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Curlew Lake

Boat Ramps
3
Access Points
4
Species
11

Curlew Curlew Lake is a 136-acre impoundment located in Meade County, South Dakota, about eight miles north, four miles east, and another 1.5 miles north of the town of New Underwood. Since the introduction of gizzard shad as a forage species, the lake has developed into a quality fishery for multiple game fish species, particularly walleye, largemouth bass, and black crappie. The lake is managed by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks with regular fish stockings to maintain healthy populations. With its diverse fish community and specific fishing regulations designed to protect and enhance the fishery, Curlew Lake offers anglers an excellent opportunity for a successful and enjoyable fishing experience in western South Dakota.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Curlew Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Walleye30,450 fish · JuvenilesJun 12, 2026
  • Walleye30,000 fish · JuvenilesJun 4, 2025
  • Walleye41,143 fish · JuvenilesJun 12, 2024
  • Walleye35,000 fish · JuvenilesJun 23, 2023
  • Walleye7,584 fish · JuvenilesAug 29, 2022

Source

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Curlew Lake. 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.

Know where you can legally fish on Curlew Lake

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 Curlew Lake 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 Curlew Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Curlew Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Curlew Lake and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.


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