Black Hills Fishing Report - Fishing has still been solid, and the little bit of moisture has helped out a few streams that were starting to get a bit on the low side. Fishing throughout the Black Hills continues to be great, especially from the central to northern hills. We're starting to see a few more terrestrials around, as well as various other hatches that are bringing some fish to the surface. The nymphing everywhere has been great as well, so there's no shortage of options!
Black Hills Fishing Report - Trout Streams
Rapid Creek above Pactola has been good for smaller wild browns. There's a lot of average sized trout that are pretty willing to eat, and they become more willing the further you walk in. You can get away with a dry-dropper setup in most of the pocket water. Smaller jig patterns like Jig Assassins, Sweet Peas, and the new Brush Hog will get the job done trailed behind a Stimulator, Klinkhammer, or Hippie Stomper. Below Pactola has been good, but the fish have been pretty particular. We've caught most of our fish on little midge droppers or small Split Back BWO's trailed behind a Hippie Stomper for an indicator, or below a Scud pattern behind an indicator. Tricos are already hatching on Rapid Creek through town. Get out by 7am for the best action. Caddis hatches are good late afternoon into evening.
Spearfish Creek through Spearfish Canyon and through the city of Spearfish has been fishing well. Flows are good, and the nymph fishing has been awesome. Tungsten Jig Nymphs have been very productive. Attractor dries with a dripper are starting to become more of an option. Caddis and Pale Evening Dun hatches are picking up.
Castle Creek below Deerfield Reservoir is fishing great. We have caught some very nice brook trout this past week below Deerfield. Dry dropper rigs are a perfect all around option here. Try a hopper dropper or hippie stomper with a dropper. Small baetis type or midge patterns are the best droppers. For anglers looking for a small water option, try the walk in area on Castle Creek above Deerfield. This stream is fairly small, but has good numbers of brookies and the occasional wild rainbow. Great water for a lightweight rod- 2 or 3 weight. In the upper reaches you won't find the fish to be very picky.
Down in the Southern Hills, try the Grace Coolidge Walk-In Area and Center Lake for the best fishing. Some fishing to be had on French Creek. Get out early and late if it is going to be hot. Fish Leech patterns in the Grace Coolidge Ponds and in Center Lake. On French Creek use yellow stimulators and red copper johns.
Black Hills Fishing Report - Warmwater Fishing
Pike fishing continues to be good on Sheridan Lake. Fish are a bit deeper than they were a couple weeks ago. Focus on drop off’s and using a slightly heavier sink tip. Smaller flies in perch colors and black streamers have been producing the best. Prairie Lakes are fishing well for bass. Fish are aggressively taking frog patterns. Break out the poppers, Boogle Bug Poppers, and divers. Fish early or late for the best surface activity. Carp activity has been good on Angostura and Orman Reservoirs. Cotton is starting to fly, so be ready for more and more carp cruising the surface feeding on cottonwood seeds.
Our guides have been having tremendous luck on area streams. If you need a little help I want to learn how to best fish are water give us a call at 605–341–2450 to schedule your trip. Guided Fly Fishing