This nice Rapid Creek Brown Trout took a BWO aka Baetis dry this past Sunday. Dry fly fishing is picking up around the Black Hills.Black Hills Fishing Report March 26th 2020
Despite all the other crazy things happening in the world today, fishing continues to be good throughout the Black Hills. Since the last report flows have come up due to some snowmelt and increased releases from the reservoirs. Hatch activity has picked up with Blue Winged Olives and Little Black Stoneflies hatching in increasing numbers.
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Rapid Creek has seen the largest increases in flows. The releases from Pactola Reservoir are up to 103 cfs. This is a fairly big jump from the past few weeks, but still quite fishable. Baetis and Little Black Stones are hatching. Fishing will likely be best downstream of Pactola Reservoir. Upstream of the lake will likely be more off color, but could fish well with streamers. Late afternoon will be the best opportunities for dry fly fishing. Otherwise nymph fishing will be best. Fish an attractor nymph such as a rainbow czech or san juan worm followed by a baetis nymph dropper. Euro Nymphing has been working well with a variety of tungsten jig nymphs. For the hatches fish Baetis patterns in 16-18 and little black stonefly imitations in 16-18.
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Spring Creek below Sheridan Lake continues to fish well. Flows have come up slightly on Spring Creek which will help the fishing as fish start to spread out from their winter lies. Should be a good shot at dry fly fishing in the late afternoon wit the same hatches as Rapid Creek. Nymphing and streamer fishing will be the overall best bet on Spring Creek.Spearfish Creek should be fishing well right now. With everything happening lately we haven't had a chance to get up there and fish. Let us know how its been if you have been out on Spearfish lately. Flows are 78cfs, which is about perfect. Definitely will be some little black stoneflies around. Baetis won't be far behind. Nymph fishing as always will be the best technique day in and day out. Fish a quill jig or PT jig along with a smaller midge and you will find some fish!
I had a chance to fish French Creek the other day in Custer State Park and was pleasantly surprised. Good fishing for rainbows and browns. It was all nymph fishing. Didn't see much bug activity. Although that could change with the warmer weather next week. Best flies red fox squirrel nymph and a tungsten pheasant tail soft hackle. If you're holed up in the southern hills you don't have to travel far to find a few fish.
Castle Creek could be a bit snowy yet, but next week should open up some more access. We will keep you posted as we hear more about Castle Creek.
Prairie lakes are starting to open up. Pike fishing and some bass fishing opportunities will be on the table soon. Curlew was opening up this past week. That means carp fishing isn't too far off either.
Give us a call at the shop and we can help you with any flies or anything else that you need. We are currently open for curbside pickup and online orders only. This is to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. Thanks for your patience and support!
Contact Us: Phone: 605-341-2450 or if that number is busy try 605-484-1413 Email: dakotaflyangler@gmail.com