Fall is here, and the fishing should really start to improve. Highs in the low to mid 70s all week, with lows dropping into the upper 40s and low 50s at night. No heat to worry about, no thermometer needed — just good autumn weather and the kind of conditions that bring Blue Winged Olives back out in force. This is one of the best times of year to be on the water in the Black Hills.
Flows are on the low side after a dry summer, but a recent rain event pushed Rapid Creek in town up to 117 cfs before dropping back to where it is now. The streams are clearing and settling back down.
Rapid Creek in Town
27.3 cfs and dropping after that recent rain bump. The water is coming back down and should be clearing nicely over the next day or two. Low flows and clear water mean the fish will be spooky so drop to 5X or 6X and slow your approach. The cool nights and mild days are exactly the conditions that get BWOs going. Watch for the hatch mid-morning into early afternoon, especially on overcast windows. Midges are also active. This is the stretch of the season where in-town fishing can be very rewarding for the angler who takes their time. Terrestrials are winding down but still worth fishing.
Rapid Creek Below Pactola
30.4 cfs, at the lower end of the ideal range. Cold tailwater and fall temps make this a comfortable all-day fishery. Flows below Pactola can change with dam operations, but this time of year there should not be major fluctuations. It's never a bad idea to check the gauge before making the drive. This is a great option for BWOs and midges in the afternoon.
Rapid Creek Above Pactola, Silver City
26.8 cfs and in decent shape for this stretch. The 7-day trend shows it climbed with the recent rain and is now settling back down. Fish the riffles and seams with a dry dropper or small nymphs. Mostly smaller browns with the occasional rainbow. A good option this weekend.
Spearfish Creek
25.8 cfs and dropping sharply today, below the ideal range. The canyon will still fish well, but expect low, clear conditions. Light tippet and careful wading. The shaded canyon stretches are a nice place to be on a fall afternoon. There may be a few caddis in the afternoons into evening. Expect BWOs mid-morning through early afternoon on the cloudy days.
Castle Creek Below Deerfield
9.62 cfs, stable and right in the ideal range. This stretch has been one of the most consistent all year, and fall fishing here can be excellent. Cold tailwater, clear water, and fish that are starting to feed more aggressively heading into fall. Light tippet, slow approach, and fish the BWO hatch. Worth the drive.
Castle Creek Above Deerfield
8.44 cfs, at the low end of the range but fishable. The 7-day trend has had some pulses from recent rain activity. Fish the deeper pockets and shaded runs with small nymphs or a dry dropper.
Lakes: Pactola, Deerfield, and Custer State Park
If you enjoy lake fishing, this is a great time to be on the water. Pactola, Deerfield, and the Custer State Park lakes have all seen fall stocking runs and the fishing has been picking up. Cooler water temps mean trout are comfortable at all depths and actively feeding throughout the day. Chironomids under an indicator, leeches, and a Woolly Bugger on a sinking line are all good options. The CSP lakes are a particularly nice outing this time of year — good fish, beautiful scenery, and the summer crowds are long gone.
What's Hatching
Blue Winged Olives are the hatch to focus on. Cool nights and mild, partly cloudy days are the perfect setup. Watch for them mid-morning into early afternoon and longer on overcast days. Midges are always in the mix early and late. A few Caddis in the evenings on Spearfish and Rapid Creek. This is dry fly season again — have your BWO dries and emergers ready.
Hot Flies
Dries and Emergers: CDC Thorax Dun BWO 18-20, Sparkle Dun BWO 18-20, Morgan's Midge 18-22, Griffith's Gnat 18-20
Nymphs: Zebra Midge 20-22, Mercury Midge 20-22, Killer Mayfly Nymph 18-20, T-Midge 18-20
Streamers: Thin Mints, Dungeons, Lil Kims, Leeches
Get out this weekend. The summer crowds are gone, the temps are perfect, and the BWO hatch is on its way. Some of the best fishing of the year happens in the next few weeks.
Stop by or call the shop for flies and current conditions. 605-341-2450
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