Black Hills Fly Fishing Report – May 23rd, 2025
We're heading into Memorial Day weekend with cooler, wetter weather than last week, which is a welcome shift from the early-season heat and dry spell. Although many streams remain lower than normal for late May, the recent rain and cooler temperatures have helped stabilize conditions, especially on Rapid Creek, Spearfish Creek, and Castle Creek—our top moving-water options right now.
Rapid Creek
Flows remain modest, particularly below Pactola, where releases are hovering around 30 cfs. Pactola Reservoir is still well below normal levels, and the Bureau of Reclamation is unlikely to increase outflows significantly until the reservoir recovers. That said, the cooler temps and cloud cover this week are improving fishing in the catch-and-release section below the dam, as well as above the lake near Silver City. Watch the forecast: additional moisture could nudge flows up and bring out more active bugs.
In-town Rapid Creek through Rapid City is fishing decently early and late in the day. The recent rain helped a bit, but stealth and light tippet are still key.
Castle Creek
Castle Creek continues to be a dependable option. Releases from Deerfield Reservoir are slightly higher than last year, and there’s plenty of productive water in the walk-in access area below the dam. Cloudy days have triggered decent dry fly activity, especially BWOs and caddis.
Spearfish Creek
With its reliable spring-fed flow, Spearfish Creek remains one of the best bets for consistent action. Flows through the canyon are solid and clarity is good. Expect more anglers over the holiday weekend, but there’s room to spread out from Iron Creek to Bridal Veil Falls and into town.
Stillwater Fishing
Lakes are in prime shape right now. If you’ve got a float tube or small boat, your opportunities expand greatly. Sylvan, Center, Legion, and Bismarck Lakes in Custer State Park are producing well for rainbow and tiger trout. Deerfield and Pactola are also great options, especially for deeper presentations with streamers or chironomid rigs.
Warmwater Species
Looking for something different? Bass, pike, and even carp are waking up fast. Sheridan and Pactola are hot spots for pike—try flashy streamers on intermediate or sink-tip lines. For bass, check out Stockade and Sheridan, where pre-spawn fish are active along rocky shorelines.
Streamflow Links
-
Rapid Creek – Silver City
USGS Silver City Gauge -
Rapid Creek below Pactola
USGS Below Pactola -
Spearfish Creek at Spearfish
USGS Spearfish Gauge -
Castle Creek below Deerfield
USGS Castle Creek Gauge
Weather Outlook
-
Rapid City: Cooler this week with highs in the low 60s through Friday. Rain chances remain through Thursday, along with gusty NW winds up to 50 mph.
-
Spearfish: Expect mid-50s to low 60s, with passing showers and breezy afternoons. Good cloud cover could spark solid Blue Winged Olive hatches.
Fly Recommendations
Conditions remain low and clear, so fish smart: approach carefully, use longer leaders, and drop to 5X or 6X tippet.
Dry Flies
-
CDC Thorax Dun – BWO – Deadly on overcast days with active Blue Wings.
-
Elk Hair Caddis – Black – Great for caddis hatches and black stones during warm evenings.
Nymphs
-
Perdigon Nymph – Olive – Slim and quick-sinking for pocket water.
-
Tungsten Zebra Midge – Black/Silver – Effective in slower water with midge activity.
Dry-Dropper Rigs
-
Chubby Chernobyl – Tan as a top fly.
-
Drop a Perdigon or Zebra Midge underneath for an all-day combo, especially during mid-morning through early afternoon.
This weekend could shape up nicely if the moisture continues. Come by the shop or browse flyfishsd.com for flies, gear, and local advice. Tight lines out there!