Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Spring Creek - Keystone - 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 Midge Afternoon #18-22 Griffith's Gnat
Stonefly Morning #10-14 Pat's Rubber Leg
February Midge Afternoon #18-22 Zebra Midge
March Midge Afternoon #16-20 Disco Midge
Early Black Stonefly Evening #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis Black
April Blue Winged Olive Morning #18-20 Blue Winged Olive Dry Fly Pattern
Little Black Caddis Evening #16-18 X-Caddis
May March Brown Afternoon #12-14 March Brown Dun
Sulphur Evening #16-18 Sparkle Dun Sulphur
June Green Drake Afternoon #10-12 Royal Wulff
Light Cahill Evening #14-16 Light Cahill Dry Fly Pattern
July Tan Caddis Evening #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis Tan
August Trico Morning #20-24 CDC Trico Spinner
September Isonychia Afternoon #12-14 Bivisible Dun
October October Caddis Evening #10-14 X-Caddis
Blue Winged Olive Afternoon #18-20 Blue Winged Olive Dry Fly Pattern
November Midge Afternoon #18-22 Griffith's Gnat
Stonefly Morning #10-14 Pat's Rubber Leg
December Midge Afternoon #18-22 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

The Spring Creek in Keystone is renowned as a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts. The creek boasts an impressive variety of fish, making it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned fishermen.

  1. Lower Spring Creek: This is a premier spot to catch Rainbow and Brown Trout, especially near the banks and in deeper pools.
  2. Paradise Valley Spring Creeks: Known for its challenging waters and big Trout, this area offers a serene fishing environment.
  3. Nelson’s Spring Creek: With its slow-moving water, Nelson’s Spring Creek offers perfect conditions for fly fishing.
  4. Armstrong Spring Creek: Armstrong offers several light tackle opportunities with a good population of mid-sized Trout.
  5. DePuy Spring Creek: DePuy is celebrated for its winter fishing thanks to the clear visibility of its water.

Each site offers a unique fishing experience, catering to different skill levels and preferences.

Best Access Points

Spring Creek in Keystone State Park, offers several secluded yet accessible spots perfect for fly fishing. The park has been curated to preserve various animal species and trout, making it a sublime fishing destination.
  • Spring Creek Bridge: A popular fly fishing spot, this access point allows anglers to fish directly from the bridge or go down to the creek’s edge.
  • Breezy Point Picnic Area: Ample parking spaces and easy creek access. In addition, this area promises an abundance of brook trouts.
  • Lake Keystone: This is the confluence of Spring Creek and Lake Keystone, presenting an abundance of opportunities for both reservoir and creek fishing.
  • Keystone State Park Flyshop: Located near the park office, this fishing access point gives you immediate proximity to restrooms, drinking water, fishing gear and bait shop.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout: Known for its fighting spirit and playful behavior which makes it an attractive species for fly fishing enthusiasts.
  • Rainbow Trout: It puts up a great fight and jumps a lot when hooked, making fly fishing exciting for anglers.
  • Brook Trout: Extremely popular among fly fishers in Spring Creek because of its beautiful coloration and susceptibility to dry flies.
  • Pumpkinseed: Their tendency to live in clear, vegetated waters make them a local favorite for fly fishing.
  • Rock Bass: Easy to catch and provides great practice for novice fly fishers.
  • Smallmouth Bass: They are strong fighters and poses a great challenge for Spring Creek’s fly fishing enthusiasts.
  • Bluegill: Although small, they can put up a strong fight. Fly fishing techniques used for trout also work well with bluegill.
  • White Crappie: Spring Creek fly fishermen target them in early spring when they are more active.

About The River

Welcome to Spring Creek – Keystone, a quaint slice of American history nestled comfortably in the heart of Pennsylvania. The roots of this charming hamlet stretch back to the mid 19th century, founded on industries like coal mining and lumbering. Keystone’s journey through time is a tale of resilience and transformation.
  • 1800’s: A bustling coal and lumber community.
  • 1900’s: The shared lands of Spring Creek and Keystone welcomed farming and dairy production, diversifying its economic base significantly.
  • 2000’s: The shift towards a mixed economy, offering a fusion of business services and tourism.
The last few decades have seen Spring Creek – Keystone transform into an attractive, number one pick for tourists, drawn to its rich history, thriving arts scene, and stunning landscapes. They say history is a living, breathing entity — and nowhere is that truer than in Spring Creek – Keystone, where the echoes of the past blend seamlessly with the vibrances of the present, making it a truly unique destination.
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