Black Hills Fly Fishing Report – August 29, 2025
Labor Day Weekend Edition
Labor Day weekend is here! The Rally is behind us, traffic is back to normal, and we’ve got some pretty nice fishing weather lined up to close out August. Cooler daytime highs, crisp mornings, and even a few passing showers should make for comfortable conditions and hungry trout.
Weather Outlook
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Friday (Aug 29): Partly cloudy with a chance of showers or an afternoon thunderstorm. High near 74°F.
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Saturday (Aug 30): Cooler and breezy with a mix of sun, clouds, and scattered rain. High around 68°F.
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Sunday (Aug 31): Morning drizzle giving way to sunshine and spotty afternoon showers. High mid-70s.
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Labor Day Monday (Sept 1): Mostly sunny and beautiful—perfect for fishing. High around 81°F.
👉 What it means for anglers: The clouds and light rain are a gift—expect good dry-fly action during these overcast stretches. Monday looks like the pick of the weekend for a long, relaxed day on the water.
Streamflow Update
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Castle Creek (Above Deerfield): ~14 cfs — a small bump from recent rains, keeping riffles fresh and pocket water happy.
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Castle Creek (Below Deerfield Dam): ~11 cfs — steady tailwater release. Not a lot of water, but enough to keep trout comfortable.
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Spearfish Creek at Spearfish: ~48 cfs — holding steady. Reliable flows and one of the most consistent bets right now.
Where to Fish This Weekend
Castle Creek – Above Deerfield
Flows are just right for dry-dropper fishing. This is fun 3-weight water—small fish, steady action, and plenty of willing risers in runs and seams.
Castle Creek – Below Deerfield
A technical tailwater game. Flows are low, so stealth and lighter tippet are key. Early mornings and evenings are best. Focus on deep slots, structure, and any shade you can find.
Spearfish Creek
Rock solid. Hatch activity has been consistent, and the flows are perfect. Overcast skies should really get fish looking up—don’t skip the dries here.
Rapid Creek (In-Town)
Still seeing Tricos at first light, but keep a close eye on water temps later in the day. Stick to the morning bite, use light tippet, and move higher if things warm up.
Stillwater & Warmwater Options
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Sylvan, Legion, Center, Bismarck Lakes: Balanced leeches, chironomids, and small nymphs under an indicator in 6–12 feet are all producing.
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Deerfield & Pactola Reservoirs: Work drop-offs and weed edges with slow-stripped leeches or wind-drifted nymph rigs.
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Sheridan & Stockade Lakes (Bass): Topwater action is still hot early and late—Boogle Bugs, Bombshells, and Foam Frogs are hard to beat.
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Pactola (Pike): Low light is your friend. Cover water with big, flashy streamers on a sink-tip.
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Belle Fourche & Angostura (Carp): Sight-fishing remains excellent. Watch for tailers on sandy flats—small hoppers and cicadas are still in play.
Flies to Pack
Dries:
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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 (#14–16)
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Trico Spinner (#20–22)
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Chubby Chernobyl (#10–18, Tan/Olive/Gold)
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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/BWO (#16–18)
Dry-Dropper Combos:
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Chubby + Perdigon or Zebra Midge
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Short dropper with a PMD or BWO emerger for picky fish
Final Thoughts
Labor Day weekend is shaping up nicely. Cooler temps, a little cloud cover, and steady flows should make for some excellent fishing across the Black Hills. Castle Creek and Spearfish remain top picks, but don’t overlook stillwaters and warmwater species if streams heat up.
If you’re in town, swing by Dakota Angler & Outfitter in Rapid City for the latest conditions, hot flies, or just to chat about where the fish are biting.
Here’s to a great holiday weekend on the water—tight lines and safe travels!