I use a 71/2-foot, 5-weight rod with a floating line for all of my fishing on the larger streams, though you could get away with a 3- or 4-weight. The heavier line weight makes it easier to cast in the wind and work in the larger browns.

If you're looking for a true Black Hills fishing challenge, try one of the area's many "smaller" streams, which require you to sneak along the bank and cast from your knees or you may as well stay at home. Small streams like Little Spearfish, Horse, Little Boxelder, Slate, and Grace Coolidge creeks hold hearty, finicky wild brook trout that won't even look at your fly if your approach and presentations are not perfect.

A #14 Elk-hair Caddis dead-drifted through the French Creek's riffles often drives big rainbows crazy.

These small streams often require a long walk to reach, but they are worth the effort. Ask for directions at one of the fly shops in the Hills if you are up to testing your small-stream skills. The streams have zero crowds and great rewards.

A 3-weight rod is a blast on these smaller streams, but a heavier outfit can load much quicker in tight places where you don't have much room to cast, and help rip flies from overhanging brush. I find terrestrial patterns--beetles, ants, and hoppers--to be the most effective on these small-stream brookies.