Black Hills Fly Fishing Report July 14 2023
Black Hills Fly Fishing Report July 14 2023
Not that much to change in our report from the 1st. Streams are flowing high but there are good opportunities throughout the area. The forecast looks drier for the coming week so flows will be coming down.
Hot Flies- Mop Flies, Perdigons, Frenchies, French Dips, San Juan Worms, Pat's Rubber Legs, Chubby Chernobyls, Elk Hair Caddis, Klinkhammers
Black Hills Streamflow Data is available here
Rapid Creek
Above Pactola- Running high as of this report, however they have come down quite a bit from the last report. Flows coming into Pactola Lake near Silver City are at 169 cfs down from 256 cfs. It may be fishable at this flow, but might be better as it continues to drop. Look for flows in the 125 range for better fishing conditions.
Below Pactola - C&R area- Releases are at 225 cfs as of today. Not a big drop but down a little from the last report. This is still is a high flow and fishing will be challenging right below the dam. The water will be clear, fish will have moved out of pools and into riffles and runs. Fish heavy nymph rigs for the best luck. Worm patterns, scud patterns, along with midge or baetis droppers. Hopefully the lake will come down enough for releases to drop into the mid 100s soon.
In town- Fishing remains an option in town and the water is clear-ish. Size up on your nymphs and weight. Our favorites are mop flies, tungsten san juan worms and large perdigons. Streamers are working very well. Fish the edges not the fast current. Fishing above canyon lake is a good option.
Castle Creek
Castle Creek is in much better shape. Flows into Deerfield lake are 26cfs and releases are at 38 cfs. Fishing should be prime below the dam right now. Dry Dropper is an option here now that flows have come down. Fish and attractor like a chubby chernobyl, stimulator, or hippie stomper, along with a split case PMD nymph dropper. Fishing above the lake will have improved with the drop in flows. Castle Creek is one of the best stream options in the Hills right now.
Spearfish Creek
Spearfish Creek has been pretty stable since the last report. Flows are at 74 cfs in Spearfish as of today. Up in the canyon there should be some dry fly activity later in the day with caddis and small summer BWOs. Some anglers are having success with larger attractor dries in the Canyon. Chubby Chernobyls are a good bet. Nymphing remains the best overall option.
Spring Creek
Rains have kept the flow in good shape. There is good fishing below Sheridan Lake. This area has seen some pressure the past few weeks, best to get there early. Larger nymphs are the best bet. Jig Prince Nymphs, Jig Pheasant Tails, and jig hare's ear nymphs are all good options. Size 12-14.
Box Elder Creek
Flows have stabilized since the last report. Take a look at the Steamboat Rock Area or further upstream around Nemo. Despite the drop in flows the water may be a bit stained, but the nymph fishing will be good. Same types of flies as Spring Creek.
Lakes
Not much change here, very good lake fishing opportunities throughout the Black Hills. Black Hills lakes are fishing well. Canyon Lake is fishing well right in town. Float tube or other craft gives the angler more options, but fishing can be good from the gazebo island. All the Custer State Park lake are fishing well, same deal a float craft makes for better access, but fishing can be done from shore. Deerfield Lake is a great destination for lake anglers. Deerfield is a bigger reservoir, so having a float craft makes a big difference. Thin Mint Buggers, Balance Leeches, Blobs, and chironomid patterns are the best bet.