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Deerfield Lake

Boat Ramps
2
Access Points
3
Species
8

Deerfield Lake is a pristine 414-acre reservoir nestled in the Black Hills of Pennington County, South Dakota. With a maximum depth of approximately 85 feet, this cold-water fishery offers anglers a peaceful retreat from the busier lakes in the region. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Black Hills National Forest, Deerfield Reservoir is known for its excellent trout fishing opportunities year-round, including popular ice fishing during winter months. The lake's clear waters and diverse underwater structure provide ideal habitat for several trout species, making it a destination for both local and visiting anglers.


Species & education

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

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Rainbow Trout396 fish · AdultsSep 9, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout880 fish · AdultsSep 9, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout1,408 fish · AdultsAug 28, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout1,408 fish · AdultsAug 27, 2026
  • Walleye30,700 fish · JuvenilesJun 11, 2026

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

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Deerfield 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 Deerfield Lake and check the forecast before you go.

CASTLE CREEK BELOW DEERFIELD DAM SD

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