Black Hills Fishing Report May 22, 2020

Sorry for the gap in Black Hills Fishing Reports! This week finds many streams a tad on the high side. Not un-fishable and not nearly as high as they were in the last report. Warmer and drier weather has brought stream flows down. Forecast looks to be dry for the most part for the coming days, so we expect flows to continue to fall.

Spring Creek below Sheridan lake, Spearfish Creek, and Box Elder Creek all have lower and easier to fish flows. French Creek in Custer State Park is in good shape as well. Rapid Creek is fishable but it is high. Above Pactola is around 150 cfs and will be a bit off color. Below Pactola releases are 190 cfs. That is a bit high for optimal conditions, but you can find a few spots here and there for nymph and streamer fishing. Rapid Creek in town is high as well, but likewise there are opportunities in the longer runs and pools.

For streams nymph fishing is going to be the best overall technique. We are having success with tungsten jig patterns - pheasant tails, prince nymphs, jig assassins, and skinny jigs.

Lakes are fishing well. Pactola continues to fish very well. The coves and bays are the best bets. Smaller Black Hills lakes and ponds should be turning on as well. Balance leeches, woolly buggers, scuds, and boatman patterns will work well on lakes.

Bass and pike fishing are best on the prairie lakes. Pike fishing has been slow to start on Black Hills reservoirs. Warmer weather this week should make bass fishing even better this weekend. Topwater fishing with poppers should be an option soon.

We hope to not take as long before the next fishing report. Feel free to stop by the shop or give us a call or email with any questions.