Black Hills Fishing Report June 26th, 2026
Summer is in full swing and the heat is here to stay. Today hits 81, Saturday 87, Sunday 84, and the rest of next week stays in the low 80s. No significant rain in the forecast. This kind of sustained heat means water temps on lower elevation streams will climb into dangerous territory by mid-afternoon. Fish early, bring a thermometer, and get off the water when temps push past 67 degrees. The trout will thank you.
The good news is the warmwater lakes are fishing great right now and this weekend is a perfect time to be throwing big flies at bass. More on that below.
Rapid Creek in Town
Running 36.6 cfs and dropping. Low for late June but fishable. Water temps will be the story this weekend. Get out before 9 a.m. if you can and fish the shaded stretches, deeper pools, and any spring-fed areas you know. Caddis and PMDs are both active in the evenings and the low light windows morning and evening are your best bet. Midday fishing on in-town water this weekend is not a great idea. Check your thermometer.
Rapid Creek Below Pactola
38.5 cfs with cold water out of the dam. This is your best option for a hot afternoon on Rapid Creek. Tailwater temps stay cold all summer regardless of air temps. Fish the deeper slots and runs with nymphs or a streamer. If you need to fish midday this weekend, come here.
Rapid Creek Above Pactola, Silver City
25.4 cfs, low and clear. Water will warm faster at this elevation with no dam influence. Fish early only. Dry dropper or small nymphs. Mostly smaller browns with the occasional nice rainbow.
Spearfish Creek
43.5 cfs through the canyon, about 60% of normal. The canyon shade makes this one of the better options on a hot day. Temps will stay manageable longer than in-town Rapid Creek. Caddis in the evening have been strong. A good call this weekend if you can get there in the morning and stay in the shaded canyon stretches.
Castle Creek Below Deerfield
10.4 cfs, low and clear. Cold tailwater keeps this fishable even in the heat. Light tippet, careful approach, spooky fish. Good option for the angler who wants cold water and solitude.
Castle Creek Above Deerfield
12.9 cfs and low. Fish early before temps climb. Same approach as below the dam — light tippet, slow down, and cover water carefully.
Bass Fishing: Get Out There This Weekend
Hot weather and warm lake temps mean bass are active, aggressive, and looking for a meal. This is prime time for warmwater fly fishing in the Hills and there is no reason to sit it out because the trout streams are tough in the afternoon.
Sheridan Lake: Smallmouth and largemouth both active right now. Start early with a Boogle Bug BooglePopper worked along the shoreline and rocky points. As the sun gets up, switch to a Chocklett's Changer or Craw Changer along structure and drop-offs. Crawfish patterns near rocky bottom have been producing. This is as good as it gets on Sheridan.
Stockade Lake: Same deal. Boogle Bug early along the banks, then Changers and crawfish patterns as fish move off the shallows. Less pressure than Sheridan and the fish can be very willing.
Angostura Reservoir: Worth the drive. Bass, walleye, and pike all active right now. Work rocky points and submerged timber with a Chocklett's Changer or a large Woolly Bugger on a sinking line. Big water, big fish.
Deerfield and CSP Lakes: Still producing on leeches and Woolly Buggers on a sinking line. Chironomids early in the morning. A good option if you want trout on still water without worrying about stream temps.
Hot Flies
Bass and Warmwater: Boogle Bug BooglePopper, Chocklett's Changer, Chocklett's Craw Changer, Woolly Bugger black or olive
Still Water Trout: Woolly Bugger, chironomids, leech patterns
Nymphs: Zebra Midge 20-22, Mercury Midge 20-22, Killer Mayfly Nymph 18-20, T-Midge 18-20
Dries: Morgan's Midge 18-22, Griffith's Gnat 18-20, Caddis dry 14-16, PMD 16-18
Fish the streams early and switch to the lakes when the heat picks up. The bass fishing is on right now. Don't miss it.
Stop by or call the shop for flies and current conditions. 605-341-2450
flyfishsd.com | Dakota Angler and Outfitter | 1010 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD
