Black Hills Fishing Report October 17th 2013
Due to the rain and blizzard we experienced recently, stream flows are quite high in most parts of the Black Hills for this time of year.
Several of the streams appear to have peaked and are coming down fairly quickly. Rapid creek is experiencing higher water currently due to increased releases from Pactola reservoir. The reservoir is being drawn back down to accommodate lower flows for repair work on Canyon Lake. The drawdown of Pactola Reservoir should take several more days. Spearfish Creek has come down considerably since the storm and is fishable in spearfish canyon. Another option for stream fishing is Castle Creek below Deerfield reservoir.
Nymph fishing should be a highlight with increased flows, giving anglers a chance to use larger flies. Try San Juan worms and larger czech nymph patterns. Streamers will also work well.
Another fun option this time of year is to hunt brown trout in Sylvan Lake. Browns cruise the shoreline in the fall. They can be aggressive and willing to take a streamer.
