South Dakota Fishing Report

What is the goal?

To better understand fly-fishing patterns, conditions to predict ferocity of fishable events and locations.

How do we do it?

Fly Fishing Reports and Forecasts. Throughout every day, we create 7 day fishing forecasts for over 2000 streams.

What is the Fatty Factor?

A 5 star rating calculated per hour over every day per stream. We create a detailed forecast for each stream whereby every hour gets a 5 star Fatty Factor rating.

How is the Fatty Factor calculated?

The Fatty Factor is calculated using a fly-fishing success estimation model containing proprietary big data analytics. We consume data from near and real-time sources, satellites, and sensors; compile/compare, against historic datasets, to create the Fatty Factor. Location, season, and analytics improve the rating over time.

How is the Fatty Factor rated?

5 starts is the best while 0 starts is “Not Fatty”.

How to use Whacking Fatties Fishing Reports and Forecasts?

Consult the detailed stream information section of the fly-fishing reports and forecasts for the latest weather temperatures, wind speeds, cloud cover, gauge flows, and insect hatch patterns.

What do trout eat?

Check out the hatch recommendations for each stream in the detailed stream area. Investigate the hatch recommendations if you are interested in what do trout eat.

What kind of fish can I catch?

You tell us? Rainbow trout, brook trout, lake trout, bass, carp, etc. Currently, fresh water species. Salt water fly fishing? Fly fishing for carp is awesome. Tell us what you are after? Steelhead, grayling, tarpon, bass, bonefish, taimen, permit, salmon fishing?

How do I use the fishing maps?

We have a vast amount of geographic data for each stream. Click on the points to get more information. Green points represent fishing access such as put-ins and take-outs. Purple points represent bridges or stream crossings whereby often Google StreetView is available. Red points represent USGS Stream Gauges. Where available, we have graphs for Predictive Hydrograph 7 days, Water Temperature, Observed Height (ft.) 7 days, Observed Discharge (cfs) 7 days, and Duration Hydrograph. The Duration Hydrograph is a graphical presentation of recent daily streamflow, plotted over the long-term statistics of streamflow for each day of the year.

Can I determine land ownership from the stream map?

Yes. Landownership data is included in the map. In the map legend, the type of ownership is shown while you hover or tap on the map. You will see public or private land. For public, it will tell you the agency such as Forest Service or State Park.

Does Whacking Fatties have private landowner information such as parcel boundaries?

Currently, we have landowner information for Montana only. If you drill down into the map, you will see parcel boundaries. Simply click on the parcel to see who owns the land and other related information.

How do I determine distance from one access to another?

In the map, the measure tool can be used to trace along a stream to measure between fishing access points.

Can I determine stream elevation?

In the fishing map, you can turn on the elevation profile for a stream. You are able to visually see how much elevation is dropped along a stream.

What other mapping data is available and useful to anglers?

We provide three different background maps: dark, light, and satellite. The light is useful for planning routes to fishing access points. The satellite is very useful for all sorts of detailed planning.

What gauges are included in the Stream Flow graph?

For each stream, we have included all gauges for the stream overlaid into one graph. This is great for analyzing flow data of the stream as a whole to help predict best fishing areas.

What is the Fatty Store?

Check out the Fatty Store for great deals on the best fly fishing gear available in the market. We make available only the highest quality fly fishing gear at deep discounted prices such as fly fishing rods, fly boxes, waders or wading boots, fly fishing reels, flies, and tackle. From time to time, we have promotions on fly fishing vacations, film tours, and fly fishing videos. Look for deals on fly fishing schools.

What about fly fishing forums?

We have a great fly fishing forum where anglers can post their own reports and pictures. At each detailed stream page, you can upload fish pictures and your own fishing reports. We encourage you to rate the stream. We are working on the capability to upload your own fishing videos.

Where do I find a professional recommended fishing guide, lodge, or fishing charter?

Whacking Fatties Pro Contributors are professionally vetted and approved. Pro Contributors provide the highest quality guided fishing experiences. Look for recommended fishing charters, lodges, fly fishing and tackle shops posted on detailed stream report pages. Fishing near me? Investigate Pro Contributors listed on specific detailed streams near you.

What is Fatty Information?

What is the best fly line? How to tie a fly? Fly lines explained? Fly fishing beginner? Fatty Information is a new section whereby we present practical fly fisherman knowledge such as fly fishing knots, fly patterns, tapered leader formulas, tippet rings, strike indicators, drift boats, nymph fishing, euro nymphing, knots for fly fishing, best fishing sunglasses, etc. Information on our favorite flies such as mop files, clouser, nymph fly, wet flies, muddler minnow, isonychia fly, mole fly, cdc and elk fly, trico fly, caddis fly, and flies for largemouth bass. As well as recommendations for best small stream fly rods. The tug is the drug!

What are Fatty Alerts?

Never miss a great day of fishing! Fatty Alerts are automated email notifications whereby you are sent an email ONLY when your favorite streams have a great forecast. First, you sign up for a Whacking Fatties account; then, choose your favorite streams to get alerts. Fatty Alerts include our long range forecast. Never miss great fishing weather or fishing forecast with Fatty Alerts. They are free!

What are we working on next?

We will be expanding to fresh water lakes for bass, carp, and other great fishing. We will be able to assist with planning the best dates and times for your next fly fishing for stripers adventure. Forecasting for salt-water locations are on the radar. Please contact us with your feedback. Tight lines!

The Fatty List: Top Daily Fly Fishing Reports broken down by nationwide, northeast, south, midwest, and northwest fly fishing regions The Fatty Map: Today's Top Fishing Streams on a Map Top Professional Contributors Fishing Report Feed - find current fishing reports and updates Fishing News Feed - find current angler news Fatty Photo Feed