Roughlock Falls Area
Fly fishing in South Dakota · intermediate · Best seasons: spring, summer, fall
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Spearfish Canyon stream near famous waterfall. Wild trout in scenic canyon.
Fishing Recommendations
Welcome to Spearfish Canyon, one of the most visually stunning and productive fly fishing destinations in the Black Hills of South Dakota. As your guide, I’m excited to walk you through the Roughlock Falls area. This isn’t just a scenic tourist stop; it’s the gateway to some of the most technical and rewarding small-stream fishing in the Midwest.
🎣 Location Overview
The Roughlock Falls area is located at the confluence of Little Spearfish Creek and Spearfish Canyon. This area is characterized by crystal-clear, spring-fed water that maintains relatively stable temperatures year-round.
What makes it special is the sheer beauty—limestone cliffs towering 1,000 feet above you—and the "pocket water" nature of the stream. Below the falls, the water is fast and oxygenated; above the falls on Little Spearfish Creek, it transitions into a more intimate, meadow-style stream. It is a quintessential mountain stream experience: intimate, clear, and teeming with wild fish.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
- Brown Trout: The "kings" of Spearfish Canyon. These are predominantly wild fish. They are wary and possess excellent vision due to the water clarity. They hold in deeper undercut banks, behind large limestone boulders, and in the "tail-outs" of pools during low light.
- Rainbow Trout: Often found in the faster, more oxygenated "riffle" water and at the base of plunge pools. While some are wild, the state does supplement populations in accessible areas. They are generally more aggressive than the browns.
- Behavior: Because the water is so clear, these fish are "spooky." If they see you, the game is over. They feed heavily on aquatic insects but will opportunistically smash a terrestrial (grasshopper or beetle) during the summer months.
📅 Best Times to Fish
- Optimal Seasons:
- Spring (April - June): Excellent for the Blue Winged Olive (BWO) hatches. The water is higher but rarely "blows out" because of the canyon's geology.
- Summer (July - August): The prime time for dry fly enthusiasts. Even on hot days, the canyon stays cool, and the terrestrial fishing is world-class.
- Fall (September - October): My personal favorite. The Brown Trout become aggressive as they prepare to spawn, and the changing colors of the aspen trees are breathtaking.
- Best Times of Day:
- Summer: Early morning (dawn to 10:00 AM) and late evening (the "Golden Hour").
- Spring/Fall: Mid-day (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM) when the water warms slightly and triggers insect activity.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Dries:
- Parachute Adams (Size 16-20) – The gold standard here.
- Elk Hair Caddis (Size 14-18) – Tan or Olive.
- Hi-Vis Ant or Beetle (Size 14-16) – Essential for summer.
- BWO Sparkle Dun (Size 18-22) – For cloudy spring/fall days.
- Nymphs:
- Perdigons (Size 16-20) – Heavy and slim to get down fast in pocket water.
- Pheasant Tail (Size 16-20) – Classic for a reason.
- Zebra Midge (Size 18-22) – Red or Black; deadly in the winter and early spring.
- Streamers:
- Woolly Buggers (Size 10-12) – Olive or Black; keep them small.
Effective Techniques
- Dry-Dropper: This is the most effective way to fish the Roughlock area. Use a high-visibility dry fly (like a Stimulator) and hang a small nymph (like a Pheasant Tail) 18-24 inches below it.
- European Nymphing: Given the many short, deep pockets between rocks, "Euro" or tight-line nymphing allows you to probe the depths without drag.
- The "Stealth" Approach: Since the stream is small, stay low. Kneeling on the bank before casting often makes the difference between a strike and a spooked fish.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Above the Falls" Secret: Most tourists stay right at the falls. Hike upstream on the Roughlock Falls Trail or toward Timon Campground. The water slows down, and you’ll find some of the largest, most sophisticated Brown Trout in the system in these meadow stretches.
- Long Leaders: Use a 9-foot to 12-foot leader tapered to 6X fluorocarbon tippet. The fish are extremely leader-shy in the slow-moving pools.
- Check the Flow: Spearfish Creek is unique because of the hydroelectric plants. The "middle" section of the canyon can sometimes have low flows, but the Roughlock area (near the Latchstring Inn) usually has consistent, cold water.
- Shadow Casting: In the deep canyon, shadows move quickly. Try to stand so your shadow doesn't fall across the pool you are fishing.
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: Much of the area around Roughlock Falls is within Spearfish Canyon State Nature Area or the Black Hills National Forest, meaning public access is excellent. Look for established pull-offs along Highway 14A.
- Regulations:
- A South Dakota Fishing License is required (available online or in the town of Spearfish).
- Check current South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (SDGFP) regulations for specific creel limits; however, Catch and Release is highly encouraged to maintain the quality of this wild fishery.
- Safety: The rocks in the canyon are "slick as snot." Wading boots with felt soles or studs are highly recommended. Also, be aware that cell service is virtually non-existent once you drop into the canyon—tell someone where you are going.
Enjoy the "Queen City" of the Black Hills—tight lines!
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Baetis spp. | mayfly | March, April, September, October | Late Morning/Afternoon | #18-22 | RS2 #20-22, Parachute Adams #18-22, BWO CDC Emerger #20-22 |
| Pale Morning Dun (PMD) Ephemerella excrucians | mayfly | June, July, August | Mid-morning/Early Afternoon | #14-18 | Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-18, PMD Sparkle Dun #16-18, Rusty Spinner #16-18 |
| Little Tan/Grannom Caddis Brachycentrus occidentalis | caddis | April, May | Late Afternoon/Evening | #14-16 | Peacock Caddis #14-16, Elk Hair Caddis (Tan) #14-16, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-16 |
| Yellow Sally Isoperla spp. | stonefly | June, July | Late Afternoon/Evening | #14-16 | Yellow Sally Dry #14-16, Little Yellow Sloan #14-16 |
| Trico Tricorythodes spp. | mayfly | July, August, September | Early Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner #20-24, Sunken Trico Spinner #22 |
| Spotted Sedge Hydropsyche spp. | caddis | June, July, August | Evening | #14-18 | Caddis Variant #16, Green Weenie #14-18, Holy Grail #16 |
| Midges Chironomidae | midge | January, February, March, December | Mid-day | #18-24 | Zebra Midge #18-22, Griffith's Gnat #20-22, Morgan's Midge #20-24 |
| Terrestrials (Grasshoppers/Ants) Orthoptera / Formicidae | terrestrial | July, August, September | Afternoon | #10-18 | Parachute Hopper #10-14, Cinnamon Ant #16-18, Chernobyl Ant #10-12 |