Rapid Creek

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 6
Species: 7

Rapid Creek is a premier trout fishing destination flowing through the Black Hills of South Dakota. This 86-mile tributary of the Cheyenne River offers exceptional fly fishing opportunities with beautiful scenery and a healthy population of wild trout. Running through Rapid City, it provides both urban fishing experiences and more secluded spots in the surrounding areas. The creek's pristine waters, varied terrain, and year-round accessibility make it a favorite among local and visiting anglers alike, particularly those pursuing the creek's abundant brown trout population.

South Dakota licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Rapid Creek and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Rock Bass

Ambloplites rupestris

Shorthead Redhorse Sucker

Moxostoma macrolepidotum

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Rapid Creek. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Rapid Creek

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

South Dakota licenses and regulations

South Dakota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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South Dakota Fishing License

Residents and Nonresidents 18 years old and older are required to have a fishing license

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South Dakota Fishing Regulations

This state has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this state is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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South Dakota Stream Access Laws

If a river or stream is capable of being floated, it can be used for any lawful recreational activity, such as boating or fishing. Any public use above the ordinary high water mark, i.e., outside of the stream bank, without the landowner's permission, would be considered trespassing.

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Take Rapid Creek with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Rapid Creek to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Rapid Creek to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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