Rapid Creek - Above Pactola - South Dakota
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Rapid Creek – Above Pactola - Water Flow Chart
Rapid Creek – Above Pactola - Weather report & radar
Rapid Creek – Above Pactola - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-20 | Blue Dun, Pheasant Tail | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-20 | Blue Dun, Pheasant Tail |
| Caddis | Afternoon – Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| May | Caddis | Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis |
| Yellow Stones | Afternoon – Evening | #12-14 | Yellow Sally, Stimulator | |
| June | Yellow Stones | Afternoon – Evening | #12-14 | Yellow Sally, Stimulator |
| PMDs | Afternoon | #14-18 | Parachute PMD, Compare Dun | |
| July | PMDs | Afternoon | #14-18 | Parachute PMD, Compare Dun |
| Terrestrials | All day | #8-14 | Trico Spinner, Foam Beetle | |
| August | Terrestrials | All day | #8-14 | Trico Spinner, Foam Beetle |
| Midges | Evening | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| September | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-20 | Blue Dun, Pheasant Tail |
| Midges | Evening | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-20 | Blue Dun, Pheasant Tail |
| Midges | Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
Rapid Creek – Above Pactola Access Points
The Rapid Creek above Pactola reservoir offers excellent fly fishing opportunities. Accessing the best fly fishing points could be a bit challenging for those unfamiliar with the area. Below are some optimal access points:
- Dark Canyon: This remote fishing spot is beautiful but requires a hike to reach the river.
- Silver City: This serene village provides ease of access to Rapid Creek.
- Pactola Dam/’The Spillway’: From the bottom of the dam, you can access the water downstream.
Note, due to the terrain, some spots on Rapid Creek can be hard to negotiate. Always acknowledge land ownership, respect private property and be cautious of steep slopes and loose rocks.
When fly fishing in these waters, remember to follow all fishing regulations and gear restrictions, especially practicing catch and release to help preserve the fish population.
Rapid Creek – Above Pactola Fishing Spots
Rapid Creek, above Pactola, offers incredible fly fishing opportunities. Some of the best spots include:
- Whispering Pines: This area offers plenty of enticing wild trout, with clear water that’s perfect for stalking fish.
- Johnson Siding: This spot is full of brook and rainbow trout, making it perfect for fly fishers looking out for these species.
- Thunderhead Falls: This is an exciting location for adventurous fishers. It’s a bit rugged, but it’s well worth it for the brown and rainbow trout.
- Silver City: This spot is teeming with brook trout, and it’s a bit further upstream providing an engaging fishing experience.
Make sure to double-check fishing regulations, as they can change year to year. The fly fishing experience at Rapid Creek above Pactola is a must for any passionate fishers, regardless of your skill level.
Rapid Creek – Above Pactola Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: This species is common in the waters of Rapid Creek.
- Brook Trout: These fish are an ideal target for fly fishing due to their vibrant colors.
- Rainbow Trout: Easily recognized by their colorful stripes, they’re also found in this area.
- Black Hills Gold Trout: A unique variation of the Rainbow Trout, specific to this region.
- Mountain Whitefish: A popular target for fly fishermen, known for their fighting spirit.
- Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout: This species is native to the Yellowstone River but has been introduced to Rapid Creek.
- Golden Trout: Originally from California, these fish were successfully introduced to Rapid Creek and are popular with fly fishers.
- Northern Pike: While not traditionally a fly fishing target, skilled anglers can catch them in Rapid Creek’s waters.
About the Rapid Creek – Above Pactola
Your journey around Rapid Creek – Above Pactola, will introduce you to a thrilling page of history. Originally known as Harney’s Peak District, this area in the enchanting Black Hills of South Dakota has been cherished for its rich mineral resources since the Gold Rush.
Intriguingly, it’s the 1857 expedition of Colonel George Armstrong Custer that sparked widespread interest in the region. Upon discovering gold in this area, there followed an unprecedented gold rush, attracting settlers and adventurers alike.
- Pactola Lake, today’s primary feature, didn’t exist back then! In a dramatic turn of events, the Pactola Dam was constructed in 1956 to create the largest reservoir in the Black Hills – the bewitching Pactola Lake. This impressive transformation now provides recreational activities, including fishing, camping and hiking, which keeps the magic of the area alive.
Today, all these years later, the age-old charm of Rapid Creek – Above Pactola lingers, forever etched in its hills, waters, and the heart of history.
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