It has been hot and dry, and the streams are feeling it. Highs in the upper 80s and low 90s all weekend with no rain in the forecast. Flows are down across the board since our last report — in-town Rapid Creek has dropped from nearly 80 cfs down to 30 cfs, and most other streams are at or near their summer lows. Nights have been cooling into the low 60s, which helps, but afternoon water temps in lower-elevation water are still a concern. Fish early, bring a thermometer, and plan around the heat.
The lakes are a great call this weekend. Deerfield, the CSP lakes, and the warmwater fisheries at Angostura and Belle Fourche are all solid options when the streams get tough in the afternoon.
Rapid Creek in Town
30.2 cfs and low. That is a significant drop from where it was a month ago and puts in-town water at the lower end of what we want to see. Clear water and educated fish. Get out early, fish carefully, and drop to 5X or 6X. Terrestrials along grassy and brushy banks in the morning — a Hippie Stomper or Micro Chubby Chernobyl worked tight to the bank can still produce before the heat sets in. Check your thermometer as the day warms up. Evening is worth a look as things cool back down. See our full hopper dropper selection at flyfishsd.com/collections/hopper-dropper-dry-dropper-flies.
Rapid Creek Below Pactola
45.9 cfs with cold water out of the dam. Releases have come down from August but this is still within the fishable range and the cold tailwater keeps it in better shape than in-town water on a hot day. Flows can change here without notice depending on releases so check the gauge before you make the drive. When it is fishing it is one of the better options in the heat of the afternoon.
Rapid Creek Above Pactola, Silver City
16.5 cfs and holding around its 7-day low. Low and clear. Fish early only, go light on tippet, and watch your approach. Mostly smaller browns with the occasional rainbow. Not the top pick this weekend.
Spearfish Creek
39.6 cfs through the canyon. Holding steady and still in a fishable range. The canyon shade makes this one of the more comfortable options on a hot afternoon. Terrestrials along grassy banks in the morning, caddis in the evening. A good option if you want to get away from in-town water.
Castle Creek Below Deerfield
9.15 cfs, at the low end of the ideal range and trending down over the past week. Cold tailwater out of the reservoir keeps this fishable but expect spooky fish in slow, clear water. Light tippet, slow approach, watch your shadow. A few good fish in here for the patient angler.
Castle Creek Above Deerfield
7.4 cfs and below the ideal range for this stretch. The 7-day trend shows it has been dropping. Not the best option this weekend — fish the tailwater below Deerfield instead if you want to be on Castle Creek.
Still Water and Warmwater
Deerfield Lake and CSP Lakes: A great call this weekend. Trout fishing on the lakes holds up well into fall and you do not have to worry about water temps the way you do on the streams. Chironomids under an indicator early, leeches and Woolly Buggers on a sinking line through the day. Fish the drop-offs and weed edges.
Sheridan Lake and Stockade Lake: Bass are still active. Boogle Bug BooglePopper and Boogle Amnesia Bug early along the banks, Chocklett's Changer and crawfish patterns through the day along rocky points and structure. September bass fishing can be very good as fish start feeding more aggressively heading into fall.
Angostura Reservoir and Belle Fourche Reservoir: Carp are still tailing in the shallows, especially early morning and evening. A Carp-Tease or crawfish pattern dropped in front of a tailing fish is a great way to spend a hot September afternoon. Bass, walleye, and pike also active at Angostura on Changers and Murdich Minnows.
Hot Flies
Terrestrials and Hopper Dropper: Hippie Stomper, Micro Chubby Chernobyl — full selection at flyfishsd.com/collections/hopper-dropper-dry-dropper-flies
Streamers: Thin Mint, Woolly Bugger black or olive
Bass: Boogle Bug BooglePopper, Boogle Amnesia Bug, Chocklett's Changer, crawfish pattern, Murdich Minnow
Carp: Carp-Tease, crawfish pattern
Nymphs: Zebra Midge 20-22, Mercury Midge 20-22, Killer Mayfly Nymph 18-20, T-Midge 18-20
Fish the streams early this weekend and switch to the lakes when temps climb. Have a good Labor Day.
Stop by or call the shop for flies and current conditions. 605-341-2450
flyfishsd.com | Dakota Angler and Outfitter | 1010 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD
