Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Fish

The Longnose Dace and Brook Trout are the only two fish found within the boundaries of Mount Rushmore. Grizzly Bear and Starling Basin are the two streams in the park; these streams are intermittent, meaning they do not flow year round. Due to the high temperatures and little precipitation received in the areas these streams will dry up, particularly in the summer. Many fish are not able to survive in this type of environment, but these two can, seeking areas of more water when conditions become unfavorable to their survival.

Longnose Dace

The average adult length of the longnose dace is 3-6inches. The preferred habitat is riffle areas in streams, around rubble, boulders, and bedrock. These fish spawn along the gravel bottoms of shallow riffles in the late spring/early summer. Longnose dace will eat worms, mites, algae, and other plant materials.

Brook Trout

Brook trout over 10-12 inches are considered trophy fish in Black Hills streams. They prefer habitats in cool, clear, well-oxygenated streams, small to medium rivers, and lakes. Brook trout spawn in the fall, eggs are deposited in a redd prepared by the female in gravel or other suitable substrate. These fish eat a wide variety of organisms including worms, leeches, crustaceans, insects, mollusks, amphibians, and other fish. They have been introduced throughout the western U.S. and pose a threat to native trout species. Brook trout have been used extensively as an experimental fish, knowledge gained from these studies help form an understanding of the needs of all salmonids.

Finding and catching these fish at Mount Rushmore may be difficult. Grizzly Bear Creek and Starling Basin run through rugged terrain that is difficult to get to. During drought years the creeks may be dry. The longnose dace is a fish you have to catch using a net and some skill, but the brook trout can be a fun game fish for anglers.