Black Hills Fishing Report May 13th, 2025
We are experiencing drier and warmer weather than normal for this time of year. Many of our streams are low, and stream fishing is more limited than is typical for early May. However, we do have options, primarily on Castle, Spearfish, and Rapid Creeks.
Rapid Creek is quite low. Fishing opportunities remain on Rapid Creek, but the lack of moisture and recent hot weather have further limited those options. Hopefully, the rain in the forecast will bump flows. Pactola Reservoir is low, and the BOR will likely keep releases near or slightly below 30 cfs until the reservoir fills up some. Without significant rain, the reservoir is unlikely to fill up anytime soon. Luckily, there is cooler and wetter weather this week. Fishing should improve through Rapid City while temperatures cool. There are opportunities below Pactola in the catch-and-release area below the dam and just above the reservoir at Silver City.
Castle Creek below Deerfield will be a solid option, releases are slightly higher here than they were last year and there is plenty of good water to fish in the walk in fishery.
Spearfish Creek as good flow right now and is one of the better options but may be busier than normal. Should be plenty of room to spread out throughout the canyon.
Lake fishing is a great option right now. If you have a float tube, pontoon, or boat you have even more options. Lakes throughout Custer State Park, as well as Pactola and Deerfield are fishing well for trout.
If you want to try something different, break out the heavier rod and fish for bass, pike, or carp. Sheridan and Pactola are good options for pike. Bass can be found in Sheridan and Stockade lakes.
Streamflows
Rapid Creek Silver City: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/06410500/#dataTypeId=continuous-00065-0&period=P7D
Rapid Creek below Pactola: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/06411500/#dataTypeId=continuous-00065-0&period=P7D
Spearfish Creek at Spearfish: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/06431500/#dataTypeId=continuous-00060-0&period=P7D&compare=true&showMedian=true
Castle Creek Below Deerfield: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/06410000/#dataTypeId=continuous-00060-0&period=P7D&compare=true&showMedian=true
Weather:
Rapid City: Expect highs in the low 80s today, cooling to the low 60s by Thursday. Showers and possible thunderstorms are forecasted midweek, with gusty northwest winds up to 50 mph on Thursday.
Spearfish: Highs will be in the mid-70s today, dropping to the mid-50s by Thursday. Showers and thunderstorms are likely midweek, accompanied by breezy conditions.
These conditions should favor Blue Winged Olive activity on overcast days
Fly Recommendations
Given the current low and clear water conditions, stealthy approaches and appropriately sized flies are essential. Here are some top-performing patterns, all of which are available at our online store
Dry Flies:
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CDC Thorax Dun – BWO: An excellent choice for mimicking Blue Winged Olive hatches, especially effective during overcast days.
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Elk Hair Caddis – Black: A reliable pattern for evening caddis hatches and little black stoneflies
Nymphs:
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Perdigon Nymph – Olive: A fast-sinking nymph that's great for reaching deeper runs; its slim profile is ideal for clear water.
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Tungsten Zebra Midge – Black/Silver: Effective in low-flow conditions, this pattern imitates midges and small mayfly nymphs well.
Dry-Dropper Setups:
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Chubby Chernobyl – Tan: Serves as a buoyant indicator fly, capable of supporting heavier nymphs below.
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Perdigon Nymph – Olive or Tungsten Zebra Midge – Black/Silver: Pair either of these as droppers beneath the Chubby Chernobyl for an effective dry-dropper rig.
These combinations are particularly effective during midday when insect activity peaks. Adjust your tippet size to 5X or 6X to accommodate the clear water and wary fish.