Belle Fourche River

Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 22

The Belle Fourche River is a significant tributary of the Cheyenne River, stretching approximately 290 miles through Wyoming and South Dakota. Known as "beautiful fork" in French, this prairie river system flows northeast around the Bear Lodge Mountains in Wyoming, past notable landmarks such as Devils Tower, before turning southeast into western South Dakota where it winds around the northern Black Hills. The river provides important recreational opportunities and supports irrigation for agriculture in western South Dakota, with approximately 57,000 acres of irrigated land. With diverse habitat and fish populations, the Belle Fourche offers anglers a variety of fishing experiences across its watershed.

South Dakota licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Belle Fourche River and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Belle Fourche River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Wheel In Bait Shop

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Know where you can legally fish on Belle Fourche River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

South Dakota licenses and regulations

South Dakota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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South Dakota Fishing License

Residents and Nonresidents 18 years old and older are required to have a fishing license

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South Dakota Fishing Regulations

This state has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this state is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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South Dakota Stream Access Laws

If a river or stream is capable of being floated, it can be used for any lawful recreational activity, such as boating or fishing. Any public use above the ordinary high water mark, i.e., outside of the stream bank, without the landowner's permission, would be considered trespassing.

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Take Belle Fourche River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Belle Fourche River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Belle Fourche River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Belle Fourche River and check the forecast before you go.