Black Hills Fly Fishing Report – July 2, 2025
We’re kicking off July with decent fishing conditions across the Black Hills. While streamflows are lower than average for this time of year, recent cool weather and scattered showers have helped keep things in relatively good shape—especially on streams with higher elevation or spring-fed flow. The best fishing is happening early in the day and during overcast windows, with dry fly action picking up across the region.
Top Picks Right Now
Spearfish Creek and Castle Creek below Deerfield are fishing well and are your best bets for consistent action. Flows remain solid and water temps are staying cold, making for ideal conditions. Blue Winged Olives, caddis, and a growing number of Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are hatching, with fish feeding on top and just below the surface. Dry-droppers and small streamers are also effective in pocket water and deeper runs.
Rapid Creek Update
Fishing on Rapid Creek is more hit-or-miss this week. Flows are low both above and below Pactola Reservoir, but there are still opportunities if you time things right and fish carefully.
Below Pactola Reservoir
Cold water from the dam continues to support good fishing. PMDs, BWOs, and caddis are hatching regularly, and trout are responding to dry flies and small nymphs. Dry-dropper rigs with a small Chubby and a Perdigon, Zebra Midge, or Split Case PMD are working well.
Silver City (Above Pactola)
This stretch is fishing reasonably well early and late in the day. Flows have been slightly boosted by recent rain, and fish are rising in riffles and seams—especially under cloudier conditions.
In-town Rapid Creek
The best window is in the early morning hours, when Trico mayflies are hatching and bringing fish to the surface. As the day warms, water temperatures can climb quickly. Bring a thermometer and consider heading upstream or calling it a day when temps reach 67°F or higher. Lighter tippet (5X–6X) and accurate casts are critical.
Stillwater Report
Stillwater options remain strong. Lakes like Sylvan, Legion, Center, and Bismarck are producing good numbers of rainbows and tiger trout. Chironomids and balanced leeches fished under indicators in 6–12 feet of water are the top producers.
Deerfield and Pactola are also worth checking—try wind-drifting or slow-stripping leeches along drop-offs and weedlines.
Warmwater Fishing
Bass and pike are getting more active with warming temperatures.
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Sheridan and Stockade Lakes are fishing well for bass, particularly early and late in the day.
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Pactola Reservoir remains your go-to for pike—fish flashy streamers on a sink-tip line and cover water until you find active fish.
Fly Recommendations
Dry Flies
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CDC Thorax Dun – BWO (#18–20)
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Sparkle Dun – PMD (#16)
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Elk Hair Caddis – Tan or Black (#14–16)
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Trico Spinner – Black or White (#20–22)
Nymphs
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Perdigon – Olive or Purple (#16–18)
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Zebra Midge – Black/Silver (#18–20)
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Split Case PMD or BWO (#16–18)
Dry-Dropper Combos
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Tan or Olive Chubby with a Perdigon or Zebra Midge
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Short dropper with a BWO or PMD emerger when fish are sipping just below the surface
Streamflow Quick Links
Final Thoughts
We’re not seeing peak summer flows or full hatch activity quite yet, but fishing has been good—and with a bit of timing and adaptability, it can be great. Fish early, stay cool, and don’t hesitate to switch things up when conditions change.
Need flies, a thermometer, or local advice?
Stop by the shop in Rapid City or visit flyfishsd.com for gear, fly selections, and up-to-date stream info.
See you on the water – The Team at Dakota Angler & Outfitter