Last Update: 1/26/12
Hot Patterns:
Streamers
Hot Bead Crystal Buggers, White Sculpzilla, Black Dungeons
Nymphs
#14-18 Barrs Tungteaser, #18 Black Copper John, Red Copper John, #16 Red Fox Squirrel Nymph, #12-14 Wades North Fork Special, Tungsten Psycho Nymph, Two Bit Hooker.
Dries
Morgans Midge, Matts Midge, Parachute Adams.
Overview:
The weather has been less stable the past week, but late this weekend into next week looks very good for fishing.
Highs near 50 this Sunday with highs in the 40's and 50's early next week. Midge hatches should be a daily occurence through the week.
The best fishing on Rapid Creek is found downstream of Pactola Reservoir. Good fishing has been reported in the Basin, above Canyon Lake, and throughout Rapid City. Nymphing has been the best all around tactic. Fish a two fly rig with a larger attractor nymph and midge larva pattern as a dropper. The most productive attractor nymphs have been Pink Squirrels, Hot Head Pheasant Tails, and Fire Bead Sowbugs. For midge larva droppers, try Zebra Midges, Mercury Mides, Rainow Warriors, and Barr’s Pure Midge Larva.
January typically bring prolific midge hatches to the stretch of stream below Canyon Lake. While anglers haven’t reported much midge activity in the past week, be prepared for this highlight of winter fishing. I expect to see midge activity picking up in the coming weeks. My favorite flies for this hatch are an olive F-Fly in size 18-20 or a Morgan’s Midge in size 20.
Rapid Creek (Central Black Hills):
Fishing is best below Pactola and in town. Midges hatching throughout the afternoon. Nymphing has been best all around technique, however streamers have accounted for bigger fish.
Spring Creek (Central Black Hills):
Frozen.
Castle Creek (Central Black Hills):
Ice?
Spearfish Creek (Northern Black Hills):
Fishing in town will be the better option this winter. Nymphing with red san juans and red copper johns will be productive.
Box Elder Creek (Northern Black Hills):
Ice?
Sand Creek (Northern Black Hills):
No recent reports. Let us know what has been happening on Sand Creek.
Custer State Park (Southern Black Hills):
Ice?
Deerfield Lake (Central Black Hills):
Ice?
Sheridan Lake:
No recent reports.
Pactola Lake:
Jenny Gulch has frozen. As of this report the rest of the lake is open.
That's a wrap. Be sure to call us with any questions regarding guiding or fishing!
If you have not had the opportunity to take a look at Steve Kinsella's book, Trout Fishing in the Black Hills, you will be pleasantly surprised. Steve's book offers amazing insight into just how much water there is to fish in the Black Hills. Even if you have fished in the Black Hills for years, there is a good chance you will discover many more opportunities.
Stream Flows
Rapid Creek Below Pactola Dam - flow rate
Rapid Creek at Silver City - flow rate
Rapid Creek in Town - flow rate
Spearfish Creek in Spearfish Canyon - flow rate
Weather
Rapid City - NWS 7 Day Forcast
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From the South - Take route 79 into Rapid City (it will turn into Campbell St.) and then take a left onto Omaha St. Travel West on Omaha into the downtown area. Take a left onto 7th St. We're just past the first street light, on the right side of the street. See you Soon!
Dakota Angler & Outfitter
513 7th St. Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone: 605-341-2450
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