Rapid Creek - Rapid City - South Dakota
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Rapid Creek – Rapid City - Water Flow Chart
Rapid Creek – Rapid City - Weather report & radar
Rapid Creek – Rapid City - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Winter Stoneflies | Mid Day | #12-16 | Black & Tan Nymph, Black Zebra Midge |
| February | Winter Stoneflies, Blue Wing Olives | Mid Day | #14-20 | Thorax Dun, BWO Emerger |
| March | Midge, Blue Wing Olives | Mid Day | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, BWO Emerger |
| April | Midge, Blue Wing Olives | Mid Day | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Pheasant Tail |
| May | Midge, Caddis, Blue Wing Olives | Mid Day, Evening | #14-20 | Elk Hair Caddis, Foam Caddis |
| June | Caddis, Pale Morning Dun | Mid Day, Afternoon | #14-18 | Steve’s Midge, Elk Hair Caddis |
| July | Yellow Sallies, Terrestrial Insects | Mid Day, Afternoon | #14-16 | Dave’s Hopper, Black Ant |
| August | Terrestrial Insects | All Day | #14-18 | Dave’s Hopper, Black Ant |
| September | Terrestrial Insects, Blue Wing Olives | Mid Day, Late Afternoon | #18-22 | Black Zebra Midge, Foam Beetle |
| October | Terrestrial Insects, Blue Wing Olives | Mid Day, Late Afternoon | #18-22 | Black Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail |
| November | Winter Stoneflies | Mid Day | #12-16 | Black & Tan Nymph |
| December | Winter Stoneflies | Mid Day | #12-16 | Black & Tan Nymph, Black Zebra Midge |
Rapid Creek – Rapid City Access Points
Rapid Creek in Rapid City offers many excellent fishing spots for anglers, particularly for fly fishing. Here are some of the best access points:
- Canyon Lake Park: Easily accessible, this location west of Rapid City provides perfect ground for trout fishing.
- Cleverland Street Bridge: This urban fishing area is suitable for brown trout fishing.
- Founders Park: This downtown section of the creek is another productive site for anglers.
- Star Village: A favourite amongst locals, excellent for fly fishing.
- Roosevelt Park: This location has a small dam that slows the water creating a perfect spot for fishing.
Remember, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks issues the necessary fishing licenses and ensures regulations are followed.
Rapid Creek – Rapid City Fishing Spots
Often regarded as an angler’s paradise, Rapid Creek in Rapid City offers countless spots ideal for fly fishing. Here are some noteworthy areas:
- The catch-and-release area between the Rapid City limits and Pactola Reservoir is stocked with large numbers of brown, rainbow, and brook trout. This area offers plenty of room for backcasts.
- The stretch known as ‘Below the Pactola’ is abundant in salmon and trout. It’s consistently rated as one of the top fly-fishing spots in the Black Hills. It’s less crowded, making for a peaceful fishing experience.
- Above Pactola Reservoir, in Silver City, trout populations flourish. Pactola Lake’s north side is ideal for fly fishing but requires a small hike.
- Designated as a fly-fishing only area, ‘Canyon’ section of Spearfish Creek is another must-visit spot for anglers. It offers opportunities for pocket water and sight fishing.
Rapid Creek – Rapid City Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout – Generally the easiest and most common to catch on Rapid Creek. They are available year-round.
- Rainbow Trout – A popular target for fly fishing, you’ll usually find them in the deeper pools of Rapid Creek.
- Brook Trout – Small and often overlooked, can be a fun challenge to catch.
- Golden Trout – More elusive than other species, making them an exciting catch. Only present at certain times of the year.
- White Sucker – Ignored by some anglers, they can still be a rewarding catch for fly fishers.
- Yellow Perch – Not typically targeted but can be a fun, colorful addition to your fishing day.
- Mountain Whitefish – A unique fish to target on Rapid Creek. Great for catching during colder months.
- Channel Catfish – Occasional catches at Rapid Creek, these fish require a different approach to other species but can be a rewarding challenge.
About the Rapid Creek – Rapid City
Rapid Creek – Rapid City is an intriguing part of South Dakota’s story. This area began to take shape back in 1876 during the Black Hills Gold Rush. Settlers named the city after its bubbly counterpart, the Rapid Creek.
- Surviving the test of time, Rapid Creek is notable for a significant event in 1972 – the dreadful flood that tragically claimed 238 lives and caused massive damage to properties
- The city made remarkable recovery efforts and turned this tragic event into a stepping stone for growth
- Today, Rapid City stands as a thriving urban center and is often called “Gateway to the Black Hills“, known for its scenic beauty and tourist attractions
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