Black Hills Fishing Report May 7th, 2026
Good time to be out. We have a mild, unsettled week ahead, with highs in the low 60s today, rising into the upper 60s and low 70s by the weekend, and a chance of showers Saturday. That kind of cloudy, cool weather is about as good as it gets for Blue Winged Olives, and the BWO hatch has been very good on Rapid Creek in town. Don't miss this stretch.
Rapid Creek in Town
Running around 44 cfs and holding steady. Good flows, clear water, and the BWO hatch has been firing consistently. Fish are rising in the pools and along foam lines mid-morning into early afternoon. Overcast days like today will keep the hatch going longer. This is some of the best dry fly fishing of the year. Carry a mix of BWO dries and emergers, and be ready to downsize your tippet to 6X or 6.5X. Nymph fishing is also very good for those who want to cover more water.
Rapid Creek Above Pactola, Silver City
Decent fishing up here. Mostly smaller browns with the occasional nice rainbow. Good water to cover ground on a dry-dropper rig. Fish the riffles and seams, and don't overlook the deeper pockets.
Rapid Creek Below Pactola
Low water and fewer fish make this a tough stretch. Worth a shot if you want to hunt for a bigger trout, but for consistent action stick to in-town water or Spearfish Creek.
Spearfish Creek
Running around 46 cfs and in good shape. Clear water and fishable flows throughout the canyon. BWOs and midges are hatching and fish are active. Dry dropper or straight nymphing will both work well. One of the better options this week.
Castle Creek Below Deerfield
Cold, clear tailwater with some good fish. Lower flows right now, so fish will be spooky. Focus on the deeper pools. Watch your shadows and slow down your approach. Good option if you want some solitude and don't mind putting in some work.
What's Hatching
Blue Winged Olives are the hatch to focus on. Fish them mid-morning through early afternoon, and longer on overcast days. Midges are still worth having in your box early in the morning before the BWOs get going. With the rain chances this weekend, expect the Baetis hatch to stay strong. A few little Black Stone Flies are hatching at higher elevations.
Black Hills Lakes
Fishing is picking up on area lakes - Pactola, Deerfield, Sylvan, Center, and Legion. Mainly an indicator fishing opportunity, balance leeches and chironomid patterns are the best option. If you have a float tube or boat, fish with intermediate lines, leech patterns or buggers fished on a slow retrieve.
Hot Flies
Dry Flies: Morgan's Midge 18-22, CDC Thorax Dun BWO 18-20, Sparkle Dun BWO 18-20, Griffith's Gnat 18-20
Nymphs: Zebra Midge black or red 20-22, Mercury Midge 20-22, Killer Mayfly Nymph 18-20, T-Midge 18-20
The time for trout fishing on streams in the Black Hills is now. Don't wait. The BWO hatch is on, and the weather is set up well for dry fly fishing. Get out there.
Stop by or call the shop for more up to date information. 605-341-2450
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