Spring fly fishing in the Black Hills is ramping up with improving weather, stable streamflows, and active hatches. Here's the latest on conditions and what to expect this weekend and into early May.
Blue-winged olive (Baetis) mayflies are hatching consistently, especially on overcast days. Caddis activity is expected to improve over the next week. There could be a few little black stoneflies still hatching at the highest elevations.
Top Fly Patterns:
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Dry Flies: Parachute Blue Winged Olive, Sparkle Duns, Comparaduns, CDC Thorax Duns, Black Elk Hair Caddis, Henryville Caddis - Sizes 16-18
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Nymphs: Perdigons, Zebra Midges, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails
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Streamers: Thin Mints, Micro Dungeons, Sparkle Minnows
Rapid Creek: Above Pactola Reservoir the water could be dirty from snowmelt and recent rains, but streamer fishing and fishing with large prince nymphs and pat's rubber legs could be effective. Below the lake, Baetis hatches have been excellent. The best fishing is in town for now.
Castle Creek: Stable flows below Deerfield Dam offer great dry-dropper opportunities. Should be a few little black stoneflies around as well as Blue Winged Olives.
Spearfish Creek: Fishing was good in the canyon this week. Nymphing is very good, but warming temps this weekend should get hatches going. Expect good hatches of Blue Winged Olives, especially if there is some cloud cover.
Pactola Lake: Most lakes are open and fishing well with balanced leeches and chironomids fished under an indicator. Thin Mints on a retrieve and an intermediate line are also working. Pactola has been a solid bet, but most lakes in Custer State Park as well as Deerfield Reservoir are worth a look. Dust of the float tube or pontoon and hit the water.
With warming temperatures and stable flows, expect continued strong Baetis hatches and increasing caddis activity into early May. Keep an eye on weather changes, as spring storms can influence water clarity and insect emergence.
For up-to-date conditions and fly selections, stop by our shop in Rapid Cityor visit our website.