My Bride and I are going to visit the Black Hills this summer and I have no idea where to go fishing. I can google and all that but I figure that there are a number of folkes here that have been there .
I dont have a lot of cash so cant hire a guide service. Also cant afford to fish the private places.
Any sugjestions would be welcome. I figure that we will be in the Mt. Rushmore/Devils tower area and other big tourist spots. If you can use them as reference points I’d be gratefull.
Thanks ahead of time.
Perch
Perch - Lucky bugger. I’m jealous. I am originally from SD, and the Hills are where I caught my first trout as a kid. I love it there. Just got back not too long ago. Just a short trip out for a family funeral. Cannot get over how lush and green everything is. They have gotten a lot of nice rain this spring, after years of serious drought.
I am sure Betty Hiner will chime in here, as well as a few others that frequent the Hills. Do what they say, they know the waters as well as anyone. A couple other suggestions.
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Check out the late Al Campbell’s articles on streams in the Hills under the Home Waters section of this website. They are excellent.
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There is a good fly-fishing/trout fishing guide book for the Hills, do not know its name, but Betty does.
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Stop into Dakota Angler in Rapid City when you get in. They are a full fly shop and are more than willing to point out some good streams.
Have a great time! Be sure to give us all a report when you get back home.
Hey Perch,
congrats on going to the Black Hills - I’ve spent quite a bit of time out there and miss it like the dickens!
First and formost - PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR DIDYMO!!! It’s a steam killing weed that is spread from stream to stream in the felt fo your wading boots, on your waders, even on your fly line. So as you go from watershed to watershed - please be careful - there are a couple of simple ways to clean your gear so as not to spread it - it just takes a little time.
Check out this post for a better idea of the Didymo problem and also for some suggestions on places to cast a line when you’re out there. Keep in mind that most - if not all - of these places are catch and release.
You can find a pretty good post on didymo and places to fish here:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=17873&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=black+hills
If you’re coming back from Devils Tower - just on the Wyoming side of the border is Sand Creek - one of the most overlooked fisheries out there…not a lot of trees to snag your backcast and plenty of BIG fish in there with not a lot of fishing pressure. You can also fish it pretty easily from the bank if you keep a low profile.
Good luck - PLEASE clean your gear when going from stream to stream and be careful with those little buggers!
(PS - if anyone asks you - there are NO TROUT in the Black Hills - its just a fig newton of your imagination)
There’re places I could take you … blindfolded, and turned in circles before leaving … but I’ll just have to trust you!!
Keeping in mind that there are no trouts in the Black Hills … I’ll PM you!!! 8)
Perch … PM sent!! :twisted:
Are you getting the feeling Betty is a CIA agent? :lol:
Thankyou all very much for your replies.
I will give a brief report of what happens(ok, only the success story parts) on our trip north.
It’ll be towards July.
Hopefully not too hot up there.
Thankyou again,
Perch
Betty…are there any Black Hills “secrets” you might share with others who know there are no trout in the Black Hills? :lol:
Craig
You mean, like where to find the best pie? Ummm … best sirloin tips? Least willows? :roll:
Hey Betty,
I know where the fish are ( or are not) but please do PM me re: the pie and sirloin tips.
Mark
Sorry bout the slight hijack Perch but a man’s gotta eat too.
best Pie? I’d have to vote for Cheyenne Crossing Cafe.
best view during a meal? Either the patio at Sylvan lake lodge or the deck at the Latch String Inn in Spearfish Canyon.
Any other suggestions for “Best Of…”?
Pie: Cheyenne Crossing
Bread pudding: Latch String by Savoy
Sirloin tips: Big Als Saloon Deadwood
Chicken Enchilada soup: Chili’s in Rapid City (with a visit with Elliott!!)
Caramel rolls: Super 8 Casino Deadwood
Don’t forget about
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the crab leg buffett at the Silverado in Deadwood
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the burgers at the Stampmill in Lead
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and DON’T forget about the steaks at the Alpine Inn in Hill City!!!
Could never forget them!!
how 'bout:
Black Hills Gold! Hill City, Gold and More … owners name is Cathy. Best selection, best prices.
Black Hills Gold Deadwood Shedd’s Jewelers
“Enchanted” Forrest hike in from Silver City to Mystic, about 3 miles down the trail Incredibly beautiful, usually shared with mountain sheep
And the “All things dead” shop in Custer on the main street - has the most interesting collection of animal parts. pieces, rocks, gems and other things that you thought you’d never see!
Best bar to have a relaxed drink - the lounge in Sylvan lake lodge…
Perch - best wishes … take the Spearfish canyon scenic byway when heading in from Devils Tower (easier on brakes going up hill than down hill that way). Cheyenne Crossing is a good rest point.
The Needles are good to take a boo at too. Center lake has some spots - Coolidge creek runs off there as well. Good picin spots as well.
Pactola reservoir - nice area - Rapid creek runs down there - designated trophy areas. Windy road and not well marked side roads.
Or - just toss a line in a waterbody and have fun. I did a couple years back … fun stuff. So fun, the wife twisted my rubber arm so much that this past Sunday she booked 6 nites in Custer at the end of August 
6 pay days, and 2 rods to build … but - - - - - who’s counting ?
Betty, Jim … how’s a man supposed to find time to fish when you mention hot ‘eating’ spots like that … no wonder there’s no trout in them thar hills …
Oh yea, Perch … do pick up a copy of Steve Kinsella’s (sp?) book Trout Fishing in the Black Hills … it may seem a bit dated - but … 
Oh yeah - and leave some fish for me 
Now THAT’s what I call “fishin trip information”. The fish can be found by we who know how to find them but the great eats are found by word of mouth and pen. Thanks all .
Mark
Confidante In Angling?
Ed
Black Hills Gold! Hill City, Gold and More … owners name is Cathy. Best selection, best prices.
Black Hills Gold Deadwood Shedd’s Jewelers
See Perch…now you have a place to take the wife while you go fishing!