Trout Fishing on Spearfish Creek (last up dated 11/18/19)
Trout Fishing Outfitting Information
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We have a new policy for taking you and yours out trout fishing. We will not be charging for this service but will just rely on gratuities to cover our costs. This allows us to take you on almost all of Spearfish Creek, this is all private land. The fishing is out standing with many large fish caught. We generally only keep a couple each day so the fishing remains excellent. The average trout caught in the hills is about 9 inches and just got released from a trout hatchery and a diet of liver meal. These are stream reared fish with a natural diet. Best part is we are goin' have fun fishing.
***FLASH*** CHECK OUT OUR PRICES
We have a new policy for taking you and yours out trout fishing. We will not be charging for this service but will just rely on gratuities to cover our costs. This allows us to take you on almost all of Spearfish Creek, this is all private land. The fishing is out standing with many large fish caught. We generally only keep a couple each day so the fishing remains excellent. The average trout caught in the hills is about 9 inches and just got released from a trout hatchery and a diet of liver meal. These are stream reared fish with a natural diet. Best part is we are goin' have fun fishing.
What you will need
You will need a South Dakota fishing license and can be purchased on line at South Dakota Game Fish and Parks.
a desire to catch some fish and have fun
Transportation
You will have to transport your self to the fishing sites, about 6 miles, we will walk to all sites. The best time to fish is when the sun is up and the insects are up and going.
Personal gear
Wadding Equipment for fishing these cold streams can be the shoe type neoprene waders, regular neoprene waders, or any type of waders. The neoprene is nice for the fact that it keeps you warm while standing in the water. They are hot when out of the water but prefect when in. Mike prefers to use no waders but only what we call crik n shoes (old pair of shoes and socks) and long pants. When the weather is hot the water is not cold feeling at all. Long pants are best for leg protection and keep the cold water from chilling you out..
Fishing gear
If you use spin cast equipment a super lightweight rod about 4 to 5 feet is best. The lightweight open face spin cast reel with the super small spool is best. Be sure to not have over 6 pound test line with 4 or 2 pound being the best for casting small lure. Panther Martin, Mepps, Thomas, or any spinner lure will work on these fish. The new thing that Mike has found to be a favorite of the big browns is the Thomas Spinners in gold about an 1/8th of an ounce. We have used the Rapala mini plugs in Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Sucker patterns and they all work great.
A lightweight fly rod is best with a weight forward line. A 6 or 8-foot tippet works great. Wet or dry flies work but what works changes all year long. Practicing with your rod is a good idea as most casting is very tight and into fairly fast moving water. This will keep you from snapping off your flies and catching tree branches along the steam. A good share of Spearfish Creek is very tight and you should have some experience with a fly rod to have much success and not lose all your flies.
You may use our spin casting or fly rods if you would like, if you break it you buy it. We can provide all your lures if you would like also as you just have to pay for the lures that are lost along the way, and they do get snagged and hooked in trees once in a while.
Fish cleaning
A creel or small stringer is great for keeping fish if you would like, catch and release when possible. Keep in mind that we will clean your fish for you. Limits of fish vary from area to area and you can refer to creel limits on line with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks on line. We allow you to keep two fish per person over 12 inches.
Tackle
A small tackle box is a good choice for keeping your flies or lures for quick changes while you fish. A neck lanyard mounted fishhook remover and fingernail clipper make not handling fish and changing lures much easier. If needed Mike has plenty of lanyards made up with fish unhooks or he can just take them off for you.
The clothing
Sunglasses make spotting fish much easier. Keep in mind that when the fish have seen you they as a rule will not bite and turn neutral very quickly and seem to spook other fish also. A simple full brim hat is a good choice. This is just like hunting so having camouflage clothing adds success to most trips also.
The lunch
The setting is great for having a lunch in the wild. This way we can fish all day in this most beautiful setting. If you have never been to Spearfish Valley you have a real treat in store for you. It makes the fishing that much better. Mike will pack a lunch for every one along with waters and pop.
You will need a South Dakota fishing license and can be purchased on line at South Dakota Game Fish and Parks.
a desire to catch some fish and have fun
Transportation
You will have to transport your self to the fishing sites, about 6 miles, we will walk to all sites. The best time to fish is when the sun is up and the insects are up and going.
Personal gear
Wadding Equipment for fishing these cold streams can be the shoe type neoprene waders, regular neoprene waders, or any type of waders. The neoprene is nice for the fact that it keeps you warm while standing in the water. They are hot when out of the water but prefect when in. Mike prefers to use no waders but only what we call crik n shoes (old pair of shoes and socks) and long pants. When the weather is hot the water is not cold feeling at all. Long pants are best for leg protection and keep the cold water from chilling you out..
Fishing gear
If you use spin cast equipment a super lightweight rod about 4 to 5 feet is best. The lightweight open face spin cast reel with the super small spool is best. Be sure to not have over 6 pound test line with 4 or 2 pound being the best for casting small lure. Panther Martin, Mepps, Thomas, or any spinner lure will work on these fish. The new thing that Mike has found to be a favorite of the big browns is the Thomas Spinners in gold about an 1/8th of an ounce. We have used the Rapala mini plugs in Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Sucker patterns and they all work great.
A lightweight fly rod is best with a weight forward line. A 6 or 8-foot tippet works great. Wet or dry flies work but what works changes all year long. Practicing with your rod is a good idea as most casting is very tight and into fairly fast moving water. This will keep you from snapping off your flies and catching tree branches along the steam. A good share of Spearfish Creek is very tight and you should have some experience with a fly rod to have much success and not lose all your flies.
You may use our spin casting or fly rods if you would like, if you break it you buy it. We can provide all your lures if you would like also as you just have to pay for the lures that are lost along the way, and they do get snagged and hooked in trees once in a while.
Fish cleaning
A creel or small stringer is great for keeping fish if you would like, catch and release when possible. Keep in mind that we will clean your fish for you. Limits of fish vary from area to area and you can refer to creel limits on line with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks on line. We allow you to keep two fish per person over 12 inches.
Tackle
A small tackle box is a good choice for keeping your flies or lures for quick changes while you fish. A neck lanyard mounted fishhook remover and fingernail clipper make not handling fish and changing lures much easier. If needed Mike has plenty of lanyards made up with fish unhooks or he can just take them off for you.
The clothing
Sunglasses make spotting fish much easier. Keep in mind that when the fish have seen you they as a rule will not bite and turn neutral very quickly and seem to spook other fish also. A simple full brim hat is a good choice. This is just like hunting so having camouflage clothing adds success to most trips also.
The lunch
The setting is great for having a lunch in the wild. This way we can fish all day in this most beautiful setting. If you have never been to Spearfish Valley you have a real treat in store for you. It makes the fishing that much better. Mike will pack a lunch for every one along with waters and pop.