Black Hills Fishing Report April 20th 2024
No huge changes from last week. Fishing is picking up across the hills including the higher elevations. Flows are a little higher in the northern hills as runoff is heavier there, however not too high to fish. Water maybe stained, but nymph fishing will be good. In the central and southern hills flows aren't as affected by runoff. Good fishing with increasing dry fly opportunities.
Blue Winged Olives are hatching! BWOs are one of the best hatches of the year, so don't miss the opportunity to fish this hatch. In the higher elevations we are seeing little black stoneflies. Best to carry a mix of both. Baetis hatches will be better with cloud cover.
Warmer weather late this week is helping conditions in the higher elevations. Rapid Creek and Spearfish Creek have the best conditions overall.
This weekend would be a good time to get out and explore Castle, Spring, Box Elder Creeks. The warm weather today should really help those streams wake up.
Lake fishing is off to a very good start. Pactola, Sheridan, Deerfield, and Center Lakes are fishing very well. Balance Leeches under an indicator is a great technique for any lake in the Hills. Fishing an intermediate sinking line with a slow retrieve can produce great results, however this is best done from a boat or float tube.
Stop by or call the shop for more up to date information. 605-341-2450
Hot Dry Flies- Midges Adults 20-22, BWO sparkle dun, BWO Parachute.
Nymphs- Zebra Midges, Green Weenies, Walt's worm, smaller frenchies