Black Hills Fly Fishing Report July 1st 2023
It's been a wet week and streamflows are up around the Black Hills. These are the highest flows we have seen this season. Fishing remains good, but the higher flows may require anglers to fish heavier and be pickier about where they fish. Check out streams that aren't running as high, Spring Creek and Box Elder Creek will be good options. This is a good time to take a look at lake fishing. Check out the Custer State Park lakes as well as in Deerfield Lake for good fishing opportunities. Here is a quick rundown on stream conditions.
Rapid Creek
Above Pactola- Running high and dirty as of this report. Flows coming into Pactola Lake near Silver City are 280 cfs. That's up from 96 cfs on our last report. Best to let things settle in this area for a few days for better fishing.
Below Pactola - C&R area- Releases are at 176 cfs as of today. Flows were 76 cfs at our last report. Water will be clear, fish will have moved out of pools and into riffles and runs. Fish heavy nymph rigs for the best luck. Worm patterns, scud patterns, along with midge or baetis droppers.
In town- Fishing remains good in town and the water is clear. Size up on your nymphs and weight. Our favorites are mop flies, tungsten san juan worms and large perdigons. Streamers are working very well.
Castle Creek
Flows are quite high above and below Deerfield Reservoir. Best bets on Castle will be below the lake for now. Releases are up quite a bit from the dam. As of today releases are at 84 cfs, when we last reported they were at 16 cfs! Nymphing will be the best option.
Spearfish Creek
Spearfish Creek had a huge rain and flooding, but has dropped back to 91.7 cfs. While slightly on the high side, this is a good fishable flow. Up in the canyon there should be some dry fly activity later in the day with caddis and small summer BWOs. Nymphing will be the best overall option. Flies are similar to rapid creek in town.
Spring Creek
Good fishing below Sheridan Lake. Flows are great for this stretch of stream. Larger nymphs are the best bet. Jig Prince Nymphs, Jig Pheasant Tails, and jig hare's ear nymphs are all good options. Size 12-14.
Box Elder Creek
Take a look at the Steamboat Rock Area or further upstream around Nemo. Flows are up a fair amount and the water may be a bit stained, but the nymph fishing will be good. Same types of flies as Spring Creek.