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River and Stream Fishing
There are 500+ miles of perennial streams on the Black Hills National Forest. Additional stream miles flow across other intermingled jurisdictions, including private, State and other Federal lands. The amount of flow in some streams is substantially reduced during dry years.
The primary streams to fish on the Black Hills National Forest are Castle, Rapid and Spearfish Creeks due to their higher and more reliable flows. Sand Creek is designated as a “Blue Ribbon Fishery” by the State of Wyoming, due to the volume and quality of its spring-fed waters and the excellent brown trout fishery (WGFD - Sand Creek). Sand Creek originates on the Forest, but the fishable portion occurs downstream of Ranch A. Public access is provided on State-owned land. From the small town of Beulah on Interstate-90, turn south at Exit 205. It’s a short mile and a half on a good gravel county road (Road #129) to the north end of the segment. You’ll see signs indicating public access and Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) ownership to let you know you’re in the right spot.
Other rewarding opportunities abound if you’re willing to get off the beaten path (and you just want to get out and explore the beautiful Black Hills). The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks (SDGFP) and the Wyoming Game & Fish Department set the regulations and manage fish populations; check the South Dakota (SD Fishing Info) and Wyoming (WY Fishing Info) websites for fishing regulations and other pertinent information.
And remember to “Clean, Drain & Dry” your gear to avoid the introduction and/or spread of aquatic invasive species.
For more information, check out the SDGFP Black Hills Fishing Guide posted on their website.
