Black Hills Fly Fishing Report – June 12, 2025
We’re nearly halfway through June, and the recent stretch of cool, wet weather has continued to benefit our local streams. Periodic rain showers and mild temps have helped maintain modest flows and healthy water temps in key watersheds, creating excellent fishing opportunities, especially for dry fly anglers. While flows remain below seasonal averages overall, fish are active and feeding consistently, particularly during overcast afternoons.
Rapid Creek
Below Pactola: Flows are steady at ~30 cfs, still on the low side, but the cool, cloudy conditions have kept fish happy and feeding. Midges, Blue Winged Olives, and caddis are all hatching regularly, and fish are responding well to dry-dropper rigs and small nymphs in deeper pools. Try a Parachute BWO or CDC Thorax Dun up top, or a dry dropper rig, with a small Chubby or Klinkhammer with a Zebra Midge or Perdigon underneath.
Silver City (above Pactola): Flows are stable and slightly bumped from recent rain. Dry fly activity has been good in the evenings and early mornings. Dry-dropper combo in seams and pockets are producing. Keep an eye out for rising fish on calm evenings.
In-town Rapid Creek: Still best fished early and late. Water clarity is excellent—approach carefully with light tippet (5X–6X) and focus on shaded banks, undercut structure, and foam lines. Midges and smaller BWOs are most productive.
Castle Creek
Flows below Deerfield remain steady and cold. BWOs continue to hatch well on cloudy days, and caddis are picking up steam in the evenings. This stretch is ideal for technical dry fly work or dry-dropper combos. Small streamers are also getting attention in deeper pockets and tailouts.
Spearfish Creek
Spearfish remains one of the most consistent options in the Hills. Flows are good throughout the system—from Iron Creek down through the canyon and into town. The dry fly bite is strong, especially during overcast afternoons and mild evenings. BWOs, caddis, and even a few PMDs have started to show. Fish are sipping dries in slower seams and tailouts—be ready with emergers and a careful approach.
Stillwater Fishing
Stillwaters continue to shine. Sylvan, Legion, Center, and Bismarck Lakes are producing well, especially for rainbows and tigers. Chironomid rigs and balanced leeches under an indicator in 6–12 feet of water remain top producers. Deerfield and Pactola are also great options—try a slow strip or wind-drifted leech rig along drop-offs and weed edges.
Warmwater Species
Bass and pike activity is ramping up. Sheridan and Stockade Lakes are producing good bass action in the shallows, particularly early and late in the day. Pactola is your best bet for pike—fish flashy streamers on an intermediate or sink-tip line. Move between coves until you find active fish.
Streamflow Quick Links
Weather Outlook
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Rapid City: Highs in the mid 60s with intermittent showers and light wind. Cloud cover and humidity should support midday hatch activity.
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Spearfish: Expect highs in the low 60s, with light rain and low wind—ideal for BWOs and caddis through the early evening.
Fly Recommendations
Dry Flies
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CDC Thorax Dun – BWO (#18–20)
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Elk Hair Caddis – Tan or Black (#14–16)
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Sparkle Dun – PMD (#16, starting to hatch)
Nymphs
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Perdigon – Olive or Purple (#16–18)
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Tungsten Zebra Midge – Black/Silver (#18–20)
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Split Case BWO (#18)
Dry-Dropper Combos
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Chubby Chernobyl (Tan/Olive) with a Perdigon or Zebra Midge dropper
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Try a BWO emerger on a short dropper when fish are sipping near the surface
Cooler weather and steady flows are giving us some of the most enjoyable fishing conditions we’ve seen in early summer. Dry fly windows are getting better by the day—don’t miss them! Stop by the shop or visit flyfishsd.com for flies, local advice, and updated stream reports.
See you on the water – The Team at Dakota Angler & Outfitter