Fishing has been good over the past week. Looking forward the most productive streams will be Rapid Creek, Castle Creek, and Spearfish Creek. This week's weather looks to have a mix of hot days and few relatively cooler days, as well as an increased chance of thunderstorms.
Rapid Creek will fish well above and below Pactola Reservoir. During the hotter days this week, pay attention to the stream temperatures throughout town. Temps could easily jump into the upper 60s by mid-day. Cooler water and better fishing can be found closer to Pactola Reservoir. Fishing has been good above Pactola near Silver City, as well as below the dam down through Johnson Siding. Hatches include little yellow stoneflies, caddis, PMDs, PEDs, and small Baetis. Tricos could start soon on Rapid Creek in town.
Castle Creek will fish well below Deerfield this week. Cool water temps from the dam release make for perfect fishing conditions. A good mix of hatches, similar to Rapid Creek. Fishing upstream of Deerfield is good as well, especially for anglers who like fishing small streams and attractor dry flies.
Spearfish Creek is fishing well in the canyon and through town. Lower flows and clearer water can make some fish a bit pickier, don't be afraid to drop down a tippet size and use smaller patterns. Later in the afternoon anglers will start to see caddis hatching and small yellow mayflies.
All around dry dropper rigs have been productive. Attractor dries like chubby chernobyls, hippie stompers, and yellow stimulators are great options for leading flies in a dry-dropper rig. Small hopper patterns are starting to work as well. Beetle and Ant patterns are working too. For nymphs we like are perdigons, jig hare's ears, and tungsten zebra midges. For matching the hatches, have a few PMD dries, Tan Caddis, and a few little yellow stonefly patterns. Stop by the shop and we can help you find the best flies for your upcoming trip.