Black Hills Fly Fishing Report – July 22, 2025
Recent rains have given a much-needed boost to flows in several key drainages, especially upstream of Pactola Reservoir and in the higher elevations. While this has refreshed many stream conditions, the forecast is shifting back toward hot, dry weather, with highs in the 90s expected this week. Water temperatures could once again become an issue, particularly in lower elevation stretches during the afternoon. Please bring a thermometer and stop fishing when the water temperature reaches 67°F or higher.
In some streams, Flows remain below seasonal averages, but good fishing is still available—especially if you focus on early mornings, higher elevation streams, and overcast periods. Terrestrial and Dry Fly fishing is good and should remain good in the coming week.
Where to Fish Right Now
Castle Creek & Spearfish Creek
These are still your top picks for consistent action. Flows are steady, water is cold, and trout are feeding actively. You’ll find Blue Winged Olives (BWOs), caddis, and a growing number of Pale Morning Duns (PMDs). Fish are eating dry flies, dry-dropper rigs, and even small streamers in the pocket water and deeper pools. Cloudy days bring even better surface activity.
Rapid Creek Conditions
Below Pactola Reservoir
Cold, clear, and reliable. PMDs, BWOs, and caddis are hatching consistently. The classic setup here continues to be a small Chubby or Hippie Stomper trailed by a Perdigon, Zebra Midge, or Split Case PMD. The first mile or two below the dam can be technical—look for soft edges and structure holding fish. Cover water and find the fish. they can be few and far between in the area below the dam down to Placerville camp.
Silver City (Above Pactola)
Flows have stabilized nicely following recent storms. This stretch is fishing well, especially early and late in the day. Trout are looking up in the riffles and seams for caddis and PMDs. Sparkle Duns, PMD emergers, and Rio Foam Run Caddis are solid choices. Watch for stained water after storms—if it’s off-color, go subsurface with nymphs or streamers. On clear days, a Chubby Chernobyl with a Perdigon dropper remains a top rig. Don’t be afraid to hike upstream to find quieter water.
Rochford and Upstream
There is a good amount of water downstream of Rochford all the way up to Black Fox Campground. This is great water for dry dropper - cover water and focus on the deeper runs and pools, but fish can be in the pockets as well. Dont' expect huge fish, but this is great water with a 3 weight.
In-town Rapid Creek
Trico hatches are peaking early in the morning and bringing fish to the surface. After 10 a.m., water temperatures climb fast. Be mindful—temps can breach 67°F by midday. Stick to the early bite, use light tippet (5X–6X), and present flies with stealth.
Stillwater Fishing Report
Stillwater options remain excellent and a great alternative during hot afternoons.
Sylvan, Legion, Center, and Bismarck Lakes are producing well with chironomids, balanced leeches, and small nymphs under indicators in 6–12 feet of water.
Deerfield and Pactola Reservoirs are good bets for deeper presentations. Fish near weed edges and drop-offs using slow-stripped leeches or wind-drifted nymph rigs.
Warmwater Fishing Update
Bass
Sheridan and Stockade Lakes are producing bass on topwater flies and baitfish patterns, especially at dawn and dusk. Try a Rio Foam Slice Frog or classic poppers like Boogle Bugs and MFC Bombshells.
Pike
Pactola Reservoir offers a shot at pike, especially early or late when boat traffic is low. Cover water with flashy streamers on sink-tip lines to find active fish.
Carp
Angostura and Belle Fourche Reservoirs are still good for sight-fishing to carp. Look for cruisers and tailers along sandy or gravel flats. Cicadas, hoppers, and other terrestrial patterns are getting eats.
Go-To Flies This Week
Dry Flies
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CDC Thorax Dun – BWO (#18–20)
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Sparkle Dun – PMD (#16)
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Elk Hair Caddis – Tan or Black (#14–16)
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Trico Spinner – Black or White (#20–22)
- Chubby Chernobyl- Tan, Olive, Gold (#10-18)
- Hippie Stomper #14-16
Nymphs
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Perdigon – Olive or Purple (#16–18)
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Zebra Midge – Black/Silver (#18–20)
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Split Case PMD or BWO (#16–18)
Dry-Dropper Combos
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Chubby Chernobyl + Perdigon or Zebra Midge
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Short dropper with a PMD or BWO emerger for picky fish
Streamflow Quick Links
Final Thoughts
Recent storms have helped, but hot weather is returning. The coming days will likely bring elevated water temperatures during the afternoons—especially in lower elevation stretches. Focus your efforts in the morning and seek out shaded or higher elevation streams. Stillwaters and warmwater options like bass and carp provide fun alternatives when trout streams heat up. And topwater bass fishing? Always a blast.
Need gear, flies, or local advice?
Stop by the shop in Rapid City or visit flyfishsd.com for the latest updates, hot flies, and our top picks for your next trip.
See you on the water —
The Team at Dakota Angler & Outfitter
