Sheridan Lake

Boat Ramps: 4
Access Points: 6
Species: 12

Sheridan Lake is a 370-acre reservoir located on Spring Creek about 20 miles southwest of Rapid City in Pennington County, South Dakota. Created in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps for recreational purposes, this picturesque Black Hills lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for multiple species. With a maximum depth of 96 feet and a mean depth of 30 feet, Sheridan Lake provides diverse habitat for both warm and coldwater species. The lake is maintained and operated by the United States Forest Service and has become a popular destination for anglers seeking quality fishing in a beautiful mountain setting.

South Dakota licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

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

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Black Bullhead

Ameiurus melas

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Rock Bass

Ambloplites rupestris

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

Rainbow Trout2,088 fish · AdultsOct 15, 2026
Rainbow Trout1,840 fish · AdultsOct 15, 2026
Rainbow Trout1,186 fish · AdultsOct 15, 2026
Walleye32,271 fish · FryMay 21, 2026
Walleye580,000 fish · FryApr 18, 2026

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 Sheridan 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.

Sheridan Lake Access

Access Point

Sheridan Lake Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Sheridan 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 Sheridan 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 Sheridan Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Sheridan 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.