The Black Hills of South Dakota offer a number of unique trout fishing opportunities including both stream and reservoir options. The Black Hills streams are managed with naturally producing populations, while Black Hills reservoirs are stocked frequently to maintain high catch rates for anglers. These unique management styles, and unique fisheries, lead to a variety of trout fishing opportunities in the Black Hills.
Black Hills Streams
Black Hills streams are managed with minimal stocking, focusing on natural reproduction. The primary species in these streams are brown trout and brook trout, while rainbow trout can provide opportunity as well.
Black Hills streams regulations allow for one trout over 14 inches.
What are the primary trout species in the Black Hills streams?
The primary trout species in Black Hills streams are brown trout and brook trout. Rainbow trout can also occur, although in lower numbers.
What are the best trout streams in the Black Hills?
Rapid Creek is a popular fishery, and provides fishing opportunities both within the town of Rapid City and below Pactola Basin. Brown trout numbers are historically very good in both areas.
Anglers should be aware of a special catch and release, artificial lures only regulation for the two miles below the dam. This is the “crown jewel” of the fishery, and features a much larger size structure with fish averaging 17 inches.
Spearfish Creek also is another excellent trout stream, and features a high abundance of brown trout. Castle Creek provides another strong trout steam as well.
Black Hills Reservoirs
Black Hills reservoirs are managed with more frequent and intense stocking, focusing on providing anglers high catch rates. The primary species is rainbow trout, as they are the most available species available in the state’s hatcheries and grow the best.
Black Hills reservoir regulations are five trout combined with no size limit.
What are the primary trout species in the Black Hills reservoirs?
The primary trout species in Black Hills reservoirs is rainbow trout. Other trout species present include lake trout in Pactola Reservoir and Deerfield Reservoir, and cutthroat trout and tiger trout in Custer State Park. Brown trout are also present in Pactola Reservoir.
Black Hills Reservoirs Trout Fisheries:
- Pactola Reservoir: Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Brown Trout
- Sheridan Reservoir: Rainbow Trout
- Deerfield Reservoir: Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout
What are the best lake trout fisheries?
Pactola Reservoir has a healthy population of naturally producing lake trout, offering a quality size structure of fish including a trophy caliber opportunity.
Deerfield Reservoir also has lake trout although natural lake trout reproduction has not been observed in Deerfield Reservoir, which is maintained through stocking efforts.
What are the primary trout species in Custer State Park?
Custer State Park provides traditional rainbow trout opportunities, while also providing unique opportunities for special species as well. Rainbow trout can be found in Center Lake, Sylvan Lake, Legion Lake, and Bismarck Lake.
Tiger trout and cutthroat trout provide a unique opportunity for anglers to target in both Center Lake and Sylvan Lake as well. All of these species are managed by frequent stocking efforts to maintain and support these fisheries.
Custer State Park Trout Fisheries:
- Center Lake: Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, Cutthroat Trout
- Sylvan Lake: Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, Cutthroat Trout
- Legion Lake: Rainbow Trout
- Bismarck Lake: Rainbow Trout
Trout Fishing the Black Hills
Both avid fly anglers and new trout anglers will find an abundance of opportunities in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Whether it’s a naturally producing brown trout stream, or a well-stocked reservoir there are opportunities for every angler.
Where are the best places to fish for trout in the Black Hills?
For anglers that are new to trout fishing or the Black Hills, there are a number of easy ways to target trout and offer realistic expectations at success.
Canyon Lake is located within Rapid City and is stocked heavily with trout, and anglers have the opportunity to catch quality sized fish as well. There is a number of shore fishing access points, which makes targeting these fish easy and convenient.
Pactola Lake provides the classic “Black Hills” experience with both scenic landscapes and excellent fishing opportunities. Rainbow trout are stocked at the two main boat ramps, and there is an abundance of shore fishing access around the lake making it easy for anglers to get to the water and fish.
Pactola Lake also has a natural reproducing population of lake trout, and offer both an excellent fishery that is unique to the area. Quality sized brown trout can also be caught in Pactola Lake as well.
Anglers looking to try fly fishing should start their search at the Kinney Canyon Walk-In Fishery, where they can expect to find brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. This also provides anglers an opportunity to get away, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Black Hills.
All three of these areas provide quality and accessible fishing opportunities, and a great starting spot for anglers new to trout fishing or fishing in the Black Hills.
Is the trout fishing good in Legion Lake?
Legion Lake in Custer State Park offers excellent trout fishing opportunities as well as other species including largemouth bass and northern pike. Legion Lake provides beautiful scenery, ample shore fishing opportunities, and a shake and burger after a day on the water!
Where can I combine both hiking and fishing?
The Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishery in Custer State Park provides a unique opportunity to combine both hiking and fishing. Six low head dams along a three-mile hiking trail provide numerous fishing opportunities and gorgeous Black Hills scenery.
Trout fishing in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a unique opportunity for anglers of all skill levels. Whether it’s a remote Black Hills stream, large reservoir, or within Custer State Park there are a number of trout fishing opportunities!
