Spearfish Creek

River Map

About Spearfish Creek

Flowing through the dramatic limestone walls of Spearfish Canyon, this is the crown jewel of Black Hills fly fishing. Cold, clear water tumbles past 1,000-foot canyon walls for miles of accessible public water. The canyon setting creates its own microclimate — consistently cooler than surrounding plains — keeping trout comfortable year-round. An iconic Black Hills experience that rivals any canyon trout stream in the West.

Regulations

South Dakota Fishing License required. Trout daily limit: 5 fish, minimum 8 inches. No closed season. Special regulations may apply in certain sections — check SD Game, Fish & Parks (gfp.sd.gov) before fishing.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish Spearfish Creek with more confidence.

• South Dakota Trout Fishing Regulations Guide

  South Dakota fishing license (no separate trout permit required), year-round trout season on every Black Hills stream, 5-fish daily limit with 8-inch…

• Trout Species of South Dakota

  South Dakota has no native trout — every Black Hills trout is introduced. A field guide to the three species you'll catch: stocked and holdover…

• How Barometric Pressure Affects Fishing (And How to Use It)

  That gorgeous bluebird day after a cold front? Worst fishing of the year. Here's the data behind why pressure changes matter more than the weather…