Black Hills Fly Fishing Report April 7th
Fishing season is in full swing and fishing opportunities are available throughout the Black Hills. Due to a low snow year, water levels are slightly lower than normal. For that reason, the most consistent fishing will be on Castle, Rapid, and Spearfish Creeks. These streams are the most resilient in lower water years. Flows are stable on these streams and will provide the best fishing day in and day out.
Rapid Creek:
With warmer weather, the hatches have changed since the last report. We are noticing solid dry fly action between 10 am-2 pm. In the morning, throwing Midges, Sparkle Duns, Blue Winged Olives, and Morgan's Para Midge will be your best dries to throw. In the later afternoon, your best option is going to be nymphing. Our favorite nymphs to use will be Tungsten split-case BWO Nymphs, zebra midges, cheesman canyon emergers, Soft Hackle nymphs, and green or blue Perdigons.
Spearfish Creek:
You will notice hatches similar to Rapid Creek. Henryville Special, Black Caddis, and Parachute Caddis are some of our favorite dries to throw this time of year in Spearfish Canyon. Nymphing will be your best option once the hatch starts to fade out. Throwing different color variations of Midges, Perdigons, Soft hackle, and Flashback Quill.
Castle Creek:
Fishing is picking up in Castle Creek both above and below Deerfield Reservoir. Look for BWO and little black stonefly hatches starting mid morning into the afternoon. The water below the reservoir is very clear, and stealthy and longer leaders may be needed to prevent spooking the fish.
Lake Fishing:
The ice is off Black Hills lakes! The best lakes to fish are Pactola, Sheridan, and Center Lake. Balanced Leeches under an indicator is an excellent technique for any lake in the Hills. Two other options will be a Thin Mint and a Red Analid under an indicator.
Stop by or call the shop for more up-to-date information. 605-341-2450
Hot Dry Flies- Midges size 20-22, Sparkle Dun size 18-20, BWO size 16-20, Black Caddis size 18-20, Paracute Caddis size 16-20
Nymphs- San Juan Worm, Midges size 18-22, Bling Midge size 20-22, Perdigon size 16-20
Black Hills Streamflow Data is available here