Black Hills Fishing Report May 18th, 2026
Flows are up on Rapid Creek. Releases out of Pactola have increased and in-town water is running higher and with a bit more color than we have seen in recent weeks. That change in conditions has brought the streamer bite on. Thin Mints have been working well. If you have been wanting to throw bigger flies, now is a good time to do it. Fish have moved around with the higher flows so cover water and don't burn too much time in one spot.
That said, the BWO hatch is still happening. Overcast days like today will keep fish looking up even with higher flows. Adjust your approach to the conditions and have both options ready.
Rapid Creek in Town
Running higher than it has been with increased releases from Pactola. Water has some color to it. Streamer fishing has been good, and the Thin Mint is the fly right now. Fish the deeper runs, the inside seams, and anywhere trout can get out of the current. Nymphing is also productive. If you see fish rising during a cloudy window, the BWO hatch is still worth fishing with a CDC Thorax Dun or Morgan's Midge on lighter tippet. A few caddis are starting to show up.
Rapid Creek Above Pactola, Silver City
Decent fishing up here. Mostly smaller browns with the occasional nice rainbow. Higher releases below the dam haven't changed this stretch much. Dry dropper or nymphing with a Killer Mayfly Nymph or Zebra Midge is the move.
Rapid Creek Below Pactola
Flows are up below the dam with the increased releases. More water means fish have more places to hold, and streamer fishing could be worth a try down here as well. Still not a numbers fishery, but conditions are more interesting than they were a few weeks ago.
Spearfish Creek
Running around 48 cfs and fishing well through the canyon. Clear water and consistent midge and BWO activity. A good option if you want to stay away from the higher flows on Rapid Creek. Dry dropper works great here. Smaller flies are still the ticket size 18-20. Baetis Nymphs and midge larvae are the best options for nymphing.
Castle Creek Below Deerfield
Cold and clear out of the reservoir. Low flows, but fishable. Spooky fish, so slow down and watch your shadow. Best for the angler who wants some solitude and doesn't mind putting in the work.
What's Hatching
BWOs are still coming off on overcast windows, mid-morning into early afternoon. Midges early. With a cloudy, cool week ahead and rain chances most days, expect the hatch to stay consistent.
Hot Flies
Streamers: Thin Mint, Micro Dungeons, Jig Buggers, Poachers
Dries and Emergers: Morgan's Midge 18-22, CDC Thorax Dun BWO 18-20, Sparkle Dun BWO 18-20, Griffith's Gnat 18-20
Nymphs: Zebra Midge black, olive, or red 20-22, Mercury Midge 20-22, Killer Mayfly Nymph 18-20, T-Midge 18-20
Stop by or call the shop for flies and up-to-date conditions. 605-341-2450
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