir. Charlie persisted in encouraging the Colorado Department of Wildlife to purchase this stretch of the river and make it accessible to all fishermen. He worked tirelessly with DOW biologists to implement sampling and water management techniques. He helped establish catch and release regulations for the river.

But it was Charlie’s stories of his escapades on these waters that led him to call the area the Dream Stream. His excitement in landing some of the largest brown trout, rainbows and cutthroats in the state was contagious. Today countless fly fishermen and women come back to the Dream Stream time and again. To honor Charlie’s efforts in promoting the Dream Steam, this area has been named the Charlie Meyer State Wildlife Area.

Catching Dream Stream trout can be very challenging. The water is almost always clear, making it difficult to approach the fish. Try to work riffles and cutbacks. Better yet, invest in a half day walk and wade with one of the professional fly fishing guides from Minturn Anglers in Denver. Learn exactly where to go and what gear and techniques will work best to nab the trophy trout waiting for you in Charlie Meyer’s Dream Stream!