Black Hills Fishing Report June 19th, 2026
The weather has changed and it is a good thing. After last week's heat, we are looking at a much more comfortable weekend. Today is mostly cloudy and 72 degrees. Saturday drops to 67 with a 35% chance of rain, Sunday comes in at 60 with a 75% chance of rain, and rain chances stick around Monday and Tuesday as well. Cooler temps and cloud cover are exactly what the trout streams need right now and the fishing should be noticeably better than it was last week.
If we get meaningful rain this weekend, expect flows to bump up going into next week. Check gauges before heading out Monday or Tuesday. Unlikely that streams will be too high to fish, cross your fingers and do a rain dance. We need the rain.
Rapid Creek in Town
Flows have been running around 43 cfs and low for mid-June. The cooler temps this weekend make a real difference though. Water temperatures will stay in a fishable range much longer into the day compared to last week. You should be able to fish through the middle of the day without worrying about stressing fish. PMDs and caddis are both active right now. Overcast windows Saturday and Sunday could bring some nice dry fly fishing. Bring a caddis dry and a PMD alongside your midges.
Rapid Creek Below Pactola
Running 43.7 cfs with cold water out of the dam. Always a good bet in summer and especially good this weekend with the cooler weather keeping temps comfortable from top to bottom. Nymphs in the deeper slots or a streamer worked through the runs. If flows bump after the weekend rain, this stretch will fish even better going into next week.
Rapid Creek Above Pactola, Silver City
Running 20.6 cfs, low but fishable. With cooler temps this weekend it is a better option than it was last week. Fish the riffles and seams with a dry dropper. Mostly smaller browns with the occasional nice rainbow. Good water to cover some ground.
Spearfish Creek
47.7 cfs through the canyon. With cloud cover and cooler temps this weekend the canyon will fish well throughout the day. Caddis in the evenings have been strong. PMDs midday. One of the better options this weekend.
Castle Creek Below Deerfield
9.6 cfs, low but fishable cold tailwater. Spooky fish in clear, slow water. Light tippet, slow approach, and watch your shadow. A good option this weekend with the cooler temps keeping fish active longer.
Castle Creek Above Deerfield
12 cfs and worth a look. Low flows but the cooler weather this weekend makes this more approachable than it has been. Fish the deeper pockets and shaded runs. Good option if you want to explore some water away from the crowds.
Bass Fishing
Still a great time to be on the warmwater lakes even with the cooler forecast. Bass fishing does not need 90 degrees to be good. Saturday rain could actually improve the surface bite as fish move shallow.
Sheridan Lake: Boogle Bugs and foam frogs early, Chocklett's Changers and crawfish patterns as the day goes on. Fish points and rocky structure.
Stockade Lake: Same approach. Less pressure than at Sheridan, and the fish can be aggressive.
Angostura Reservoir: Still worth the drive. Bass, walleye, and pike all active. Target structure with a Changer or Woolly Bugger on a sinking line.
Hot Flies
Bass: Boogle Bug, foam frog, Chocklett's Changer, crawfish pattern, Woolly Bugger
Nymphs: Zebra Midge 20-22, Mercury Midge 20-22, Killer Mayfly Nymph 18-20, T-Midge 18-20
Dries: Morgan's Midge 18-22, Griffith's Gnat 18-20, Caddis dry 14-16, PMD 16-18
This is a much better fishing weekend than last week. Get out there.
Stop by or call the shop for flies and current conditions. 605-341-2450
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