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Brown Trout

Brown Trout

Brown Trout in South Dakota are non-native fish introduced in 1890 from Germany that quickly naturalized and now sustain self-reproducing populations in nearly all 1,287 km of Black Hills streams with suitable habitat.

They are the most abundant trout species in Black Hills waters.

Physical Characteristics:
  • These fish have streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies with small scales and large mouths, displaying yellowish-brown coloration with darker black, brown, or reddish spots often surrounded by lighter halos.
  • Their square tail fin has very few spots, distinguishing them from rainbow trout.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit cold water streams and impoundments throughout the Black Hills.

Key Locations

  • Spearfish Creek, Rapid Creek, Castle Creek, Whitewood Creek, Box Elder Creek, Spring Creek, and French Creek, as well as lakes like Pactola Reservoir, Sheridan Lake, and various Custer State Park waters.
  • Near Savoy where Iron Creek meets Spearfish Creek, canyon fishing in Spearfish Creek, lower sections north of Interstate 90, tailwater sections like Rapid Creek below Pactola Reservoir.

Specific Spots

  • Target deeper holes for larger specimens, slower water near banks in canyon areas, faster water sections, pools and undercut banks, pocket water, grassy banks for terrestrial fishing.

Brown Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Brown Trout in South Dakota?

Beaded pheasant tail nymphs with strike indicators, gold beaded woolly buggers, Blue Winged Olives (BWO) patterns in sizes 18-22, caddis emergers, grasshopper, beetle, and ant patterns, nymph patterns and dry flies, size 20-22 flies for canyon areas, small midge patterns for winter fishing.

When is the best time to fish for Brown Trout in South Dakota?

The best fishing for Brown Trout in South Dakota runs from mid-March through mid-November, with excellent winter opportunities on warm days when midge hatches occur. During winter, focus on midday fishing during temperature rises above freezing.

How do you catch Brown Trout in South Dakota?

Successful techniques include indicator nymphing in pocket water, dry fly fishing during surface activity, and streamer fishing for larger specimens in pools and undercut banks. Use beaded pheasant tail nymphs with strike indicators as go-to patterns, particularly effective in faster water sections.

What do Brown Trout eat?

Brown trout feed primarily on fishes, insects, and crustaceans, with smaller fish eating mainly aquatic insects like midges, mayflies, caddisflies, and terrestrials, while larger specimens (12+ inches) become increasingly piscivorous, consuming other fish, crayfish, and even mice.

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