Rapid Creek - Below Pactola - South Dakota
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Rapid Creek – Below Pactola - Water Flow Chart
Rapid Creek – Below Pactola - Weather report & radar
Rapid Creek – Below Pactola - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #16-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #16-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| March | Blue Wing Olives | Mid-day | #18-#22 | Blue Wing Olive Dry, Pheasant Tail |
| April | Midges, Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon-Mid day | #16-#22 | Zebra Midge, Blue Wing Olive Dry, Pheasant Tail |
| May | Caddis | Evening | #12-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Blue Wing Olives | Mid-day | #18-#22 | Blue Wing Olive Dry, Pheasant Tail | |
| June | Caddis, Pale Morning Dun | Evening-Morning | #12-#18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams |
| July | Caddis, Tricos | Evening-Morning | #16-#22 | Elk Hair Caddis, Trico Spinners, Griffith’s Gnat |
| August | Tricos | Morning | #20-#24 | Trico Spinners, Griffith’s Gnat |
| September | Tricos | Morning | #20-#24 | Trico Spinners |
| October | Blue Wing Olives | Mid-day | #18-#22 | Blue Wing Olive Dry, Pheasant Tail |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #16-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #16-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
Rapid Creek – Below Pactola Access Points
The Rapid Creek below Pactola is a blue-ribbon fly fishing destination offering exceptional opportunities. Popular access points include:
- Cleghorn Springs Fish Hatchery: Directly downstream from Pactola Dam, it’s an accessible spot for beginners.
- Rapid Creek through Rapid City: This urban stretch is heavily stocked and convenient, offering easy, roadside access.
- Rapid Valley: Further downstream, this area boasts wild brown trout.
In addition, fly fishers can consider these spots:
- Dark Canyon: Located below the Rushmore Cave, this spot is less-pressurized and home to large trout.
- Johnson Siding: This access point in the Black Hills National Forest is perfect for those seeking solitude.
Rapid Creek – Below Pactola Fishing Spots
Experience the thrill of fly fishing at Rapid Creek – Below Pactola, one of the most scenic locations attracting anglers from all over the world. Here are some of the best spots:
- Catch and Release Area: Located just below the dam, this is a prime location for rainbow and brown trout.
- Silver City: This area, located about 9 miles below the dam, is also loaded with trout.
- Placerville: This area offers multiple public access points and good potential for trophy trout.
- Rapid City: Fishing right in town can be surprisingly good with many large trout caught each year.
- Dark Canyon: This remote section of the creek is rarely fished and offers an opportunity for solitude.
All locations provide year-round fishing opportunities. Start planning your adventure to these amazing fly fishing locations of Rapid Creek – Below Pactola now.
Rapid Creek – Below Pactola Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: These are the most commonly targeted fish in Rapid Creek below Pactola. They are known for their aggressive eating habits and striking coloration.
- Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat are native to the area, and are less common than Rainbow but still a very popular target for anglers.
- Brown Trout: Brown trout are notoriety known for being wily, making them a challenging and thrilling catch.
- Brook Trout: Another native species, Brook Trout, are distinguishable by their mottled appearance and are a fan favorite among fly fishers due to their taste.
- Mountain Whitefish: While not traditionally targeted by fly fisherman, the Mountain Whitefish can present a fun challenge and add variety to a day on the river.
- Yellow Perch: Yellow Perch can be surprisingly aggressive and provide a vibrant flash of color when caught.
- Northern Pike: Known for their toothy mouths and long bodies, Northern Pike are a hard-fighting fish that are occasionally targeted in Rapid Creek.
- Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth Bass are not as common in Rapid Creek, but they can provide a fun and thrilling catch with their notorious leaping and diving behaviors during the fight.
About the Rapid Creek – Below Pactola
Discover the magic of Rapid Creek – Below Pactola, a jewel in South Dakota’s scenic terrain. This stunning creek begins at the Pactola Reservoir and flows all the way through Rapid City into the Cheyenne River, offering mesmerizing nature explorations. Plentiful aquatic life and lush forest make for incredible wildlife spotting.
Fascinating historical elements coalesce to add to its charm. Established in the early 1800s due to gold mining operations, it became a scene of human resilience and industrious activity throughout subsequent decades.
- In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built the Pactola Reservoir, contributing significantly to the creek’s modern shape.
- The 1940s onwards saw this area transform into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, including fishermen seeking brown and rainbow trout.
- The surrounding region is rich in Native American history, bearing traces of past settlements.
Today, the Rapid Creek remains an essential, beautiful piece of South Dakota’s diverse landscape – a tribute to nature’s ardor and historical perseverance.
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