Black Hills Fishing Report June 30th 2014

Black Hills Fishing Report June 30th 2014

Rapid Creek – Good fishing on Rapid Creek over the past week. Flows are still slightly high but very fishable. Fishing below the dam has been quite good. Nymphing being the best technique, however dry fly fishing is picking up. Below the dam on Saturday afternoon there were little yellow stoneflies, tan caddis, blue winged Olives, and pale morning dun mayflies all hatching. You have to find slower runs and riffles to find fish feeding on the surface. Streamer fishing has also been productive on Rapid Creek. For a different option, fish up by Rochford towards the Black Fox Campground. This is smaller water but has good numbers of fish. Castle Creek- Best fishing is below Deerfield reservoir. Try the meadow near the parking lot, or take the hike up to the dam. Fishing is great in the last 200 yards before the dam. Good hatches of caddis in the afternoon- expect BWO's on cloudy afternoons. Little yellow stones will start to hatch soon below Deerfield. Fish a stimulator with a dropper for good results. Fishing above the dam is pretty good. Fish just above the lake where a few rainbows are hanging out after their spawning run. If you enjoy small stream fishing hike up Castle Creek into the meadow and you will find good numbers of brookies and the occasional rainbow. Spearfish Creek – Fishing in Spearfish has improved quite a bit in the past week. Flows have going up and down a little, but in general are working their way lower. Fish are feeding in the pocket water. Don't overlook the faster stuff, just pick the nice pockets and edges and make sure you get down deep. Caddis, Craneflies, and Baetis are hatching in the canyon. Look for small stones and pale evening duns to begin hatching as well. Terrestrials- mainly beetles and ants are good bets too. Spring Creek- Fishing is decent below Sheridan lake. Flows have jumped a bit over the past week, but nymphing and streamer fishing are doable. Fish the bigger pools and deeper runs. Focus up on the trailhead section below the dam. When flows drop, fish tricos in the early morning. Custer State Park – The lakes in the park have been fishing fairly well. Fish the callibaetis hatch on Sylvan Lake mid-morning and fish the rest the day with a sinking line and mini leeches. Fishing the ponds in the Grace Coolidge Walk-In can also be worthwhile. Have had reports that French Creek is fishing fairly well near the Horse Camp.