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Pactola Reservoir

Boat Ramps
5
Access Points
6
Species
15

Pactola Reservoir is a 785-acre impoundment located about 15 miles west of Rapid City in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Constructed between 1952 and 1956, it's a deep, coldwater lake with a maximum depth of approximately 165 feet and a mean depth of 62 feet. The reservoir is operated by the Bureau of Reclamation and serves as an important water resource for the region. With 14 miles of shoreline and situated in the scenic Black Hills National Forest, Pactola is considered by many locals to be one of the best fishing destinations in South Dakota. The lake is renowned for its diverse fishery, beautiful surroundings, and excellent recreational opportunities year-round.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Rainbow Trout472 fish · AdultsSep 9, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout472 fish · AdultsSep 8, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout944 fish · AdultsSep 4, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout472 fish · AdultsSep 3, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout440 fish · AdultsSep 3, 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 Pactola Reservoir. 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.

Pactola Reservoir Access

Pactola Reservoir Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Pactola Reservoir

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 Pactola Reservoir 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 Pactola Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Pactola Reservoir 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.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Pactola Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.

Pactola Reservoir and Dam

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