Lake Madison

Boat Ramps: 6
Access Points: 9
Species: 11

Located in the heart of east-central South Dakota, Lake Madison spans a generous 2,642 acres (approximately 2,800 acres according to some sources), providing an idyllic setting for avid anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. This picturesque public lake boasts an average depth of 8 feet and a maximum depth of 16 feet, making it a relatively shallow but productive fishery. Found just southeast of Madison, SD, Lake Madison offers exceptional fishing opportunities complemented by a wealth of amenities and diverse outdoor activities. From its serene atmosphere to the surrounding landscape, Lake Madison promises a truly unique and unforgettable fishing adventure.

South Dakota licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

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

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Bigmouth Buffalo

Ictiobus cyprinellus

Black Bullhead

Ameiurus melas

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

White Bass

Morone chrysops

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

Walleye184,890 fish · JuvenilesJun 11, 2026
Walleye184,800 fish · JuvenilesJun 9, 2024
Walleye185,270 fish · JuvenilesJun 11, 2023
Walleye198,900 fish · JuvenilesJun 10, 2021
Walleye22,500 fish · FingerlingsJun 10, 2017

Source

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

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

Open stocking page

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Madison. 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 Lake Madison

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 Lake Madison 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 Lake Madison to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Madison 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.