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Black Hills Fly Fishing Report – March 24, 2026

Black Hills Fly Fishing Report – March 24, 2026

Hans Stephenson |

Black Hills Fly Fishing Report – March 24, 2026

We're heading into one of the more interesting weather windows of early spring. Today is overcast and mild — sitting right around 65°F in Rapid City — and that cloud cover is exactly what we want this time of year. Tomorrow, Wednesday, pushes up to nearly 79°F, which is remarkable for late March. Enjoy it, because a front is on the way: Thursday drops back to 42°F with snow possible, then a cool Friday, and finally a nice rebound to 65°F on Saturday. Fish hard today and Wednesday. The warm-weather window before that front is prime time.

Lower elevation streams continue to be the move. Higher drainages are still shedding winter and not worth the drive yet. In-town Rapid Creek and lower Spearfish Creek are your best bets right now — and with today's overcast skies, dry fly anglers should be paying close attention.

Stream Conditions

Rapid Creek at Rapid City (In-Town) Running around 48 cfs — a solid, fishable level. With today's cloud cover and mild temps, this is shaping up to be one of the better midge hatch days we've had this season. Fish are active in the slower pools and foam lines, and the overcast conditions are keeping them looking up through the middle of the day rather than pushing the bite into a narrow afternoon window. Approach carefully, use 5X–6X fluorocarbon, and be patient during the drift. The fish are here — this is one of the most rewarding times of year on in-town water.

Rapid Creek Below Pactola Dam This stretch remains a tough proposition right now. Lower flows and limited holding water mean fewer fish, and the ones that are here are educated. Don't expect numbers. That said, the occasional bigger trout is in play for anglers who slow down, make precise presentations, and target the deeper slots and undercut banks. Drop to 6X, go small, and commit to the fish — not the mileage. For more consistent action, in-town Rapid Creek and lower Spearfish Creek are the better calls.

Spearfish Creek (Lower Elevations) This is fishing as well as anywhere in the Hills right now. Spring-fed flows, good water temps, and a reliable hatch make lower Spearfish Creek one of the most consistent early-season options we have. With today's overcast skies, look for midge and early BWO activity through the middle of the day. Fish are holding in the seams and tailouts and are not shy about eating a well-presented dry or dry-dropper. Well worth the drive.

Castle Creek (Below Deerfield) The tailwater below Deerfield continues to be your best upper-elevation option. Flows are steady, water is cold and clear, and fish are becoming more active as afternoons warm. Midges are the primary food source, with BWOs starting to show their face on cloudy days. A step down from in-town Rapid or Spearfish in terms of productivity, but a beautiful piece of water if you want to get away from town.

What's Hatching

Midges are still the bread and butter — size 20–22 in black, olive, and red. But with today's cloud cover and the warm temperatures building through Wednesday, we are right on the edge of more consistent Blue Winged Olive activity. If you're out today or tomorrow, keep a few BWO patterns within reach. The overcast sky before that Thursday front is exactly the kind of condition that triggers a good early-season Baetis hatch. Don't be caught without them.

Fly Recommendations

Nymphs / Subsurface

  • Zebra Midge – Black or Red (#20–22) — the year-round staple, hard to beat right now
  • Mercury Midge – Black or Olive (#20–22) — great in slower pools and clear water
  • T-Midge – Black (#18–20) — a local favorite, excellent as a dropper
  • Killer Mayfly Nymph (#18–20) — as BWOs begin to show, this is a must-have dropper

Dry Flies / Emergers

  • Morgan's Midge (#18–22) — our top producer for in-film and surface midge feeding; don't leave the shop without a half-dozen
  • Griffith's Gnat (#18–20) — deadly for rising fish during a midge cluster hatch, especially mid-morning
  • CDC Thorax Dun – BWO (#18–20) — tie one on this afternoon and watch what happens under that cloud cover
  • Sparkle Dun – BWO (#18–20) — excellent low-riding option when fish are sipping emergers in the film

Weekend Outlook

Tuesday, March 24 (Today) — Overcast, 65°F. Excellent conditions for midges and early BWOs. Get out this afternoon.

Wednesday, March 25 — Warm and mostly dry, high 79°F. Incredible late-March temps. Fish will be active and midge/BWO hatches should be strong. Best fishing of the stretch — don't miss it.

Thursday, March 26 — Cold front arrives. Snow possible, high drops to 42°F. Expect tough conditions and plan accordingly.

Friday, March 27 — Cool and dry, high 48°F. Midges can still produce on warmer tailwaters. A good day for the patient angler.

Saturday, March 28 — Rebound to 65°F. Conditions improve again. Great weekend option after the front clears.

Bottom Line

We're right at the tipping point between late winter and early spring, and the fishing reflects it — midges are strong, BWOs are knocking on the door, and the warm stretch ahead of this week's cold front is about as good as it gets for late-March dry fly fishing in the Hills. Stick to lower elevations, go light on tippet, and get out today and Wednesday before the weather changes.

Stop by the shop or visit flyfishsd.com for flies, local advice, and the latest updates. Open Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

– Dakota Angler & Outfitter | 1010 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD | 605-341-2450

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