Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

French Creek - Fairburn - South Dakota

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Warmer parts of the day #20-24 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Midday #16-20 Black Stonefly Nymph
February Midges Warmer parts of the day #20-24 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Midday #16-20 Black Stonefly Nymph
March Midges Warmer parts of the day #20-24 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Blue-Winged Olives Afternoon #16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
April Blue-Winged Olives Afternoon #16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
Caddis Afternoon to early evening #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Pupa patterns
Little Black Stoneflies Midday #14-18 Black Stonefly Nymph, Adult patterns
May Caddis Afternoon to early evening #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Pupa patterns
Sulphurs Late afternoon to dusk #14-18 Sulphur Dun, Emerger
Golden Stones Midday to evening #10-12 Golden Stonefly Nymph, Dry
June Yellow Sallies Afternoon to evening #14-16 Yellow Sally Dry, Nymph
PMDs Midday #14-16 PMD Dry, Emerger
July Terrestrials All day #10-16 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
Tricos Early morning #20-24 Trico Spinner, Dun
August Terrestrials All day #10-16 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
Tricos Early morning #20-24 Trico Spinner, Dun
September Terrestrials All day #10-16 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
Blue-Winged Olives Cloudy days, afternoon #16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
October Blue-Winged Olives Cloudy days, afternoon #16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
Terrestrials All day #10-16 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
November Blue-Winged Olives Cloudy days, afternoon #16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
December Midges Warmer parts of the day #20-24 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

French Creek in Fairburn boasts magnificent locations for fly fishing. Each spot offers diverse fish species and spectacular scenic views.

Key places for fly fishing include:

  • Blue Heron Park: This area boasts calm waters, making it perfect for beginners. The location is teeming with brown trout.
  • 2nd Street Bridge: Renowned for its bountiful rainbow trout supply, it’s also a peaceful area for fishing, offering stunning views all around.
  • Beaver Run: This spot attracts experts who are out for a challenge. It is full of native brook trout, but the rugged terrain makes access a bit tricky.
  • Sediment Retention Dam: Here, you can find a mix of catfish and bass along with trout. It’s a popular spot during the salmon run.

In conclusion, the French Creek in Fairburn provides splendid fly fishing opportunities, attracting both novice and experienced anglers.

Best Access Points

French Creek in Fairburn is a well-known fly fishing spot. Below are some of the best areas to access this beautiful and abundant creek:

  • South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Area: This public access point is highly popular among anglers for Rainbow and Brown Trout.
  • Jewel Cave National Monument: It’s serene, uncrowded and surrounded by tall pines, offering abundant spots for casting a line.
  • Koschell’s Pheasant Acres: An area that integrates fish and wildlife habitat, making it an ideal fly fishing spot.
  • Custer State Park: It possesses fast, clear waters and the park’s eastern side provides great fly fishing opportunities.
  • The Custer Crossing Campground: This site has easy creek access and is nestled between hills full of Ponderosa pines.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout: Known for their ability to outsmart the fishermen, these fish are a popular target in French Creek.
  • Rainbow Trout: These colorfully named fish are a great challenge for fly fishing due to their strength and speed.
  • Brook Trout: A favorite amongst fly fishermen due to their beautiful coloration and ability to thrive in French Creek’s waters.
  • Northern Pike: Known for their aggressive behavior, these fish provide a thrilling experience for fly fishing.
  • White Sucker: Despite their name, white suckers are a challenging catch due to their bottom-feeding habits.
  • Redbreast Sunfish: Their small size and aggressive nature make these sunfish a fun catch for fly fishermen.
  • Smallmouth Bass: Providing a tough fight, smallmouth bass are a thrilling catch for any fly fisherman in French Creek.
  • Common Carp: Though often overlooked, the common carp provides a challenging and fun fly fishing experience due to their craftiness and strength.

About The River

Nestled in the beautiful state of South Dakota is the little-known gem French Creek. This picturesque stream originates in the historic Custer State Park before merging with Cheyenne River. It was named by French fur traders in the late 19th century and has an interesting history intertwined with the Gold Rush.

Close by, you will find the charming town of Fairburn. Founded in the early 20th century, it’s renowned for unique agate stones named Fairburn Agates, which can be found along its surrounding hills. This sleepy town has retained its rustic charm and historical essence.

  • French Creek is notable for becoming the first discovery site of gold in the Black Hills in 1874.
  • Fairburn Agates, South Dakota’s state gemstone since 1966, are known for their distinct color bands and patterns.

So a visit to the French Creek – Fairburn is not just a journey through stunning landscapes, but also a trip back in time. Don’t miss out!

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