Black Hills Fly Fishing Report – May 30th, 2025
We’re wrapping up May with a continuation of the cooler, wetter trend that settled in over Memorial Day weekend. Recent rains have modestly bumped streamflows in a few key watersheds, and overcast skies are providing great conditions for dry fly fishing—especially Blue Winged Olives and caddis. That said, overall flows remain lower than average for this time of year, so anglers should still expect technical fishing with stealth and finesse.
Rapid Creek
Flows below Pactola remain stable but low at around 30 cfs, with no major changes from the Bureau of Reclamation. However, recent cloud cover and cooler weather have made for some solid fishing in the catch-and-release area below the dam. Expect more consistent hatches of BWOs, midges, and caddis, especially during overcast afternoons.
The Silver City stretch above the reservoir is fishing well thanks to modest increases in runoff and rain-fed tributary inflows. Look for rising fish on calm mornings and early evenings, and consider swinging soft hackles or fishing dry-dropper rigs in riffles and seams.
In-town Rapid Creek is still best early and late in the day. Water clarity is excellent, so bring your light tippet game (5X–6X) and focus on shaded undercuts and structure.
Castle Creek
Flows below Deerfield are steady, with walk-in access water fishing very well. BWOs are still active on overcast days, and warmer evenings have brought more consistent caddis activity. The water here is cold, clear, and ideal for dry-dropper presentations or small streamers bounced through pocket water.
Spearfish Creek
As usual, Spearfish Creek remains a top pick for consistency and cool temps. Flows are solid from Iron Creek through the canyon into town, and the water clarity is excellent. There’s been a noticeable uptick in dry fly action, particularly in slower eddies and tailouts where fish are rising to BWOs and tan caddis. Bring a variety of small dries and emerger patterns to match the hatch.
Stillwater Fishing
Lakes continue to fish extremely well. Sylvan, Center, Legion, and Bismarck Lakes are producing steady action for rainbow and tiger trout. Deerfield and Pactola are solid bets too—especially with chironomid rigs, leeches, and balanced leeches under indicators in 6–12 feet of water. A slow strip or wind-drift technique can be deadly this time of year.
Warmwater Species
Bass and pike are becoming more active with rising water temperatures. Sheridan and Stockade Lakes are good for bass, especially in shallow rocky areas during morning and evening hours. Pactola and Sheridan are prime for pike—fish flashy streamers on intermediate or sink-tip lines, and don’t be afraid to move quickly between coves and flats until you find active fish.
Streamflow Links
Weather Outlook
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Rapid City: Expect highs in the low 60s through the weekend, with scattered rain and breezy NW winds. Cloud cover remains ideal for midday hatches.
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Spearfish: Highs in the upper 50s to low 60s with intermittent showers. These conditions should support strong BWO and caddis activity into the early evening.
Fly Recommendations
Dry Flies
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CDC Thorax Dun – BWO: A must-have for cloudy afternoons.
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Elk Hair Caddis – Black or Tan: Excellent for evening caddis hatches.
Nymphs
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Perdigon – Olive or Purple: Great in faster pocket water.
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Tungsten Zebra Midge – Black/Silver: Works well in slower runs or under an indicator.
Dry-Dropper Combos
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Chubby Chernobyl (Tan or Olive) with a Perdigon or Zebra Midge dropper remains a go-to combo for prospecting.
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Try small soft hackles or BWO emergers off a parachute dry when fish are keying on emergers just below the surface.
Conditions are shaping up nicely as we move into June—don’t miss the prime dry fly windows during cooler, cloudy days. Stop by the shop or visit flyfishsd.com for flies, gear, and updated stream info. See you on the water!
— The Team at Dakota Angler & Outfitter
