Custer State Park, the jewel of South Dakota, is home to many iconic locations. One of these is Legion Lake. One of the most beautiful waterbodies in the state, Legion Lake offers incredible views, a scenic place to paddle, and a relaxing hiking trail. In addition to all of these opportunities, Legion Lake also is home to fantastic fishing!
Legion Lake is stocked annually by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks with catchable-sized rainbow trout. These stockings ensure there are always fish looking to bite and maintains an enjoyable trout fishery. In addition to rainbow trout, largemouth bass, northern pike, and black crappie are also present in Legion Lake.
The lake is a shore angler’s paradise, with much of the shoreline providing an opportunity to cast. The lake itself is relatively small, meaning an angler that dedicates their time and stays on the move can cast much of the water in a handful of hours. The lake is also relatively snag free, meaning anglers can cast their favorite baits without fear of breaking it off.
Accessing the best fishing spots is extremely easy and convenient. A large fishing dock is located just a few steps from the parking lot, and the Legion Lakeshore Trail offers a short and easy hike, with the loop just less than a mile around the lake. The trail begins just to the west of the fishing dock, and allows anglers to easily access the entire waterbody.
The easy access, smaller waterbody, and simple contours means a variety of techniques can work successfully. Anglers looking to simply relax and wet a line can watch a slipbobber, and wait for the exciting dunk of the bobber that comes with a bite. For a more hands-on approach, casting small crankbaits is an effective way to cover water and trigger bites. Anglers looking to enjoy the art of flyfishing can also do so with plenty of space to cast.
For anglers looking to fish with traditional equipment and cover as much water as possible, a small shallow running crankbait makes for the best option. One of the most effective baits is a #4 Berkley Fishing Shallow Money Badger. This bait’s small profile and shallow running nature allows it to dive just below the surface and fish across the tops of weed beds and shallow rocks. The bait’s aggressive wobble is perfect for triggering active fish and hard bites, making this the perfect option for an angler looking to cover water and find fish.
Other options include a small Salmo Hornet or #5 Rapala Shallow Shad Rap. As a general rule of thumb, the smaller the profile and more aggressive the action the better the bait will be. Rainbow trout can provide aggressive strikes, which makes these more active presentations extremely effective. Largemouth bass and northern pike will also be willing biters too.
One of the best ways to enjoy fishing at Legion Lake is in the early morning hours, as the sunrise offers a gorgeous view from along the water. This is also both the quietest time on the water, and when the fish are most willing to bite. Watching the fish surface in the early morning is both relaxing and helpful, as casting at these areas can often produce bites!
Anglers looking for a unique way to target the fishery can also rent a kayak or canoe from the Legion Lake Lodge. This will make it even easier to cover water on the relatively small lake, and offers a different way to enjoy the fishing opportunities.
Legion Lake Lodge is located directly on the lake, and is the perfect location for a burger or shake on the patio through the Dockside Grill. The lodge makes an easy spot to purchase fishing licenses and park entrance licenses. Souvenirs, snacks, and other items are also available at the Legion Lake General Store, ensuring visitors have everything they need to enjoy their stay.
Legion Lake is also home to a number of quiet, relaxing family-sized cabins overlooking the water. These cabins offer a dark, gorgeous view of the night sky, and make for the perfect spot for a campfire at the end of the day. The cabins feature bathrooms, air conditioning, and heating to ensure a comfortable stay throughout the entire season.
Custer State Park offers a number of outdoor opportunities including hiking, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and water recreation. Whether it’s a family vacation, weekend getaway, or day trip there is plenty to explore. Regardless if you are there for a day or a week, pack a fishing rod, a small tackle box of crankbaits and hooks, and a pair of pliers. It doesn’t take much gear to enjoy the fishing opportunities in Custer State Park, and Legion Lake is one spot you’ll want to stop and try out! Good fishing!
Custer State Park Fishing Reminders:
- All of Custer State Park is open to fishing;
- A valid South Dakota Fishing License is required, licenses can be purchased through Go Outdoors South Dakota or through one of the four resort locations;
- There is no minimum size regulation for Black Hills trout;
- The daily limit is five trout;
- Only one trout can exceed 14 inches;
- Both artificial and livebait is allowed; and,
- Complete fishing regulations can be found in the South Dakota Fishing Handbook.
South Dakota Fishing License Fees:
- One Day: Resident $10, Nonresident $26
- Three Day: Nonresident $45
- Annual: Resident $31, Nonresident $80
- Habitat Stamp (Required for Three-Day or Annual License Purchase): Resident $10, Nonresident $25
Multispecies Morning on Legion Lake in Custer State Park
If you’re looking to see the fishing on Legion Lake in action, check out Multispecies Morning on Legion Lake in Custer State Park! With only a little time to fish, we enjoyed a sunrise and quick morning bite at Legion Lake in September 2025. The quick bite included rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Check out the action Legion Lake has to offer!
Learn More About Fishing in Custer State Park
There are numerous fishing opportunities in Custer State Park. These options include Legion Lake, Center Lake, Sylvan Lake, Stockade Lake, and the Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishery. We highlight many of these fishing opportunities in Finding the Fish in Custer State Park!
