Fishing Line: Conditions could produce successful opportunities in the Black Hills

The near 80-degree weather on Wednesday is predicted to cool off considerably leading into and through the weekend, dropping into the mid-50s and accompanied by rainy weather, and though perhaps a little unpleasant for anglers at work, the drop in temps and barometric pressure, coupled with a chop on the water could spell successful fishing opportunities in the Black Hills area.

Or at least until the wind switches to northwest and amps up velocity.

The bite which has been fairly steady for trout in area streams, and high-country lakes appears to be picking up at lower levels as well with action picking up somewhat at both Angostura and Orman, a pleasant situation since the walleye spawning at both locations has been erratic as rising water temps have stalled the activity, on occasion to weather fluctuations.

Regardless, anglers of every stripe should have solid opportunities to lure species of choice in the very near future, allowing, of course, for mothers choice on a very special day this Sunday.

With that, here's a brief survey of what's been happening recently.

Angostura Reservoir: Walleye bite is improving, albeit it slowly. Majority of anglers are using minnows, though some crawler presentations are being utilized as well. Smallmouth bass activity reported along shorelines.

Belle Fourche Reservoir (Orman): The High Plains Anglers fishing tournament this past weekend produced mixed results. Tom and Matt Neisen topped the field, weighing in 15.3 pounds, while Ryan and Derek Fredrickson recorded the big fish of the tournament with a 3.45-pound specimen. Other twosomes found the going slower. Minnows appeared to be working best for the larger fish. Catfish bite continues in the channel (worms or stink baits). Crappie and white bass activity could be cranking up soon.

Black Hills Streams: Trout bite is excellent in Rapid and Spearfish Creeks, though Spring Creek seems to be suffering from road construction in the area, which altered the routing somewhat. Fly fishermen are finding lots of action, and others are working Panther Martins and other spinners to great success.

Canyon Lake: Rainbow trout bite has been excellent with a variety of presentations attracting attention.

Deerfield Lake: Lake is open and boats have been out, though reports of fishing activity are lacking. Trout and perch activity likely in progress.

Iron Creek Lake: The lake is open and loaded with recently stocked trout.

Keyhole Reservoir: Walleye activity reported, including some 18-inch plus specimens. Also, crappie activity has been reported.

Lakota Lake: Pike that have been unresponsive are apparently putting on the feedbag.

Pactola Reservoir: An excellent trout bite near boat ramps and shorelines elsewhere. Minnows, flies and plastics working. Northern pike bite in gulches on smelt and chubs.

Sheridan Lake: Trout (extremely aggressive at present) and small pike activity reported.

Stockade Lake: No recent activity reported.

Lakes Oahe: Water temps are still in the 40s and walleye are still deep, though warmer weather should bring fish to shallower depths and also heighten the bite. As for activity, shad population and weather will greatly influence.

Lakes Sharpe: Walleye activity has picked up around the bridges, and in current breaks down stream. Lots of boats out, particularly on the weekends. Bouncer/minnow rigs are working best, though plastic jigs and pulling plugs are stirring up action as well.

Lake Francis Case: A fair walleye bite reported below Ft. Thompson and in Chamberlain area.

Fishing Tournaments & other news

Dakota Angler & Outfitter, 513 Seventh St., Rapid City; The Rooster, 1441 W. Main St., Rapid City; Wheel in Bait Shop, 18696 Fisherman's Road, Fruitdale, and West Prairie Resort, 28354 182nd, Pierre (605-264-5303) have contributed to this report.

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